Frequently Asked Questions

A massage therapist must report that they are no longer serving as the DEM within three days, pursuant to Rule 64B7-26.0035(3), Florida Administrative Code.

Yes. A massage therapist may report that they are no longer serving as the DEM for the establishment.

No. The DEM of an establishment is named by the establishment owner.

Yes. Massage therapists are health care practitioners who are licensed under the Massage Practice Act (Chapter 480, Florida Statutes).

Health care practitioner is defined in 456.001(4), Florida Statutes, as

…any person licensed under chapter 457; chapter 458; chapter 459; chapter 460; chapter 461; chapter 462; chapter 463; chapter 464; chapter 465; chapter 466; chapter 467; part I, part II, part III, part V, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468; chapter 478; chapter 480; part I or part II of chapter 483; chapter 484; chapter 486; chapter 490; or chapter 491.

As a DEM, you should address the issue with the massage establishment.  You may also consider reporting the issue by submitting a complaint (Florida Health Care Complaint Portal).

If the establishment refuses to comply and you no longer wish to serve as the DEM of an establishment, you can also remove your designation.

If you receive a report of a possible violation related to sexual misconduct, you are required to report the possible violation within three days. Your report should be made in the form of a complaint (Florida Health Care Complaint Portal).

No. However, inspection results may be requested at any time and are provided to the massage establishment at the conclusion of the inspection.

No. The DEM is not required to be present during the inspection of a massage establishment.

Yes. The practice of reiki falls under the definition of massage.

Florida law does not provide for the licensing of reiki practitioners apart from a massage therapist license, nor exempt reiki practitioners from the requirement to hold a massage therapist license to receive compensation for their practice.

Yes. Designated Establishment Manager is defined in section 480.033(11), Florida Statutes as

…a massage therapist who holds a clear and active license without restriction, who is responsible for the operation of a massage establishment in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and who is designated the manager by the rules or practices at the establishment.

A business manager or compliance officer may serve as the DEM of an establishment if they are qualified under this definition.

Yes. The modality of reflexology falls under the definition of massage.

Florida law does not provide for independent licensing of the modality of reflexology and does not exempt reflexologists from massage therapist licensing requirements.

Yes, if you are a massage therapist who is qualified to be a DEM, you may serve as the DEM for your own establishment.