1. Understand how Florida regulates tattooing
Florida regulates all forms of tattooing, including traditional body tattoos, permanent makeup, microblading, and cosmetic tattooing done with pigment, ink, or dye. To perform any of these services legally in Florida, both the tattoo artist and the establishment must be licensed through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
Licenses are issued and renewed at the county level. Your local county health department enforces state rules, conducts inspections, and processes applications and renewals for artists and establishments.
2. Make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements
Before you apply, Florida requires that you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Plan to work in a licensed tattoo establishment or at a licensed temporary tattoo event (for example, a convention)
Your application must list the licensed establishment where you will perform or intend to perform tattooing. Florida counties will not accept “N/A” in this field.
3. Complete a Florida-approved bloodborne pathogens course
Next, you must complete a Florida Department of Health–approved course on bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases. The course must meet the requirements of Florida’s tattooing rules and include an exam; you must score at least 70% to pass.
When you finish, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. You will submit a copy of this certificate to your county health department with your application for your initial tattoo artist license.
1 Choose an approved training provider
Look for a course specifically described as approved by the Florida Department of Health for tattoo artists or as meeting the requirements of Chapter 64E-28 of the Florida Administrative Code.
2 Complete the training and save your certificate
Complete the full course, pass the exam, and download or print your certificate. Make at least two copies: one for your application and one for your own records.
4. Connect with a licensed tattoo establishment
Florida requires that artists work out of a licensed tattoo establishment (permanent or temporary). Operating from an unlicensed shop is not allowed.
If you plan to open your own studio, you (or the owner) must apply separately for a Tattoo Establishment License. This involves:
- Submitting an establishment license application to the county health department
- Passing an inspection based on Florida statutes and Rule 64E-28
- Registering the business name with the Florida Department of State
- Obtaining a biomedical waste permit and meeting disposal requirements
If you’ll be an employee or independent contractor, confirm that the shop already holds a valid tattoo establishment license and ask for the official name and license number to put on your application form.
5. Apply for your Florida tattoo artist license
Once you’ve completed your course and linked to a licensed establishment, you’re ready to apply for a Tattoo Artist License with the county health department where you live.
You will typically submit:
- Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License (check “Initial”)
- Copy of your government-issued photo ID
- Copy of your approved bloodborne pathogens & communicable diseases certificate
- License fee (state fee is often around $60; some counties add a local processing fee — check with your county for exact totals)
Some counties accept applications by mail, email, or in person; others may require appointments. Always follow your county health department’s instructions and allow time for processing before you plan to start tattooing.
6. Keep your license active each year
Florida tattoo artist licenses must be renewed annually through your local county health department. If you allow your license to expire, you may need to pay an additional reactivation fee on top of the renewal fee.
To stay in good standing:
- Renew on time each year with the county where you reside
- Update your application if you change tattoo establishments
- Keep copies of your course certificates and license for your records
7. Special situations: guest artists & conventions
If you are licensed in another state and want to tattoo temporarily in Florida (for example, at a convention), you may qualify as a Guest Tattoo Artist. Guest registration requires:
- Proof of an active license/registration in another jurisdiction
- Copy of government-issued photo ID showing you are at least 18 years of age
- Proof of a bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements
- A completed Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration listing the event or licensed shop
Guest registrations are valid up to 14 consecutive days in Florida.
