Body Piercing & TattooingGeneral InformationOn October 1, 1999 the Florida Legislature passed the first body piercing law in Florida and directed the Florida Department of Health to promulgate health regulations, which became effective on January 1, 2000. There are 15 body piercing salons in Volusia County that are licensed and inspected by the Volusia County Health Department. These salons are inspected annually or more by both an Environmental Specialist and a Registered Nurse from the Health Department. A bill to enact regulations for the tattoo industry was prepared by a legislative committee but was not presented for a vote this year. The Institutional program also administers the only comprehensive body art (tattooing, body piercing and permanent cosmetics) regulatory program currently in Florida. The cities of Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, and Edgewater recently adopted the National Environmental Health Association "Body Art Model Code", known locally as the Volusia County Health Department Body Art Code. Adoption of this code by the four cities has resulted in the additional regulation of one tattoo shop and two permanent cosmetic salons by the Department. Additional revenue from the four concurrently registered shops affected by the "Body Art Model Code" was more than doubled. Initially, as the body piercing rules were implemented, salon operator response was largely in search of compliance. Nevertheless, there were some insouciant individuals. As a result of a parent seeking redress, enforcement action was taken and the first Citation in the state was issued on April 26, 2000 for the unauthorized piercing of a minor. One week later, another Citation for the same offense was issued to another salon. The fines of $500 each were paid and, we hope, piercing of minors is conducted with parental consent. Health IssuesBody piercing is an invasive procedure that presents the potential for infection. Not only can piercing lead to infections of the pierced site (especially if aftercare procedures are not followed), but it also has the potential to transmit bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B, if minimum sanitary and safety standards are not met. Business IssuesIn 1999, the Florida Legislature passed section 381.0075, Florida Statutes (F.S.), regulating the body-piercing industry. Chapter 64E-19, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) prescribes the minimum sanitary and safety requirements related to the design, operation, and maintenance of body-piercing salons and temporary establishments. Operators and piercers (defined in subsections 381.0075(2), F.S., and Chapter 64E-19.002, F.A.C., respectively) must be trained in infection-control procedures, prior to licensure of a body-piercing salon. Training courses are reviewed and accepted by the Department of Health, Bureau of Facility Programs. Apply for a LicenseIn accordance with Chapter 64E-19, F.A.C., owners and operators of body-piercing salons and temporary establishments require an operating license, which is subject to annual renewal. Body-piercing licenses are issued by many of the Department of Health's county health departments. To apply for a license, complete the application form, and submit it along with the required license fee, to your local county health department. Owners and operators of body-piercing salons and temporary establishments also should have an injury-report form, in the event of a report of injury or complaint of injury. Completed forms should be sent to the licensing county health department. View the Florida
Statutes ContactGeneral questions concerning the body-piercing program should be directed to: Bureau
of Facility Programs
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