Tanning

Just like sunlight, tanning beds and booths can increase your risk of skin cancer, if exposure is not limited. Tanning facilities are not limited to traditional tanning salons. Fitness centers, apartment complexes, or any other facility that offers tanning to the public are required to obtain a Tanning Facility License per Chapter 64E-17 Florida Administrative Code and Section 381.89, Florida Statutes. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County Environmental Health Services inspects tanning facilities in Brevard County twice per year to verify their safe and sanitary operation. Inspectors verify that exposure limits are enforced, equipment operates as designed, there is proper sanitation, and the facility is operated by staff that has completed an approved training course.

Tanning facility staff will advise you about the maximum exposure time for the particular equipment you will use, the operation of emergency shutoff controls, the requirements for protective eyewear, and the location of personal hygiene facilities. Tanning bed surfaces and reusable protective eyewear must be sanitized between uses.

Per Chapter 64E-17.002(2)(m), FloridaAdministrative Code (F.A.C.), tanning facilities are required to allow customers to tan only once within a 24 hour period.

It is important to note that certain medications, cosmetics, and foods are potential photosensitizing agents that may increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light that may result in phototoxic or photoallergic responses. Please review the Florida Department of Health indoor tanning facts brochure for more information on indoor tanning.

Tanning facility applicants must submit a completed application with the appropriate fee of $175.00 for one device and $55.00 for each individual device (max fee of $340.00), a signed applicant statement, operating and safety procedures (example provided), a copy of liability insurance and limits (if the facility carries such insurance), proof of operator certification and a floor plan of the tanning facility (drawn to scale) with the following information:

• Plan Review fee of $40.00 for new facilities and modifications
• Location of all tanning devices that emit electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths between 200 and 400 nanometers (include name, model number and serial number of device)
• Location of protective partitions (permanent and portable)
• Location of emergency shutoff control
• Location of override timer control
• Location of sanitary facilities

The permit year runs from October 1 to September 30; first year licenses are prorated on a quarterly basis. Licenses must be renewed annually; failure to renew on time will result in the assessment of a $50.00 late fee. Permits are non-transferable; therefore, a change of ownership requires a new permit application process.

Tanning facilities should also be familiar with Title 21, Part 1040.20, Code of Federal Regulations, which provides information on sunlamp products and ultraviolet lamps intended for use in sunlamp products.

For more information on tanning facilities in the State of Florida, please visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/tanning-facilities/index.html and Tanning Facilities Inspection Data.

Downloadable Files/Links: 

• Approved Tanning Facility Sanitizer Listing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Indoor Tanning Facts Brochure
• Medications and Food that cause Photosensitivity
• Sample Safety and Operating Procedures
• Sample Warning Sign for Tanning Rooms (Exact Language Required)
• Sample Written Warning for Customers to Sign (Exact Language Required)
• Tanning Facility Injury Report

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