Grounds for discipline; administrative penalties.

(1) The following acts constitute grounds for which disciplinary action specified in subsection (2) may be taken by the department against any tattoo establishment, temporary establishment, tattoo artist, guest tattoo artist, operator of a tattoo establishment, or unlicensed person engaged in activities regulated under ss. 381.00771-381.00791:

(a) Providing false information on an application for licensure or registration.

(b) Violating a state or local health code or ordinance.

(c) Violating any provision of ss. 381.00771-381.00791, rule adopted under those sections, or lawful order of the department.

(d) Being found guilty of or pleading nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which relates to the practice of tattooing or the operation of a tattoo establishment or temporary establishment.

(e) Committing fraud, deceit, negligence, or misconduct in the practice of tattooing or the operation of a tattoo establishment or temporary establishment.

(f) Aiding, procuring, or assisting a person to unlawfully practice tattooing or unlawfully operate a tattoo establishment or temporary establishment.

(g) Failing to keep the written notarized consent of the parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is tattooed at a tattoo establishment or temporary establishment for the period specified pursuant to s. 381.00779(3) or knowingly making false entries in a parent’s or legal guardian’s written notarized consent.

(2) When the department determines that a person commits any of the acts set forth in subsection (1), the department may enter an order imposing one or more of the following penalties:

(a) Refusal to issue a license or registration or renew a license.

(b) Suspension or revocation of a license or registration.

(c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $1,500 for each count or separate violation.

(d) Issuance of a reprimand.

(e) Placement of the licensee or registrant on probation for a specified period and subject to the conditions that the department may specify.

(f) Issuance of a stop-use order.

(g) Corrective action.

(3) The department shall impose stricter penalties for the repetition of violations and as the severity of violations escalate, distinguishing lesser violations from those that endanger the public health.

(4) Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted as provided in chapter 120.