be weary of florida tattoo artists

According to news4jax.com (Jacksonville News), artists in Florida don't need any credentials, schooling or even a license to be an artist.


The news report states:


"Big Dee" said he's worked as a tattoo artist as far out as New York and California, and out of all the states that he's has worked in, Florida, hands down, has the most relaxed industry standards.

"Some of the smallest things that Florida doesn't recognize are the most important," he said. "Taking sterilization, like Wavicide, Cavicide, something just simple, but little things like that, like it's not required."


The story also reports that stricter laws would include proof of a license, better sterilization and minors will be dismissed of getting a tattoo (16 and younger). These laws could pass and go into effect July 2011.


word to the wise: These reports must be taken with a grain of salt. Not every tattoo parlor in Florida, or the world even is the same. As always, FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND PROTECTION, go to an experienced artist, ask for his credentials, ask to see his license and check for a clean and well sterile area.