Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Miami, FL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.
Federal — start here
2 stopsEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Apply free online through the IRS and receive your EIN immediately.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate
Free
Immediate
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Compliance
Tattoo parlors with employees must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), including written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination availability, proper sharps disposal, and annual employee training. This is a federal compliance obligation, not a permit, but non-compliance results in fines.
Official government sourceCost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)Ongoing
Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)
Ongoing
State of Florida
2 stopsFlorida DOH Tattoo Establishment License
All tattoo establishments in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health under ss. 381.00771-381.00791, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code. Applications and fees are submitted to the county health department where the business is located, which conducts the facility inspection. Requirements include registering the business name with the Florida Department of State and obtaining a biomedical waste permit. The license fee is $200, renewed ANNUALLY at $200 (Rule 64E-28.011, F.A.C.).
Official government source$200 initial; $200 ANNUAL renewal (Rule 64E-28.011, F.A.C.)4–8 weeks (includes inspection scheduling)
$200 initial; $200 ANNUAL renewal (Rule 64E-28.011, F.A.C.)
4–8 weeks (includes inspection scheduling)
Florida DOH Tattoo Artist License (Individual — per artist)
Each individual tattoo artist working in the establishment must hold a personal Tattoo Artist License from the Florida Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a Bloodborne Pathogen and Communicable Diseases training meeting OSHA standards. The application fee is $60 per artist; the local county health department may charge an additional inspection fee. License is renewable.
Official government source$60 per artist (plus any county health department fee)2–4 weeks
$60 per artist (plus any county health department fee)
2–4 weeks
City of Miami / Miami-Dade County
2 stopsMiami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt
All businesses operating in Miami-Dade County, including tattoo establishments, must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector. The receipt is issued annually (October 1 – September 30) and must be prominently displayed at the place of business. Tattoo establishments must present their FL DOH Tattoo Establishment License before the county receipt is issued. Apply through BTExpress online.
Official government source$100–$300 (varies by business category; contact Tax Collector for current tattoo establishment rate)1–2 weeks after state license obtained
$100–$300 (varies by business category; contact Tax Collector for current tattoo establishment rate)
1–2 weeks after state license obtained
City of Miami Certificate of Use (Zoning Approval)
Before opening a tattoo studio within City of Miami limits, you must obtain a Certificate of Use from the City of Miami to confirm the location is properly zoned for this type of business. This is required before the city's business tax receipt is issued. Inspections by fire, zoning, and building departments may be required.
Official government source$200–$500 (varies by location and square footage)2–4 weeks
$200–$500 (varies by location and square footage)
2–4 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $560–$1,300 · 6–12 weeks
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