The 2013 legislative session saw the passage of House Bill 7005, and with it significant changes to massage establishment regulation. This language becomes effective October 1, 2013. A summary of the changes is listed below.
Massage Establishment Hours of Operation:
Massage establishments may not operate between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m., with the following exceptions: certain health care facilities, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, timeshare properties, public airports, pari-mutuel facilities or operation during county or municipality-approved special events. The hours of operation restriction does not apply to massage establishments at which all massages performed between midnight and 5:00 a.m. are under the prescription of a physician, physician assistant, osteopathic physician, chiropractic physician, podiatric physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or dentist.
Advertising:
This bill adds new grounds for discipline for advertising to induce or attempt to induce, or to engage or attempt to engage, the client in unlawful sexual misconduct, as described in s. 480.0485, F.S.
Nuisance:
This bill amends s. 823.05, F.S., providing that any licensed massage establishment operating in violation of s. 480.0475, F.S., or s. 480.0535(2), F.S., is declared a nuisance and may be abated or enjoined as provided in ss. 60.05, and 60.06, F.S.
Criminal Penalties:
Criminal penalties for violating the requirements outlined in newly created s. 480.0475, F.S., were also created. The first offense is a first degree misdemeanor, and the second or subsequent offense is a third degree felony.
For the full text of the bill please visit this website: www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/7005/BillText/er/PDF
