Who regulates tanning salons?

Two layers. The FDA's performance standard, 21 CFR 1040.20, governs how tanning beds and lamps are made and labeled. Where a salon is licensed and inspected, that is under state law. In Florida, Rhode Island and Illinois that is the state health department. Florida's county health departments handle it locally, and in Illinois a local health department can act as the state's agent. Check your state's page for the agency.

How often are tanning salons inspected?

It depends on the state. Florida inspects at least once a year (FL s. 381.89(9)) and inspects a new or remodeled facility before licensing it. Illinois inspects within 90 days of a permit application and at least once a year after the first year (IL 795.70(a); IL 795.90(d)). Rhode Island inspects as often as its Department of Health deems necessary (RI 24.5.3(A)).

Do you need a license to open a tanning salon?

In the three states covered here, yes. Operating without a license is a third-degree felony in Florida (FL s. 381.89(3)(a) and (10)(a)). Rhode Island requires a certificate of registration for each facility, renewed every year (RI 24.5.1; RI 24.5.2). Illinois requires a permit to operate (IL 795.70). See license requirements by state.

What happens if a tanning salon fails an inspection?

In Rhode Island you get a statement of deficiencies and have 15 days to send a signed plan of correction (RI 24.5.3(B)). Florida can order a bed out of service and fine up to $1,000 per violation per day (FL s. 381.89(11)-(12)). Illinois reinspects, sends a warning letter for a first violation, and fines repeat violations from $50 to $500 each plus a repeat minimum, up to $1,000 per day (IL 795.220).

How often should tanning bed bulbs be replaced?

The rules read for this guide set no fixed number of hours; they defer to the manufacturer. Rhode Island requires lamps that have run for the manufacturer's maximum rated lamp-hour life to be disposed of, never resold (RI 24.7.2(J)). All three states require a replacement to be the original type or a certified equivalent, with the paperwork on file. More in tanning bed lamp replacement.

Is the 24-hour tanning rule an FDA law?

No. The federal standard, 21 CFR 1040.20, sets no fixed 24-hour interval. It requires the manufacturer's label to carry a recommended exposure schedule, including the spacing of sessions (21 CFR 1040.20(d)(1)(iv)). The 24-hour limits inspectors check come from state rules, such as Florida's 64E-17.002(2)(m) and Illinois' 795.180(e). Rhode Island uses 48 hours for the first three to five sessions (RI 24.6.4(F)(2)).

Guide

Tanning salon inspection checklist: what inspectors commonly check

Last verified September 29, 2026

Researched and written by the TanVision team

General information, not legal advice. Check your state’s current rules.

The short answer

A tanning salon inspection usually checks that the license and warning signs are posted, every bed is built to the federal sunlamp standard with an accurate timer and emergency shut-off, beds and eyewear are sanitized, replacement lamps match the original or a certified equivalent, and signed warning statements, visit records and training proof are on file. Details vary by state.

How to use this checklist

The federal sunlamp standard, 21 CFR 1040.20, sets how tanning beds and lamps are built and labeled. Salon inspections, where a state has them, come from state law. Florida's Department of Health says so in its FAQ: the FDA regulates manufacturers, and the department regulates how devices are used in permitted facilities.

This checklist draws on three states whose rules spell out what an inspector checks (Florida, Rhode Island and Illinois) and on the federal standard all three require equipment to meet. Treat these as common items and check each one against your state's tanning laws.

Citation key: FL s. 381.89 (Florida statute), FL 64E-17 (Florida rule), RI 24.x (216-RICR-40-10-24) and IL 795.x (77 Ill. Adm. Code 795).

Where the states differ, each is shown. One state's stricter rule is not the law in another.

Who inspects, and how often

State	Who inspects	How often	After the visit
Florida	Department of Health; licenses are issued through the county health department (FL 64E-17.004(8))	At least once a year (FL s. 381.89(9)), and before licensing a new or remodeled facility (FL 64E-17.006(3)(a))	Results go on DOH Form 4097, and the operator gets a copy (FL 64E-17.007(1))
Rhode Island	Department of Health (RI 24.5.3(A))	As often as the department deems necessary (RI 24.5.3(A))	A statement of deficiencies, then your plan of correction (RI 24.5.3(B))
Illinois	Department of Public Health, or a local health department acting as its agent (IL 795.30)	Within 90 days of a permit application (IL 795.70(a)), then at least once a year after the first year (IL 795.90(d))	A reinspection after any notice of violation (IL 795.220(k))

State pages: Florida, Rhode Island and Illinois. For licensing, see license requirements by state.

