You cannot transfer a New York tattoo license directly to Florida — you must get a new Florida tattoo license through Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

New York and Florida do not recognize each other's tattoo licenses. Even if you hold a valid, unrestricted license in New York, Florida will not honor it. You will need to complete Florida's own licensing process, which includes passing Florida's tattoo exam, submitting proof of training hours, and paying Florida's licensing fees. The good news is that your New York experience counts toward meeting Florida's requirements, and you do not have to repeat your apprenticeship if you can document your training.

The timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and how fast DBPR processes your process. Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks, though it can take longer if documents are missing or if DBPR requests clarification.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires a new tattoo license process; your New York license does not transfer, but your documented training hours do count toward Florida's requirements.
  • You must pass Florida's tattoo exam, which covers Florida-specific health and safety rules, bloodborne pathogens, and infection control standards.
  • You need proof of your New York apprenticeship hours, your New York license certificate, and proof of any continuing education or bloodborne pathogen training you completed.
  • Florida charges a licensing fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed with DBPR before you submit), and you must explore through DBPR's online licensing portal or by mail.

What Florida Requires for a Tattoo License

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues tattoo licenses under Chapter 20-41 of the Florida Administrative Code. To get one, you must meet three core requirements: proof of training, passage of the Florida tattoo exam, and proof that you understand Florida's health and safety rules.

The training requirement is where your New York experience helps. Florida requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of documented apprenticeship training under a licensed tattoo artist. If you completed an apprenticeship in New York and can provide written proof (hours log, signed by your mentor, with dates and descriptions of work), those hours count. You do not repeat the apprenticeship. However, if your New York training fell short of 1,200 hours, you will need to complete additional hours in Florida before you can sit for the exam.

You must also pass the Florida tattoo exam. This is not the same as New York's exam. Florida's test covers Florida-specific regulations, bloodborne pathogen transmission, sterilization and disinfection protocols, and infection control. You can study using DBPR's official study materials, which are available on the DBPR website.

Documents You Need to Gather

Before you contact DBPR, collect these documents in one place:

  • Your New York tattoo license certificate (a copy is fine).
  • Proof of your apprenticeship hours — typically a signed log or letter from your New York mentor listing total hours, dates, and the types of work you performed.
  • Proof of bloodborne pathogen training. Florida requires this; if you completed it in New York, bring the certificate. If not, you can take an online course before you submit your process.
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport).
  • Proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Any continuing education certificates you earned in New York (not required, but helpful if you have them).

If your apprenticeship hours are not documented in writing, contact your former mentor or shop owner in New York and ask them to provide a signed statement of your training. DBPR will not accept verbal confirmation. If you cannot reach your mentor, DBPR may allow you to retake a portion of your apprenticeship in Florida, though this will delay your license.

how the process works with DBPR

DBPR accepts applications through its online licensing portal at flhealthsource.gov or by mail. The online route is faster because you receive confirmation when ready and can track your process status.

To explore online, create an account on the DBPR portal, select "Tattoo Artist" as your license type, and upload scans of all your documents. You will also enter your work history, including your time in New York. Pay the process fee (confirm the current amount with DBPR before you submit, as fees change). After you submit, DBPR will send you an email with a reference number and instructions for scheduling your exam.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the process form from the DBPR website, print it, sign it, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check for the process fee to the address listed on the form. Mail applications take longer to process — typically two to three weeks longer than online applications.

Scheduling and Passing the Florida Tattoo Exam

Once DBPR receives your process and confirms your documents are complete, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule your exam. The exam is administered by a testing vendor, not by DBPR directly. You will choose a testing location and date that work for you.

The exam is typically 100 multiple-choice questions covering Florida tattoo regulations, health and safety, bloodborne pathogen transmission, sterilization, and infection control. You have a set time limit (usually two to three hours). You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retake fee.

Study materials are available on the DBPR website. Many people also use online study guides and practice exams created by tattoo industry organizations. Because the exam focuses on Florida-specific rules rather than tattoo technique, your New York experience will not directly help you pass — you need to study Florida's regulations.

After You Pass: Getting Your License

After you pass the exam, DBPR will issue your Florida tattoo license. You will receive it by mail or email, depending on how you applied. Your license is valid for two years. You can then work as a tattoo artist in Florida when ready.

Florida requires tattoo artists to renew their licenses every two years. Renewal involves paying a renewal fee and, in some cases, completing continuing education hours. DBPR will notify you by mail or email when your renewal is due.

What Happens If Your New York Training Does Not Meet Florida's Hours

If your documented apprenticeship in New York was fewer than 1,200 hours, you have two options: complete additional apprenticeship hours in Florida, or take a challenge exam that may waive the remaining hours (availability varies by DBPR's current rules).

If you choose to complete additional hours in Florida, you must find a licensed Florida tattoo artist willing to mentor you. You will work under their supervision and log your hours. This can take weeks or months depending on how many hours you need and how much work is available. Once you reach 1,200 total hours, you can sit for the exam.

Contact DBPR directly to ask whether a challenge exam is currently available. This option is not may provide and depends on DBPR's policies at the time you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a bloodborne pathogen course if I already took one in New York?

If your New York bloodborne pathogen certificate is current (not expired), you can use it. Bring a copy with your process. If it has expired, you will need to take a new course before DBPR will process your process. Online courses take one to two hours and cost between $20 and $50.

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

No. You must have a valid Florida tattoo license to work. Working without a license is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges. Wait until you receive your license before you take any tattoo jobs in Florida.

What if DBPR says my New York apprenticeship hours do not count?

This is rare if you have written documentation, but it can happen if your hours log is incomplete or unclear. Contact DBPR's licensing department and ask what additional proof they need. If they still will not accept your hours, you can complete additional apprenticeship hours in Florida or ask about a challenge exam.

How much does a Florida tattoo license cost?

The process fee and license fee vary. Contact DBPR or check their website for the current amounts before you explore. Budget for the process fee, exam fee (if charged separately), and license fee combined.

Can I work in multiple states with a Florida tattoo license?

No. Your Florida license is valid only in Florida. If you move to another state or want to work there temporarily, you will need to get a license in that state. Some states recognize out-of-state experience, but each has its own rules.