What is the legal age to get a tattoo in Florida?

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Florida?
And Why It’s Not Just About the Law

Thinking about getting a tattoo while you’re in Florida? Before you start planning your design, there are some important rules to know — especially if you’re under 18. Florida has laws in place to protect minors, and tattoo shops (like ours) take them seriously.

Under 16? Nope.

If you’re younger than 16, getting tattooed is not allowed. Period. Even if your mom or dad says it’s okay, the law says it’s not. The only exception is if a doctor or dentist needs to do it for medical reasons — and that doesn’t include a smiley face or a butterfly.

Ages 16 to 17: It Gets Complicated

If you’re 16 or 17, a tattoo can be done — but only with a whole list of steps followed:

• You must come with your parent or legal guardian.

• Both of you must bring government-issued photo IDs (like a driver’s license or passport).

• Your parent or guardian must bring a notarized consent form. 

• At Southernmost Tattoo we have a notary on staff. You can book your appointment with the notary here 

• Proof must be shown that they’re really your parent or legal guardian.

• The tattoo must be done by a licensed artist in a licensed shop.

Without all of that, no tattoo will be done. And even with all of that — there are still some limits.

Artists Have the Final Say

Even if everything is legal and the paperwork is perfect, it still comes down to the artist. At Southernmost Tattoo, our artists do not tattoo the following areas on minors — no exceptions:

• Genitalia

• Breasts or close to the breast

• Neck

• Face

• Hands

Tattoos in these areas are considered more mature and permanent, and our shop believes they should be saved for adulthood. Every artist has the right to say no if they’re not comfortable — and around here, we back that choice 100%.

What If Someone Tries to Lie About Their Age?

If a minor uses a fake ID and it looks real, and the artist believes it’s real, they usually won’t get in trouble. But if someone knowingly tattoos a minor without the right paperwork, they can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor — which can mean fines or even jail time. That is not a risk we are willing to take. This also applies to a parent lying about the childs age. There have been cases where the mother lied about the childs age and the father was furious. The mother was charged for falsifying a legal document and child endangerment. Don’t let this be you.

Quick Recap:

• Under 16: No tattoos, no way.

• 16–17: Okay if all the right forms and ID are brought and the artist agrees.

• 18+: Come on in (with your ID)!

At Southernmost Tattoo, we follow the law and our shop’s standards. If you’re a teen hoping for your first piece, we’ll walk you through the process — honestly, respectfully, and with your future in mind. Tattoos are forever, and so are good decisions.