Do I Need An Occupational License Or Permit From My City Or County
Possibly.
There are far too many individual County and City ordinances in Florida for me to track alone. If you have questions about your county or city business/occupational licenses, permits, regulations or ordinances, contact your local county administration.
Here is an example for Manatee County.
Our company, Advanced Massage Techniques, is a Florida Board approved continuing education provider. Beyond that, we are not affiliated with, nor represent, the Florida Board of Massage. All information on this website is compiled through our experience. This information is not endorsed by the Florida Board of Massage and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
What Does Camtc Do
Allows Portability
Before CAMTC was created, California massage professionals were often required to obtain a city/ county license or permit in every city they practiced. Mobile massage licenses could be pricey and complicated to keep straight. Or if a therapist worked in one city and got a job in a neighboring city, a new license was required.
CAMTC certification allows massage professionals to provide services anywhere in the State of California for one price, $150. There is no need to obtain multiple local permits.
Public Protection
Massage regulations exist to protect the public, since getting a massage by an untrained therapist can be potentially dangerous. Certified therapists must meet certain educational and examination requirements, as well as undergo background checks.
You can verify a certified massage therapist on CAMTCs website.
Protects the CMT title
CAMTC protects the professional title, Certified Massage Therapist , and Certified Massage Practitioner . Only CAMTC certified therapists can use this title in their advertising.
Whats the difference between a CMP and CMT?
Previously, there were two certification levels, Certified Massage Practitioners and Certified Massage Therapists. CMTs had more stringent requirements . Now, California only certifies CMTs.
Previously certified CMPs may only use the title CMP and can continue to recertify as a CMP, unless they pass the MBLEx and upgrade to CMT.
Certifying Schools
CAMTC does not:
Complete And Submit Your Application For A State License
While most states have specific regulations that must be followed in order to become a licensed massage therapist, licensing is often different for each state, while also depending on the area you currently live.
Some states will say your application is complete after passing the licensing exam, whereas the other states licensing board for therapeutic massage may require more documentation or state testing.
After completing an accredited certification program and passing the massage and bodywork licensing exam, you can complete and submit the application for your state license.
Its worth noting that some states have made it a requirement that all applicants provide documentation stating they already have liability insurance before becoming licensed.
Once your license application has been approved, it enables you to work legally as a massage therapist in your state.
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Stone Massage Therapist Certification
Massage therapists may earn the Stone Massage Therapist certification to specialize in hot stone therapy. This program teaches the benefits and contraindications, care and usage of materials and basic protocols. Students learn about the effects of hot and cold stones on the body. Upon completion of their training, they take a multiple-choice exam and receive a certification if they pass.
How Do You Find A Job After Graduation
There are numerous ways to find a good job once your graduate. The vocational school offers career services and there are job portals such as Indeed and LinkedIn that offer networking. It is also important to talk to spa managers within the community. Employers in different environments hire massage therapists including hospitals and retirement facilities. You can work for someone else or establish a small business. Attracting a steady client base is dependent on professionalism and friendliness.
The best part of becoming a massage therapist is the ability to make clients feel better while earning a living. The demand for massage therapists is steadily increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth is expected to increase 21 percent between 2019 and 2029. Once you decide whether to open a practice, work for a business or work alone, your career will begin in this growing industry.
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Florida Massage Establishment License Faq
Ready to open your own massage clinic in Florida? Or are you thinking of adding massage therapy services to your gym, spa, or salon? If so, chances are you need a Florida massage establishment license issued by the Florida Board of Massage. I promise this FAQ will answer many of the questions you have about massage establishments.
Maybe you are a massage therapist with questions about your existing massage establishment, recent law changes that affect your business, or how to find out if the massage establishment down the road is licensed. This FAQ is for you too.
The below FAQ contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in my many years as a Florida massage instructor and consultant. Some answers include the laws and rules which may apply to each question. Laws and rules will be in italics. Other questions have Notes, which are bonus tips from yours truly. If you need further information or legal advice on your situation, contact the Florida Board of Massage Office or a lawyer .
