Body Art Program

Florida's body-piercing law, section 381.0075, Florida Statutes, became effective October 1, 1999. The intent of the legislation was to protect "the health, safety, and welfare of the public from the spread of infectious diseases from practices that prick, pierce, or scar the skin." The law authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules for implementing the statutory requirements. Accordingly, Chapter 64E-19, Body Piercing, Florida Administrative Code, was promulgated by the Bureau of Community Environmental Health.

Florida's total population of licensed body-piercing salons remains relatively stable at approximately 400 but is quite fluid with about 20% annual turnover. Salons are inspected at least annually by teams composed of a nurse and an environmental-health professional in order to survey a salon's conditions with respect to sterilization, sanitation, safety, and standard precautions. An establishment may be issued a temporary license to operate at a fixed location for not more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. A temporary salon must meet the same requirements for licensing as must a salon that operates at a fixed location for up to a year.

Information relative to tattooing, permanent make-up, and temporary black henna tattoos in Florida may be obtained by contacting our office.

Florida Department of Health Body Piercing Program