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

Tattoos / Permanent Makeup

FL Dept of Health in Pinellas - Environmental Health

Tattoo / Permanent Makeup Program 

The Environmental Health Program monitors tattoo and permanent make up facilities in Pinellas County to ensure compliance with the FL statutes for safety, sanitation, and correct operating procedures to ensure the safety of Pinellas residents and visitors.

Tattoo Establishment Licensure Requirements 

All tattoo establishments require licensure.
A person may not operate a tattoo establishment in this state without a license.
Effective January 1, 2013
Any person operating an unlicensed tattoo establishment will be subject to administrative penalties.

Licensure of the tattoo establishment requires submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Establishment License, with the required $200.00 fee to the Department of Health in Pinellas County.

Tattoo establishments will be inspected by county health department staff who administer the biomedical waste and body piercing programs, to determine compliance with sections 381 Florida Statutes (F.S.).

The Practice of Tattooing and Chapter 64E-28, F.A.C. An inspection with a passing result is required prior to issuance of a tattoo establishment license.

Tattoo Artist Licensure Requirements 

All persons who tattoo the body of a human being must be licensed in Florida as a tattoo artist.
This includes persons who practice cosmetic tattooing, which is also known as permanent makeup or micropigmentation, and students or apprentices who tattoo human beings as part of their tattoo training.
Effective January 1, 2013
Any unlicensed person engaged in tattooing will be subject to administrative penalties.

Licensure of the tattoo artist requires submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Artist License, with the required $60.00 fee; a copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years of age; and documentation of completing a department-approved, industry-specific bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course with a minimum examination score of 70%.

Artists must apply for a license in the county where they live regardless of where they work.

Note: Beginning on October 1st, 2022, a fee increase of $50.00 will go into effect for all tattoo artist licenses in Pinellas County.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Inspection Results 

Follow instructions to view Inspection Results.