The Application Process


The Application Process

Expand allClose all

Where do I submit additional documents?

Generally, additional documents can be submitted to the board office by upload through the online application portal, by email to mqa.massagetherapy@flhealth.gov, or by mail to:

Florida Department of Health
Board of Massage Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-06
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Please note that some supporting documents must be received directly from the source, like transcripts and examination scores. Information about all required documents can be found under the Licensing section of this website by choosing the license you are applying for from the list and clicking Requirements.

Can an application fee be accepted by phone?

No. Application fees cannot be accepted by phone.

Can I change my method of application?

Yes. You can change your application method for an open massage therapist application. Massage establishments do not have multiple methods of application.

If you have submitted your application and need to change from examination to endorsement or from endorsement to examination, submit a request to change your method of application in writing to the board office, either by mail or by email to mqa.massagetherapy@flhealth.gov.

Be sure to include your file number in any correspondence related to your application.

Can I check the status of my application?

Yes. You can check the status of your application online at any time using the MQA Online Services Portal.

Can I make a change to my application?

Yes. In most cases, you can amend your application by sending us a request to do so in writing which includes the amendment you need to make.

Requests be sent by email to mqa.massagetherapy@flhealth.gov, or by mail to:

Florida Department of Health
Board of Massage Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-06
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Can I withdraw my application?

Yes, in most cases. An open application can be withdrawn at any time prior to a decision being reached concerning its approval or denial.

Can I request a refund of my fees?

Yes, in most cases. A refund can be requested for up to three years from the date your fee payment was received, though a portion of fees are non-refundable once your application has been processed.

Can my school pay for my application?

Yes, in most cases. Usually this is done using an Other Payer Code while submitting your application. Your school will be able provide you with this code if they have been issued one for this purpose.

Do I need all supporting documents before submitting my application?

No. Applications submitted with fees will be processed, even if some items are missing.

If additional items are required to complete your application, board staff will provide you with a letter listing what is still needed with instructions on how to request and/or submit the remaining items. If you provided an email address, this letter will be emailed to you. You can also see a list of missing items at any time by checking your application status online using the MQA Online Services Portal.

Incomplete applications will remain open for one year from the date the application is received. Applications which are not completed within one year will be expired.

Can I make a fee payment after my application is submitted?

Yes. Your application will not be processed until your fee payment is received.

Fees can be paid online using the MQA Online Services Portal, or by mailing a check or money order. Fee payments should be mailed to:

Department of Health
Board of Massage Therapy
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

If you have already applied and received a file number, be sure to include that number with any payments you submit.

How long will it take to be licensed?

It depends on how long it takes for all supporting documentation to be received. Our current processing times for new applications can be found in the Licensing section. Additional supporting documents are typically reviewed within 1-3 business days of receipt.

When does my application expire?

Your application expires one year from the date your application was submitted.

Where should I mail my application and fees?

Applications and fees may be submitted by mail to:

Department of Health
Board of Massage Therapy
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

If you are submitting a fee payment for an application separate from the application, be sure to include the name the application was submitted under and the file number associated with the application.

Do massage therapists and establishment owners need to be background screened?

Yes. Massage therapists must be background screened pursuant to 480.041(3), Florida Statutes. Massage establishment owners must be background screened pursuant to 480.043(2), Florida Statutes.

When will my new establishment be inspected?

New massage establishment inspections generally occur shortly after all supporting documents are received. An inspector in your region will contact you directly at the phone number provided on your application to schedule your inspection.