Florida Tattoo Shop Refuses Service to Military Veterans

A tattoo shop in Largo, Florida, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after posting on Facebook that it will refuse service to active-duty military members and veterans, labeling them “war criminals.” The post, published June 23 by Revival Tattoo Collective founder Brady Martinson, has drawn thousands of reactions and widespread condemnation from national media outlets including Fox News.

The Controversial Post

In a lengthy Facebook statement, Martinson wrote: “My opinion is that the military is a bunch of war criminals and law enforcement kills babies and unarmed citizens in the street. If you don’t like my opinion cool, but you’re not going to change it.” He added: “Once again for the slow ones the military. Pretty simple if you are ex military or currently serving just don’t come to the shop. You will be turned away.”

The post also accused critics of using “homophobic slurs” and posting “records from 20 years ago,” asserting that their reactions only “proves my point and shows the true character of our military.”

Business and Founder Background

Revival Tattoo Collective is located at 519 Highland Ave N, Suite A, in Largo, Florida, part of the Tampa Bay area. According to the shop’s website, Martinson is described as “a tattooist and sign painter — script, blackletter, and custom typography on skin. He treats every word as architecture: measured, weighted, and built to live a lifetime.” The shop specializes in lettering, sign painting, color realism, and American traditional styles, and operates Tuesday through Saturday.

Backlash and Public Response

The Facebook post generated thousands of comments, with the overwhelming majority expressing outrage. One critic wrote: “This kind of thinking is disappointing and immature. Judging an entire group by the actions of a few is the same type of prejudice I’m sure you claim to oppose.” Another commenter noted: “I’ve served alongside people of every background imaginable and some of the most selfless, compassionate individuals I’ve met wear a uniform.”

A smaller number of commenters agreed with Martinson’s stance. One supporter wrote: “The military preys on underprivileged youth by luring them in with promises to pay for college and makes it sound like it’s their only opportunity to get ahead in life.”

Shop’s Response to Media

When contacted by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the shop responded dismissively: “Yeah I’m booked up I can’t take any clients military or civilian. Thanks for your interest on my opinion.” The shop’s website continues to accept bookings as of June 26.

Collateral Damage

The controversy has also affected an unrelated business. A Hendersonville, North Carolina tattoo shop also named Revival received a flood of negative Yelp reviews from people who mistakenly believed it was connected to the Florida location. The two businesses are not affiliated.

Broader Context and Legal Questions

This incident follows a pattern of similar controversies where businesses have refused service based on political or social beliefs. The Fox News article notes a parallel case involving Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn, which banned Rep. Dan Goldman over his support for Israel, prompting a Justice Department probe.

Legal experts note that while the First Amendment protects individuals from government punishment for speech, it does not shield them from private consequences. Federal law prohibits public accommodations from discriminating based on race, religion, or national origin, but military and veteran status is not a federally protected class under public accommodation laws in the same way. Florida law’s protections for veterans in commercial settings remain a subject of debate.

Largo is located in Pinellas County, near MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, giving the region a significant military and veteran population.

What’s Next

As of June 26, no official statements have been issued by local government officials, veterans’ organizations such as the VFW or American Legion, or law enforcement agencies regarding the incident. The shop remains open for business, and the original Facebook post is still accessible. It remains to be seen whether the controversy will lead to any formal complaints, legal action, or lasting impact on the business.