Tell the agency before you add equipment. Florida and Illinois applications list the tanning devices (FL 64E-17.006(2)(b); IL 795.60(c)(2)), and all three states require written notice before a change that makes your application out of date, with original or certified equivalent lamps exempt (FL 64E-17.006(4); RI 24.5.1(G); IL 795.100(a)). Florida's FAQ says unreported new equipment found at an inspection is a violation, although a new bed needs no separate inspection before use.

The paperwork binder

Inspectors ask for documents as well as beds. Keep these together at the desk.

Your license, registration certificate or permit, on display. Florida requires it in a public area (FL s. 381.89(6)(h)), and Rhode Island and Illinois in a conspicuous place (RI 24.5.1(F)(3); IL 795.70(e)).
Your latest inspection report. Florida requires it on the premises and available to the public (FL s. 381.89(4)(b); FL 64E-17.007(1)). Rhode Island requires reports, statements of deficiencies and plans of correction on file for at least five years (RI 24.5.3(C)).
The owner's manual for each bed (FL 64E-17.004(10)). Rhode Island also wants the manufacturer's exposure schedule and a service record for each unit, with who did the work, the date and the hour-meter reading (RI 24.8.3(H)).
Lamp paperwork. If a replacement lamp is not the original type, keep the paperwork showing it is equivalent in the salon (FL 64E-17.004(9); RI 24.7.2(I)(1); IL 795.100(b)). Illinois also requires a log of every replacement lamp: installation date, position in the unit and model (IL 795.100(c)).
Proof of staff training. Florida wants it kept in the facility for inspection (FL 64E-17.004(3)), Rhode Island wants the dates, times and subjects documented (RI 24.8.2(C)), and Illinois wants a list of trained operators with the date, hours and materials (IL 795.180(b)).
Timer test results. Rhode Island requires each timer to be tested for accuracy at least every 12 calendar months, with the results kept (RI 24.7.2(K)(3); RI 24.8.3(G)).
Lists on hand. Rhode Island and Illinois require an emergency phone list (hospital, fire department, 911) and a photosensitizing-agents list clients can review (RI 24.6.4(A)-(B); IL 795.180(f)-(g)). Rhode Island also requires a written procedure manual on site (RI 24.6.4(F)(5)).

Client records the inspector may pull

Expect the inspector to pull client files and check the signed warning statement, the visit history and proof of age.

Record	Florida	Rhode Island	Illinois
Signed warning statement	Each time a person uses the facility or signs or renews a contract (FL s. 381.89(6)(g))	At the first visit and at least every 12 months (RI 24.6.1(A))	At the first visit and at least once a year (IL 795.190(a))
What the visit record holds	Signature, age, visit dates, total visits, exposure times and the staff member who assisted (FL 64E-17.004(7))	Total visits, dates and durations, plus the signed acknowledgment (RI 24.8.3(D))	Total visits, dates, durations and the equipment used (IL 795.190(d))
How long to keep it	At least 4 years (FL s. 381.89(6)(j))	At least 3 years, at the facility (RI 24.8.3(B))	At least 5 years past the facility's end of business (IL 795.190(d))
Age	A parent's or guardian's signed statement on file for minors 14 and older; a parent or guardian must accompany a minor under 14 (FL s. 381.89(7)-(8))	No one under 18 (RI 24.6.4(E)(1))	No one under 18, checked against a government photo ID showing the birth date (IL 795.190(c))

Electronic records count, with conditions. Rhode Island accepts them if you can produce legible, complete copies for any period (RI 24.8.3(C)). Illinois requires computer records to be copied at least monthly to storage other than the computer's hard drive (IL 795.190(e)). More in tanning salon recordkeeping.

Injury reports have deadlines. Florida: to the county health department within five working days (FL 64E-17.004(8)). Rhode Island: within five working days when medical attention was sought or obtained (RI 24.8.3(E)). Illinois: within 10 working days (IL 795.200).

