Frequently Asked Questions

A massage establishment owner is defined in Section 480.033, Florida Statutes as

…means a person who has ownership interest in a massage establishment. The term includes an individual who holds a massage establishment license, a general partner of a partnership, an owner or officer of a corporation, and a member of a limited liability company and its subsidiaries who holds a massage establishment license.

Yes. Massage establishment owners are background screened pursuant to 456.0135, Florida Statutes.

Yes. Massage establishment owners are required to report all criminal convictions even if adjudication was withheld and pleadings of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) within 30 days of the entry of the conviction or plea, pursuant to 456.072(1)(x), Florida Statutes.

Yes, pursuant to Section 480.043(13), Florida Statutes, massage establishments must implement a procedure for reporting suspected human trafficking to the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-855-FLA-SAFE or to a local law enforcement agency. A sign detailing this reporting procedure must be posted in a conspicuous place in the establishment which is accessible to employees.

Yes. Massage establishments are responsible for knowing that massage therapists practicing in the establishment are licensed, and that licenses are in a status which allows them to practice.

Yes. A person operating a massage establishment is responsible for keeping a copy of the valid government identification of each person working in the massage establishment, including massage therapists. They are also responsible for ensuring that each person working in the establishment is able to present their own government identification if requested by a department investigator or a law enforcement officer.

Yes, in some places. Many cities, counties, and municipalities have additional requirements to operate a business, or specifically related to the operation of a massage establishment.

The Board of Massage Therapy is the licensing authority for massage establishments at the state level. For information on additional city, county, or municipal requirements, contact your local government.

Yes, a massage establishment can change locations by submitting an application for massage establishment change of location.

A massage establishment may not change locations until the change of location application is complete. This includes receiving a passing result on an inspection of the new location.

No, pursuant to Section 480.043(9)(a), Florida Statutes, if you are a new owner, you MAY NOT operate the establishment under a previous owner’s license.

Yes, if the salon or spa holds a massage establishment license, and the services are performed by a massage therapist.

Information on the requirements for licensure and how to apply for a massage establishment license can be found in the Licensing  section under Licensed Massage Establishment (New Business or Change of Ownership).

Yes. Operation of a massage establishment requires a license, pursuant to 480.043(1), Florida Statutes.

No. A massage establishment license authorizes licensed massage therapists to practice massage in a specific location. Other medical or cosmetic procedures may require additional licensing by other licensing authorities.