You'll need to explore for a new Florida license, not transfer your New York one

Florida does not recognize out-of-state tattoo licenses. Even though you hold a valid New York tattoo license, you cannot straightforward transfer it or use it to work in Florida. You must obtain a Florida tattoo license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which means meeting Florida's specific requirements and passing Florida's examination.

The process is not automatic, and Florida's rules differ from New York's in several ways — including training hours, bloodborne pathogen certification, and the exam itself. Most people complete this within four to eight weeks, though the timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and schedule your exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires you to hold a high school diploma or GED, proof of 1,200 hours of documented tattoo training or apprenticeship, and current bloodborne pathogen certification before you can sit for the exam.
  • Your New York license proves you have tattoo experience, but Florida will not count your New York training hours toward the 1,200-hour requirement unless you can document them separately.
  • You must pass the Florida tattoo license exam, which covers Florida-specific health and safety rules, bloodborne pathogen transmission, and sterilization procedures.
  • The DBPR charges a license fee (currently $250 for an initial license, though fees can change) and requires you to work under a licensed tattoo establishment, not independently.

Gather your education and training documentation

Start by collecting proof that you completed 1,200 hours of tattoo training or apprenticeship. This is Florida's core requirement. If you completed your training in New York, you will need written documentation from your employer, apprenticeship program, or training facility that lists the dates you trained, the hours you completed, and the specific skills you learned.

If your New York employer or trainer kept records, request a letter on their letterhead stating your training dates and total hours. If records are unavailable, the DBPR may accept a combination of your New York license (which proves you met New York's requirements) plus a signed affidavit from you describing your training. Call the DBPR's tattoo licensing unit at 850-487-1395 to ask what documentation they will accept in your specific situation — this varies case by case.

You will also need your high school diploma or GED certificate. If you do not have the original, request a replacement from your high school or the state education department where you graduated.

Obtain current bloodborne pathogen certification

Florida requires proof of current bloodborne pathogen certification before you can take the exam. This is a separate requirement from your tattoo training. If your New York certification has expired, you must renew it before explore.

You can obtain bloodborne pathogen certification through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or any provider approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The course takes a few hours and costs between $20 and $50. You can take it online or in person, and you will receive a certificate when ready upon completion. Make sure the certificate shows your name, the date of completion, and that it covers bloodborne pathogen exposure — not just general first aid.

Complete the DBPR process and schedule your exam

Visit the DBPR website (flhealthsource.gov) and navigate to the tattoo licensing section. read the process form for a tattoo license (Form DH 680 or the current equivalent — forms are updated periodically, so check the website for the latest version). Fill it out completely, including your personal information, training history, and bloodborne pathogen certification details.

Attach copies of your high school diploma or GED, your training documentation, your current bloodborne pathogen certificate, and a copy of your New York tattoo license. Mail the completed process and supporting documents to the DBPR at the address listed on their website, or submit it in person at a DBPR office if you are in Florida.

Once the DBPR receives your process, they will review it for completeness. If everything is in order, they will send you an approval letter and instructions for scheduling your exam. The exam is administered by a testing company contracted by the DBPR. You will schedule it directly with that company, and you must pass it to receive your Florida license.

Pass the Florida tattoo license exam

The exam covers Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61G20-1, which governs tattoo establishments and practitioners. The test includes questions about bloodborne pathogen transmission, sterilization and sanitation procedures, client consent and health screening, and Florida-specific health department rules. It is a written exam, typically 100 multiple-choice questions, and you usually have two to three hours to complete it.

You can study using the Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61G20-1 (available free on the Florida Legislature's website) and the DBPR's tattoo practitioner handbook. Many people also study using exam prep guides written for Florida tattoo licensing. You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after paying the retake fee (typically $50 to $75).

Pay the license fee and receive your Florida license

Once you pass the exam, the DBPR will notify you and provide instructions for paying the license fee. The current fee is $250 for an initial tattoo license, though you should confirm the current amount on the DBPR website. Pay the fee online or by mail as instructed, and the DBPR will issue your Florida tattoo license.

Your license will be valid for two years. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to continue working as a tattoo artist in Florida. Renewal requires proof of current bloodborne pathogen certification and payment of the renewal fee (typically $150 to $200, but confirm the current amount).

Find a licensed tattoo establishment to work under

Florida law requires all tattoo artists to work under the supervision of a licensed tattoo establishment. You cannot operate independently or work from a home studio. Once you have your license, you will need to find a tattoo shop or studio that holds a current Florida tattoo establishment license and is willing to hire you.

When you start working, notify the DBPR of your employer's name and establishment license number. Some establishments handle this notification for you as part of their hiring process. Your license is tied to your work location, so if you change employers, you must update your information with the DBPR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a tattoo artist in Florida while my process is being processed?

No. You must hold a valid Florida tattoo license before you can legally perform tattoos in Florida. Working without a license is a violation of Florida law and can result in fines and legal action. You can only work once you have passed the exam and received your license from the DBPR.

How long does the entire process usually take?

Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you gather documents and schedule your exam. If the DBPR requests additional documentation, or if you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, the timeline extends. There is no fixed important date — you can take as long as you need to prepare.

Do I have to retake the exam if I already passed the New York tattoo exam?

Yes. Each state sets its own exam and licensing standards. Your New York license proves you are a trained tattoo artist, but Florida requires you to pass Florida's exam to demonstrate knowledge of Florida's specific health codes and regulations. You cannot use your New York exam score in Florida.

What if I cannot find my training documentation from New York?

Contact your former employer or training facility and request written verification of your hours and dates. If that is not possible, the DBPR may accept a signed affidavit from you describing your training, combined with your New York license as proof of experience. Call the DBPR at 850-487-1395 to discuss your specific situation before you submit your process.

Can I hold a tattoo license in both New York and Florida at the same time?

Yes. Your New York license remains valid in New York, and your Florida license will be valid in Florida. You can maintain both licenses as long as you pay the renewal fees and meet each state's renewal requirements. However, you can only legally perform tattoos in the state where you are licensed and working.