In response to the public's concern with the spread of infectious disease, the Legislature enacted an addition to the public health law placing regulatory safeguards upon body piercing and tattoo establishments. The law recognizes the possible health risks in this popular and invasive procedure and makes it illegal for persons to perform body piercing without proper training in hygiene and sanitary procedures. Those who only pierce the outer ear perimeter and ear lobes are excluded from this regulation. As of January 24, 2000, the St. Lucie County Health Department, along with all other health departments in Florida, began inspecting local body piercing establishments. The Health Department has certified over 300 industry professionals and regulators across the state. We urge those in the community interested in having pierced body ornamentation to check for the Health Department permit and training certification. Permits are required to be posted in a promiunent place and certificates must be shown on demand. We also offer annual basic and refresher training courses to the industry and other regulatory agencies.
Chapter 64E-19, Florida Administrative Code (39.3kb PDF).