Tattoo Program
Tattooing is defined as mark or design made on or under the skin of a human being by a process of piercing and ingraining a pigment, dye, or ink in the skin. The tattoo industry is composed of professional artists that apply conventional and cosmetic tattoos.
Regulation of the tattoo industry will implement infection control standards to minimize the spread of bacterial and blood borne pathogen infections, i.e. hepatitis, HIV, and MRSA. These standards will require the use of barrier methods for reusable equipment; effective antiseptics for cleaning the client's skin; disinfectants for cleaning procedure surfaces; sterile, single-use needles and grips; proper sterilization procedures; and prohibit needle and ink re-use.
Sections 381.00771-381.00791, F.S., became effective January 1, 2012.
Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code, allows tattoo artists 6 months from the effective date of these rules to come into compliance with the artist licensure requirements.
Effective January 1, 2012 was the repeal of section 877.04, FS, which required tattoo artists to work under the general supervision of a medical physician, osteopathic physician, or doctor of dentistry. During this interim period, new and existing tattoo establishments will operate without general supervision or a tattoo license.
