Body Art and Body Piercing

Health Issues

Body 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 Issues

In 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 License

In 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.

Contact

General questions concerning the body-piercing program should be directed to:

Bureau of Facility Programs
HSEF, 4052 Capital Circle SE, BIN A08
Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1710
(850) 245-4277

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