Walk each room before the inspector does

Equipment built and labeled to 21 CFR 1040.20. All three states require it (FL 64E-17.002(2)(b); RI 24.7.2(A); IL 795.150(b)(1)). The federal label on each bed carries the warning, exposure positions, exposure schedule with maximum times, and the lamp type (21 CFR 1040.20(d)(1)).
A working timer. The federal standard caps the maximum timer interval at the manufacturer's maximum exposure time and allows no more than a 10 percent error (21 CFR 1040.20(c)(2)). All three states apply the same 10 percent limit (FL s. 381.89(6)(d); RI 24.7.2(K)(2); IL 795.150(b)(2)). Trained staff set the time (FL 64E-17.002(2)(c); RI 24.7.2(K)(4)). Florida also requires a staff-only override timer control outside the room, and Rhode Island requires remote timer controls (RI 24.7.2(K)(5)). See tanning bed timer rules.
An emergency shut-off on the bed itself. The federal standard requires a control on the product that lets the client stop the lamps at any time (21 CFR 1040.20(c)(3)), and all three states repeat it (FL 64E-17.002(2)(c); RI 24.7.2(L); IL 795.150(b)(3)). Florida's FAQ says a switch on the wall does not count.
The warning sign, readable before the client starts the bed: within 1 meter of each unit in Rhode Island (RI 24.6.2(A)), within 3 feet in Illinois (IL 795.150(a)), and unobstructed wherever a device is used in Florida (FL s. 381.89(4)(b); FL 64E-17.002(2)(a)).
Enough eyewear. Florida requires sets for the maximum number of people who can tan at once (FL 64E-17.002(2)(j)) and bars anyone who refuses to wear it (FL 64E-17.002(2)(i)). Illinois has the same refusal rule and wants documents showing the eyewear meets 21 CFR 1040.20(c)(4) (IL 795.170(b), (f)).
Clean beds and a sanitizer test kit. Beds and reusable eyewear are sanitized after each use (FL 64E-17.002(2)(f); RI 24.7.1(B)(2); IL 795.170(c); IL 795.210(d)); Rhode Island also allows disposable clear sheets on the bed, with periodic sanitizing through the day. Test the solution's strength at least twice per day of operation in Florida (FL 64E-17.002(2)(h)), daily for the eyewear solution in Illinois (IL 795.170(d)), and when first mixed and at least weekly in Rhode Island (RI 24.7.1(B)(3)). UV light from the bed does not count as a sanitizer in any of the three. See tanning bed sanitation.
Barriers and heat. Florida requires barriers that keep clients from touching hot or broken lamps, and partitions that shield other people from UV (FL 64E-17.002(2)(d)-(e)). Illinois does not accept plastic sheaths over single lamps as a barrier (IL 795.150(b)(5)). All three set a 100°F limit (FL s. 381.89(6)(f); RI 24.7.1(A)(3)(b); IL 795.150(b)(6)).
Stand-up booths: floor markings or another way to show the exposure distance, doors that open outward, and non-slip floors (FL 64E-17.003; IL 795.160).
Lamps and damage. Replacement lamps must be the original type or a certified equivalent (FL 64E-17.004(9); RI 24.7.2(I); IL 795.150(b)(7)); see tanning bed lamp replacement. Rhode Island requires an hour meter on each unit (RI 24.7.2(N)). Florida's FAQ says a bed with broken acrylic goes on stop-use; tape is not a repair.

What the front desk does on every visit

The rules put these steps on staff, and inspectors can watch them.

Keep a trained operator on site whenever beds run (FL s. 381.89(6)(a); RI 24.8.2(D); IL 795.180(c)).
Check the file before the session: a current signed warning statement and the client's age.
Enforce the session gap. Florida allows one session every 24 hours (FL 64E-17.002(2)(m)). Rhode Island allows one per 48 hours for the first three to five sessions, then one per 24 hours, or the manufacturer's schedule if that is less frequent (RI 24.6.4(F)(2)(b)-(c)). Illinois turns away anyone who used a tanning facility in the previous 24 hours (IL 795.180(e)).
Keep each session within the manufacturer's maximum exposure time (FL s. 381.89(6)(e); RI 24.6.4(F)(2); IL 795.180(e)).
Tell the client the exposure time (the manufacturer's maximum in Florida and Rhode Island, a reasonable time in Illinois) and where the emergency shut-off is (FL 64E-17.002(2)(l); RI 24.6.4(F)(1) and (4); IL 795.180(d)).
Hand over sanitized eyewear for every session (FL s. 381.89(6)(b); RI 24.6.3(B); IL 795.170(a)).

Florida's FAQ says staff enforce the gap rule when the client comes in. Software can help, but the responsibility stays at the desk.

If the inspector finds a problem

Fix it, write down what you fixed and when, and keep the paper. Consequences by state:

Rhode Island sends a statement of deficiencies within 15 days after the inspection team leaves. You have 15 days from that notice to return a plan of correction signed by management (RI 24.5.3(B)).
Florida can issue a stop-use order that takes a bed out of service (FL s. 381.89(12); FL 64E-17.007(2)) and fine up to $1,000 per violation per day (FL s. 381.89(11)(a)).
Illinois reinspects after a notice of violation (IL 795.220(k)). A first violation brings a warning letter; a repeat brings a scheduled fine plus a repeat minimum, and a third also brings notice of intent to revoke (IL 795.220(g)). Scheduled fines run from $50 to $500, such as $100 for a missing maintenance log and $250 for a faulty timer (IL 795.220(f)), capped at $1,000 per day (IL 795.220(c)). Refusing an inspection is grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a permit (IL 795.130(g)).

Where TanVision helps, and where it does not

Signed warning statements. Clients sign the consent form on their own phone or a tablet, and the signed record keeps the signature and the exact wording they agreed to. See consent forms.
A paperwork gate. A session cannot start when there is no signed warning statement or no date of birth on file, and the screen says why. See check-in.
Exposure limits. The limits follow the salon's own settings, capped at each unit's maximum, and a typed time above the cap is refused, not trimmed. The gap between UV sessions is one salon setting, so a staged rule like Rhode Island's 48 hours still needs a staff check. See exposure safety.
Visit history. Each client's visits and consent status sit on the client record, and reports name the staff member behind each row of work.
Rooms and lamps. The front-desk board rings a room that needs cleaning and offers one-tap Mark clean. Lamp hours are worked out from sessions, with Change soon and Change now warnings; that helps you plan lamp changes but is not the bed's own hour meter.

TanVision does not keep injury reports, timer test results, sanitizer test results, staff training records, lamp equivalency statements or equipment service logs. Keep those in the binder. To see the parts it does handle, book a demo.

Common questions

Who regulates tanning salons?: Two layers. The FDA's performance standard, 21 CFR 1040.20, governs how tanning beds and lamps are made and labeled. Where a salon is licensed and inspected, that is under state law. In Florida, Rhode Island and Illinois that is the state health department. Florida's county health departments handle it locally, and in Illinois a local health department can act as the state's agent. Check your state's page for the agency.
How often are tanning salons inspected?: It depends on the state. Florida inspects at least once a year (FL s. 381.89(9)) and inspects a new or remodeled facility before licensing it. Illinois inspects within 90 days of a permit application and at least once a year after the first year (IL 795.70(a); IL 795.90(d)). Rhode Island inspects as often as its Department of Health deems necessary (RI 24.5.3(A)).
Do you need a license to open a tanning salon?: In the three states covered here, yes. Operating without a license is a third-degree felony in Florida (FL s. 381.89(3)(a) and (10)(a)). Rhode Island requires a certificate of registration for each facility, renewed every year (RI 24.5.1; RI 24.5.2). Illinois requires a permit to operate (IL 795.70). See license requirements by state.
What happens if a tanning salon fails an inspection?: In Rhode Island you get a statement of deficiencies and have 15 days to send a signed plan of correction (RI 24.5.3(B)). Florida can order a bed out of service and fine up to $1,000 per violation per day (FL s. 381.89(11)-(12)). Illinois reinspects, sends a warning letter for a first violation, and fines repeat violations from $50 to $500 each plus a repeat minimum, up to $1,000 per day (IL 795.220).
How often should tanning bed bulbs be replaced?: The rules read for this guide set no fixed number of hours; they defer to the manufacturer. Rhode Island requires lamps that have run for the manufacturer's maximum rated lamp-hour life to be disposed of, never resold (RI 24.7.2(J)). All three states require a replacement to be the original type or a certified equivalent, with the paperwork on file. More in tanning bed lamp replacement.
Is the 24-hour tanning rule an FDA law?: No. The federal standard, 21 CFR 1040.20, sets no fixed 24-hour interval. It requires the manufacturer's label to carry a recommended exposure schedule, including the spacing of sessions (21 CFR 1040.20(d)(1)(iv)). The 24-hour limits inspectors check come from state rules, such as Florida's 64E-17.002(2)(m) and Illinois' 795.180(e). Rhode Island uses 48 hours for the first three to five sessions (RI 24.6.4(F)(2)).

Sources

21 CFR 1040.20, Sunlamp products and ultraviolet lamps intended for use in sunlamp products (April 1, 2025 edition)U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo). Accessed September 29, 2026.
Florida Statutes s. 381.89, Regulation of tanning facilities (2026)The Florida Legislature. Accessed September 29, 2026.
Florida Administrative Code chapter 64E-17, Tanning FacilitiesFlorida Department of State. Accessed September 29, 2026.
Tanning Facility Program Frequently Asked Questions (undated)Florida Department of Health. Accessed September 29, 2026.
216-RICR-40-10-24, Tanning Facilities (effective June 5, 2025)Rhode Island Department of State (Rhode Island Department of Health rule). Accessed September 29, 2026.
77 Ill. Adm. Code 795, Tanning Facilities CodeIllinois General Assembly, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Accessed September 29, 2026.