If you are a Florida cosmetologist (hair stylist), facial specialist (esthetician), nail specialist (nail technician), or full specialist and want to offer microblading or permanent cosmetics in your salon, you need to venture outside the Cosmetology board’s jurisdiction. If you are not licensed under the cosmetology board and still want to learn more about microblading, no problem. This information is for anyone wanting to learn more about microblading in the Sunshine State.
In Florida, microblading and permanent cosmetics are considered a form of tattooing. And tattooing in Florida requires a tattoo artist license issued by the Department of Health. Not only that, tattooing must take place within a licensed tattoo establishment -much like hair, skin, and nail services must occur in a licensed salon.
Now that we have established that you need a tattoo artist license, and possibly a tattoo establishment license, we should cover the applicant requirements. Applicants for a tattoo license must be at least 18 years old. That is it. Next, let’s cover the steps to get licensed in Florida.
Steps to Get Licensed
Step 1: Complete Tattooing Educational Course
Each applicant must complete an approved Tattooing Educational Course, which covers bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.
The educational course must be approved by the Department of Health. Each course is required to have an exam with a 70% passing grade. There are live and online course options. Rules also indicate the test should have at least 50 questions, include identity validation questions
Here is a list of approved Tattoo Educational Courses.
Step 2: Apply for Tattoo Artist License
You will need to include the following with your application:
- Copy of government-issued photo ID to prove you meet the minimum age requirement
- Submit proof of completion of this educational course requirement and passing of the examination(minimum of 70% score required
- $60 Fee
The application does ask the applicant to “Provide the following information for each tattoo establishment or temporary tattoo establishment where the applicant will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing” … If you do not have an establishment to work in and plan to open your own, plan to get that in order first.
Submit your completed application, documents, and fees to the local County Health Department where you reside.
Step 3: Find an Actual Microblading or Tattoo Artist Training
As you saw above, Florida only requires a Bloodborne pathogens course for tattoo artists. It does not require additional training on how to actually tattoo or microblade.
Their main focus is to keep the public from getting hepatitis or HIV, and other blood-borne pathogens. There focus is not to regulate if an artist can make a person’s eyebrows look on point or make sure they are tattooing the correct Chinese character on a client.
It is the responsibility of the consumer to find someone that will not give them a tattoo like this or eyebrows like these. And many people fail to do this and that is why you see posts about horrible microblading experiences.
The Florida Department of Health does provide tips on what to look for when getting a tattoo, or microblading.
Looking for an example of a microblading program? Here is an example of a microblading training from Fleek Brows Florida. This is a two-day training for around $3000.
Step 4: Work in a Tattoo Establishment
You will need to either find a licensed tattoo establishment (some spas have this completed) or do the work of getting one yourself. Working in a location without a tattoo establishment license leads to hefty fines and disciplinary actions.
License FAQ
How to Get Tattoo Establishment License
This license is also issued by the Department of Health. Requirements for this license can be found here. As you can see, getting a tattoo establishment license is not nearly as easy as getting a tattoo artist license.
A Tattoo Establishment License requires submission of the following items:
- Completed Application for Tattoo Establishment License
- Fee is $200
- Pass inspection in compliance with sections 381.00771-381.00791, Florida Statutes, “The Practice of Tattooing” and Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code.
- Contact city/county for potential need for business tax receipt
- Completed *Biomedical Waste Permit ($85)
Submit your completed application, documents, and fees to the local County Health Department where your business is located. All locations are listed on the application.
64E-28.007 Operational Requirements for a Tattoo Establishment.
Is where you will find all of the rules and regulations for tattoo establishments. Because of the risk of spreading bloodborne pathogens to the public, the sanitation requirements are stringent (as they should be)!
How do I renew my tattoo artist license?
There are no continuing education requirements for renewal of an artist license or re-registration of a guest artist. To renew a Tattoo Artist License please submit the following to the local County Health Department where you reside.
Complete the application for Tattoo Artist License. Be sure to check “Renewal” at the top of the application. The Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing.
The renewal application is due yearly and must include a $60 renewal fee. Tattoo establishment licenses also require yearly renewal and a $ 200 fee.
The Health Department answers all sorts of other questions about cosmetic tattooing here and here.
What is a Guest Tattoo Registration?
A guest tattoo artist registration is required for any tattoo artist who plans to tattoo in Florida and who also holds an active tattoo artist license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside Florida.
In addition, the tattoo artist is required to have completed a Bloodborne Pathogen and Communicable Diseases training that is comparable or exceeding those requirements specified in Chapter 64E-28.006, Florida Administrative Code.
A Guest Tattoo Registration requires the following:
- Completed Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration
- The completed application must contain the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing.
- Fee of $35.00
Where is my County Health Department?
Here is a County Health Department location finder to help you find your closest office.
General Microblading FAQ
What is microblading?
Microblading uses tiny needles (in lieu of a tattoo gun) that make tiny, superficial cuts in the eyebrow. Next, much like a tattoo, pigment is placed in the new cuts. This creates the look of three dimensional, full, and perfectly shaped eyebrows.
How long does microblading take?
Appointments take between 1-4 hours. The first appointment is often longer than subsequent appointments.
How long does it last?
Microblading is semi-permanent. The keyword here is “semi”. That is basically the same as saying “kinda permanent”. Touch-ups should be factored in about twelve months.
How much does microblading cost?
