Skip Global navigation and goto content

It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Skip MegaMenu and goto content
Megamenu requires javascript to be enabled in your browser.

Tattoo Artist Licensure

Contact the Tattooing Program

*Note: This page contains materials in the Portable Document Format (PDF). The free Adobe Reader may be required to view these files. 

Tattoo Artist Licensure is required for:

Conventional Tattooing
  • Persons who tattoo the body of another human. 
  • Persons who practice cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, microblading, or micropigmentation. 
  • Students/apprentices who tattoo other humans as part of their tattoo training. 
  • Tattoo or permanent makeup artist licensed outside of Florida.

A Tattoo Artist License requires the following:

  • The Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing. 
  • At least 18 years of age. 
  • Copy of government-issued photo ID 
  • Completion of the required bloodborne pathogen and communicable diseases course for tattoo artist (minimum of 70% score required) 
  • Submit Certificate of Completion

NOTE: Before applying for the Tattoo Artist License, please contact your local county health department for current information concerning the fee and correct mailing address

Photo of Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Where to Submit Application, Required Documents, and Fee:

  • Submit your completed application to the local county health department where you reside. You may pay by personal check, money order or credit card. It is not recommended that you send cash through the mail. 
  • Contact your local county health department for any further payment information.

How to Renew a Tattoo Artist License:

To renew a tattoo artist license please submit the following to the local county health department where you reside.

  • Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License; be sure to check “Renewal” at the top of the application.
    • The Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing. 
  • $60 Renewal Fee

How to Reactivate an Expired Tattoo Artist License:

To reactivate a an expired tattoo artist license, submit the following to the local county health department where you reside:

  • Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License ($60 renewal fee and $25 reactivation fee for a total of $85) must be issued by the county where artist lives, regardless of area of work.

Guest Tattoo Artist Registration

Photo of Popeye styled tattoo

A guest tattoo artist registration is required for any tattoo artist who plans to tattoo in Florida and who also holds an active tattoo artist license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside Florida. In addition, the tattoo artist is required to have completed a Bloodborne Pathogen and Communicable Diseases training that is comparable or exceeding those requirements specified in Rule 64E-28.006, Florida Administrative Code. 

A Guest Tattoo Artist Registration Guide is available for tattoo artists from outside Florida. This guide will assist tattoo artist from outside Florida with the Guest Tattoo Artist Registration process.  You may access this guide using the following link: Guest Tattoo Artist Registration Guide.

A Guest Tattoo Registration requires the following:

  • At least 18 years of age 
  • Copy of government-issued photo ID 
  • Proof of active license, registration, or certification outside of Florida 

Guest registration is valid up to 14 consecutive days in Florida.

If your state does not require a tattoo artist license registration or certification, you must apply for a Florida Tattoo Artist License.

**Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions**