How long can biomedical waste be stored in Florida?

Biomedical waste can stay at your facility for no more than 30 days. The clock starts when the first non-sharps item goes into a red bag or sharps container, or when a sharps-only container is sealed.

Do tattoo shops in Florida need a biomedical waste permit?

Yes. Tattoo establishments generate biomedical waste and need a biomedical waste generator permit from the Florida Department of Health, like medical and dental offices.

What is the Florida biomedical waste permit exemption?

If you generate less than 25 pounds of biomedical waste in each 30-day period for 12 months in a row, you can apply for an exemption. It only exempts you from the annual permit fee. You still have to follow every other rule.

Florida biomedical waste rules, in plain English

What Florida requires from any office that makes sharps or blood-contaminated waste, summarized by a hauler that has worked under these rules for over 20 years.

Who needs a permit: Any facility that generates biomedical waste needs a biomedical waste generator permit from the Florida Department of Health. That includes medical and dental offices, veterinary practices, tattoo establishments and funeral homes. The permit is renewed every year.
The small-generator exemption: If you generate less than 25 pounds of biomedical waste in each 30-day period for 12 months in a row, you can apply for an exemption. It only exempts you from the annual permit fee. You still have to follow every other rule.
The 30-day storage limit: Biomedical waste can stay at your facility for no more than 30 days. The clock starts when the first non-sharps item goes into a red bag or sharps container, or when a sharps-only container is sealed.
Red bags: Non-sharps biomedical waste goes into impermeable red plastic bags and is sealed where it is generated. Sealed bags stay sealed until treatment.
Sharps containers: Needles, blades and other sharps go straight into a sharps container at the point of use. Seal the container when contents reach the fill line.
Labels: Every package must show the biohazard symbol and a phrase such as "Biomedical waste" or "Biohazard". Sharps containers need a symbol at least one inch across.
Your storage area: Keep waste in a designated area with restricted access, away from foot traffic, clean and free of pests. Surfaces must be smooth, easy to clean and impervious to liquids. Outdoor storage must also be locked and marked with the biohazard symbol.
A written operating plan: Each facility needs its own written biomedical waste operating plan. Inspectors review it. The Department of Health offers a fill-in-the-blank sample.
Staff training: Anyone who handles biomedical waste must be trained on your operating plan and Florida's rules, and you must keep documentation of that training. It is separate from OSHA bloodborne pathogens training.
Transport: Anyone transporting 25 pounds or more of biomedical waste must be registered with the Department of Health. Most offices use a registered transporter for pickup.

Sources: Florida Administrative Code 64E-16.004, Florida Department of Health biomedical waste program and Florida Statute 381.0098. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Your county health department has the final word. Last reviewed November 2026.

Open the printable checklist and 30-day calculator

Rules by profession

The rules are the same for everyone, but the waste differs. See what applies to your type of practice.

Florida biomedical waste rules, in plain English

Rules by profession

Need pickups that keep you inside the 30-day limit?

Get a free quote

Quote request sent