Body Piercing

Body piercing is a form of body art penetrating the skin making a permanent hole, mark, or scar. It does not include the use of a mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

Several body piercing facilities in Indian River County are licensed and inspected by the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (DOH-Indian River). Protect the community by reporting unlawful activity.

Body piercing is an invasive procedure that presents the potential for infection. Body piercing can lead to infection of the pierced site especially if aftercare procedures are not followed. Body piercing also has the potential to transmit bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B.

Minimum sanitary and safety requirements related to the design, operation, and maintenance of body piercing is given in Chapter 64E-19 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Facility operators and piercers must be trained in infection control procedures, prior to licensure of a body piercing facility.

For more information on body piercing, facility permitting, body piercer licensing, and approved training, please visit the Florida Department of Health Body Piercing Program webpage.