Massage therapists are professionals in high demand in Florida because they help treat problems such as muscle pain, arthritis, and blood circulation and, therefore, improve people’s quality of life.

Therefore, it is a great business, but for this, you will need to know more about the massage therapy license in Florida if you decide to start in this industry.

The business team at Jurado & Associates, P.A. has created this guide on massage therapy licensing in Florida so you know how to get it, how long it takes to get it, and other essential aspects of the business.

Understanding The Concept Behind A Massage Therapy License In Florida

Florida Statutes §480.033 (11) defines the term “massage therapy” as “the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body with:

  • The hand, foot, knee, arm, or elbow, regardless of whether such manipulation is assisted by hydrotherapy, including colonic irrigation or thermal therapy.
  • Any electrical or mechanical device, or
  • “The application to the human body of a chemical or herbal preparation.”

What Do The Statutes Say About Massage Therapy Licensing In Florida?

According to Florida Statutes §480.033 (10), a massage therapist is a “licensed person as required by this law, who performs massage therapy, including evaluation of massage therapy, in exchange for compensation.”

This legal description applies to individuals who hold a massage establishment license as sole proprietors or are one of the owners of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).

How To Get A Massage Therapy License In Florida?

The agency responsible for licensing massage therapy within state jurisdiction is the Florida Department of Health. Before obtaining a valid license, the therapist must go through one of the required licensing procedures: examination, endorsement, or apprenticeship program.

The Massage Therapy License Exam In Florida

If you choose to obtain a license through an examination process, you must attend an approved school for massage therapists.

After at least 500 hours, you must pass an official exam approved by the Florida Board of Massage, such as the National Examination for State Licensing (NESL). Once you have passed the exam with a passing grade, you can apply for a license online.

About The Approval of The Massage Therapy License in Florida

It is not difficult to find massage therapists moving to Florida to enjoy the state’s favorable tax policies and a large number of potential clients. A massage therapist licensed in another state can apply for a Florida license through an endorsement, which is a process completed by the Florida Board of Massage.

Learning Program

Similar to the exam process, apprenticeships allow aspiring massage therapists to obtain a license after undergoing one to two years of ongoing training at an approved entity. The Florida Massage Board is also responsible for regulating existing programs.

Is It Possible to Practice Therapy Without a Massage Therapy License In Florida?

Under Florida law, it is illegal to practice any profession in the healthcare segment without the proper license. Failure to comply with this basic requirement may result in felony charges. Legal regulations also set strong standards for the industry to follow, such as:

  • Ensure that massage establishments are always clean and sanitized.
  • Employees cannot be sick or use illegal drugs.
  • The licensee never engages in any inappropriate sexual conduct within the facilities.
  • Never allow unlicensed people to pose as licensed therapists.
  • A licensed professional must always display the license.