It really varies. It can cost anywhere between $350 to $2000. Do not forget to ask about the cost of touch-ups when making your appointment.
I have a nail salon and I would like to have micro blading permit. What do I need to do in order for me to open a business . Please
Call me at +19417867784
Hi Jennifer, the above article has the details on getting a personal tattoo license and a tattoo establishment license.
do you have a blog website for your business ?
This article is fantastic I found everything I need thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Great article. Do you know how this works for an independent stylist who does not own the salon? (I am a booth renter)
And you want to offer microblading at that location? If so, that is a good question! I assume you would need to talk to the salon owner about a tattoo establishment license for that location.
Can you recommend reputable training in/near Ft. Lauderdale and cost?
I do not, But I will post this here and hopefully you can get some suggestions.
Thank you for the article! Can I accomplish permanent makeup training not in USA but work in USA?
Good question! It likely depends on each state. Each state regulates permanent makeup differently.
So we do not need a cosmetology or esthetician license to practice microblading?
At this time it is not regulated by the cosmetology board.
http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/tattooing/microblading.html
I have my microblading training from another state, do I just need to have a Florida tatoo license to practice microblading?
The board of cosmetology does not regulate microblading, so you would need to get the proper license from the Department of Health from what I understand.
I’m a licensed Permanent Cosmetics and want to open a business that will provide permanent makeup and IV Therapy, Botox, fillers, and aging and wellness to the clients. Do I need to have a Medical Director if I’m only going to offer permanent cosmetics and then add the Botox, fillers, etc within a year.
Sorry, but I am completely unaware of the regulation of botox and fillers.
If I have a licensed salon in my home can I microblade from within my own home or does the location need to be a different location?
Again, I am not a lawyer, but I would think the location would also need to be approved for microblading (tattooing).
So before you can even get your tattoo license you have to have a shop to work at?
That is how it is worded on the application. You can contact the Department of Health for clarification on this requirement.
I did permanent make up for many years in Puerto Rico I stop doing it because of I had cancer now I’m a cosmetology license in Florida I can’t do hair anymore but I will like to start the permanent make up again does the certification of Puerto Rico it’s valid here in Florida
I am not aware of any reciprocity. You likely need to complete the basic course and application requirements for the Department of Health in Florida.
Are there any requirements for the room when doing ombre brows?
Excellent question. I am not sure exactly. From what I understand, the ombre technique uses tattooing. So I would assume it would be the same as a tattoo establishment. I would contact the tattooing department with the Department of Health to make sure.
https://www.jaimiejolly.com/blog-seed/2018/8/28/the-brow-guide-whats-the-diff-between-microbladed-ombre-and-hybrid-brows-and-which-one-is-best
My friend and I do permanent makeup at a small space in Winter Park and we want to become trainers and certify in microblading and other techniques. What do we need in order to certify students here i. FL?
I would contact the Department of Health. Since there is only one required course (bloodborne pathogens), it likely depends on if you plan to include that course with your training.
The students have to take that in order to take our course. But can I certify people just with the tattoo license and have the certification of the hiv and bloodborn pathogens? Nothing else?
So the certification is just from your program?
I believe they would just need the pathogens course to get their actual license. I think it is best you contact the Department of Health to discuss your situation and make sure you have everything in order that they require.
Do I need a certificate for Microblading?? Here in USA? Or is not necessary the certification?
It depends on the state where you plan to offer this service. Each state differs on what is required. For instance, Florida requires a Tattoo license.
Hi, do you have an idea of what the process is like to transfer a license from another state? I am fully licensed as a tattoo artist in NY (have already taken a blood borne pathogens course to get licensed) and want to move my business to Florida. I assume I wouldn’t have to do the whole application process for tattoo license again, but I’m not sure. Any idea how this works? Thanks so much for your time.
Since there really is no reciprocity from state to state for this, you really just need to go through the application process for a Florida tattoo license. So you would need the pathogens course if your course is not on the FL-approved provider list and to submit an application.
I just completed a course on ombré brows a few months ago, and I also completed my course on blood-borne pathogens exam, what else would I need to get my license for tattooing?
I would go to the links for the tattoo license application and begin working on that. Your major requirements seem to be done. Best wishes!
Hola buenas tardes, quiero sacar mi licencia de tatuador en la Miami pero aún no tengo lugar establecido donde voy a trabajar, puedo tramitar mi licencia sin tener el lugar de trabajo?
Hello good afternoon, I want to get my tattoo artist license in Miami but I still do not have an established place where I am going to work, can I process my license without having the place of work? (Translation)
Great question! The application appears it that it may be a requirement, but I would contact the board office to see if you can get a license without knowing where you plan to work at the moment.
Whether you choose ombre or microblading, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Your brows will look different immediately after the procedure compared to how they’ll look after healing and touch-ups.
How do you go about getting a supervising physician for a salon?
Any idea on what they charge?
Great question! But I am not sure at all! Sorry!
May need to talk to some doctors in the area and hopefully some networking would pay off.
Hola, tengo mi certificado del curso de microblading y shade de la academia Beauty Angels, que debo hacer para optener mi licencia?
If this is the one in Boca, you would just follow the steps in this article to apply for your tattoo license.
As someone who has had there License’s for Microblading for years now, what does it take to be an approved trainer to actually hold classes, teach and certify students?
Excellent question! I am not actually aware of any requirements. I would contact this board – https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/tattooing/tattoo-artist.html