Sunday, October 23, 2011

Florida State Rules & Laws on Tattoos for 2012

We have returned from the Tattoo Law Conference.
We have listed small summaries of each regulation that has changed. Note that while these regulations impose new guidelines for tattoo establishments and tattoo artists, patron safety is the focus. To that degree, we support these regulations as they reflect minimum safety standards which protect our patrons and society at large. I am happy to report that Chicago Tattoo Company, as it stands today, is in complete compliance with all of the new safety regulations, and we have always required our artists to take and pass an exam on bloodborne pathogens. We have also required each minor receiving services be accompanied by a parent with the appropriate documents supporting their relationship. Safety and service has and will always remain our priority. We will be updating these rules and regulations as they come our way. Feel free to contact us with any further questions. Have a great week guys.

State Rules & Laws on Artistic Tattooing in Florida
The State of Florida did not always have a licensure program for tattoo artists, but that changed during the 2010 Legislative Session. Lawmakers gave nearly unanimous approval to a bill, sponsored by State Rep Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth), that would create a system to regulate all tattoo artists in Florida. The changes take effect on January 1, 2012, empowering the Florida Department of Health to license or register all artistic tattoo artists. These new regulations do have exceptions, but they also carry penalties for not complying.

Licensure
The Department of Health will create a process for tattoo artists to sign up for licenses. Applicants will have to be at least 18 years old, pay a licensing fee and pass exams on tattoo-related health issues (such as blood-borne diseases). This license will last for one year before needing renewal.

Guest Tattooing
Licensed tattoo artists from other states will have an opportunity to work in Florida, provided they receive guest licenses. This also requires the approval of the Florida Department of Health, along with proof of licensure by another state with similar licensing rules. Guest licenses will last for 14 days, and licensees can apply for renewals.

Tattoo Shops
Florida has decided to restrict tattooing to only licensed tattoo establishments (or temporary establishments). Such a location must comply with all the applicable occupational, zoning, business and health laws. These licenses last one year for a permanent location or 14 days for a temporary location.

Professional Practices
Licensed artists must display their licenses at all times and make sure that all the artists working with them are licensed as well. The workplace must remain sanitary and must comply with any local laws that apply.

Minors
The new rules forbid tattooing minors without the express written consent of each minor's parent or legal guardian. Doing so without consent constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, unless the minor deceived the artist into providing the tattoo.

Source: State Rules & Laws on Artistic Tattooing in Florida | eHow.com

Thursday, October 6, 2011

October News: Halloween Day Specials!


Stop in for our Halloween Day Specials!
We will have some designs in house for you to choose from.
Feel free to come in with a design in mind of your own.
Keep in mind the tattoo must qualify for our usual $50 minimum.
Contact us with any questions!

FAQ: Can my tattoo be any size?
Answer: Each tattoo must qualify for our usual $50 minimum. One word in script and small symbols are items that usually qualify for our minimum and contain little to no color. Feel free to drop in ahead of time to price your item for the day of this special.

FAQ: Can I call the shop to get a price?
Answer: It is difficult to give prices over the phone. There are many ways to describe one particular item. For this reason, we need to see the item at it's size and color range in order to give an accurate price. We would hate to price something over the phone that turns out to be a different price once you come in. 
With that being said, if what you want is something that you can possibly email over, we would be happy to do our best to price the item for you. You can send any images and questions to web@chicagotattooco.com.
We appreciate your understanding!

FAQ: What kind of designs will you have there?
Answer: Our artists have drawn items within our Halloween theme. Some are funny, some are girly, and some are spooky! Some examples are pumpkins, bats, moons, wolves, mummies, tombstones and frankesteins. Have a suggestion? We'd be happy to hear it!