Body piercing is an invasive procedure that presents the potential for infection. It can result in infections of the pierced site, especially if aftercare procedures are not followed. Blood borne pathogen transmission, such as Hepatitis B, is possible if minimum sanitary and safety standards are not met. The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County manages the Body Piercing Program for the following North Central Florida Counties: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union.
Permits are valid from October 1 through September 30.