Florida: Concerns Spark Bills to Regulate Tattoo Parlors and Ban Children From Tanning Booths

Florida's first-ever licensing requirements for tattoo artists would go into effect under legislation proposed by state lawmakers.

The measures, SB 942 by Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) and HB 729 by Rep. Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach), would require licenses for tattoo artists and inspections for tattoo parlors. To obtain a license, an artist would have to take infection prevention classes and pass an examination.

Protests from tattoo artists helped sink a more complicated version of the legislation a year ago. This session, however, many tattooists support the measure. Its standards, they say, would present no challenge to legitimate parlors and would help the state halt the operations of those that do pose a health risk.

Unsanitary tattoo practices can cause infections and spread blood-borne viruses.

Separately, lawmakers also are considering legislation that would ban children under age 16 from Florida's 7,100 licensed tanning booths.

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