What Are the Minor Tattoo Laws in Florida?

According to the website Sharps MD, a minor in Florida cannot be tattooed under the age of 16 unless for medical reasons by a doctor or dentist. Those under age 18 also must have particular criteria before being tattooed.

Children under the age of 18 but older than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when receiving a tattoo. In addition, a child must have that parent or legal guardian submit proof of their identification. A notarized consent form must additionally accompany a parent or guardian’s proof of consent.

The State of Florida website for the Florida Senate details this regulation and additionally notes that the parent or guardian must provide proof of their relationship to the child being tattooed. A tattoo artist, whether an artist or a professional in medicine or dentistry, must be licensed under particular regulations.

Even a licensed professional will be held liable if tattooing an underage child because of a violation of the state statute. The tattoo artist can face second-degree misdemeanor charges. In the case that the minor child states he is above the age of 18 and furnishes false documentation to the tattoo artist or medical professional, the latter party will not be held liable.