I will try to update this page as often as changes are made to laws or rules that affect massage therapists. Just in case I miss something, or if you are looking for a little more information on a topic, use the below links to access the States laws and rules:
Sound good? Lets begin!
Florida Statute4800535documents Required While Working In A Massage Establishment
Notes:This is a new law and pretty self-explanatory. A person employed by a massage establishment and any person performing massage must present, upon the request of an investigator of the department or a law enforcement officer, valid government identification while in the establishment. The above law lists all valid forms of identification a person can use.
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Information On How To Apply For A License In Delpros
All applications are submitted our online system DELPROS. We no longer accept paper applications.
PRIOR TO APPLYING
In order to apply for a license or submit a service request, you must first have a DELPROS user account. To LOG IN or CREATE a DELPROS user account:
DELPROS allows you to save your incomplete application and return to it later to finish the process. You only have six months to submit your application once you begin.
- If you do not submit your application within six months of starting it, you will be required to restart the entire online application again.
You may check the status of your application online throughout the entire application process by using the View Application Status feature in DELPROS on your e-License dashboard.
KNOW YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND COLLECT YOUR DOCUMENTS
ATTACHING AND ACKNOWLEDGING DOCUMENTS
On the ATTACHMENTS page of your application, you may be instructed to:
Working As A Massage Therapist
No two jobs are made the same, and your experience as a massage therapist will depend on your career aspirations, personal schedule, workplace, specialty, and education level.
Like many other beauty careers, massage therapy is not always a 9-5 job, as evening and weekend hours may be expected depending on your employer. Many positions are held in rehab centers, nursing homes, or hospitals, while salons, spas, resorts, cruise ships, and homeopathic offices also offer opportunities. You could also provide at-home or mobile massage services.
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How Do I Get A Massage Therapy License
Choosing to become a massage therapist can be a rewarding career. Competent therapists may choose to work for others or establish their own business. In either case, many jurisdictions do require all massage therapists to hold a current license in order to pursue business within the area. If you need to obtain a massage therapy license, here is some information you should keep in mind.
The fact is that not all cities and towns require that massage therapists have any special type of credentials. This means that if you want to work for an established massage parlor, health spa, or gym, you will not need any type of marriage therapy licensing from the local jurisdiction. When this is the case, all you really will need is your own business license if you plan on setting up your own business. In most cities and towns, this can be obtained for a small fee at the local city hall.
Faq On Earning Your License In Massage Therapy
Some states require massage therapists to get individual liability insurance, even if their employer has coverage.
In order to keep a massage license current, professionals must complete a certain number of continuing education credits at schools approved by their state. Topics may include business, general massage, ethics, research, or marketing. Some continuing education classes are available online through the American Massage Therapy Association. In addition, the organization provides information on schools where students can take these courses in their local area.
Some massage therapists learn a specific type of massage in order to help them build their practice. There are several massage modalities to choose from, including the following:
- Deep tissue massage
Change in Employment : 10.80%
Currently Employed: 120
Change in Employment : 12.60%
There are several factors that influence what school massage students choose. Whether they are concerned about the length of the program, taking courses online versus on campus, or the amount of tuition, students need to compare programs before making a decision. The search tool below can help.
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Massage Therapy Certification Requirements
Massage therapy certification requirements vary from school to school, and licensing requirements vary from region to region. In most states, you’ll need a minimum number of practical experience hours, and to pass the MBLEx .
Some other things you may need to obtain your license:
- A background check to verify that you don’t have a criminal history
- Additional tests about state laws and rules
- Proof of liability insurance
Massage Therapist Examination Requirements
Massage therapists are licensed by examination. Prospective massage therapists are referred to two organizations: the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork . The Board will accept multiple examinations, including some that are no longer offered. State rules reference the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination , the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage , the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork . State rules also note that other examinations may be accepted requests are to be made in writing .
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards offers the MBLEx. By agreement between the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the MBLEx is now the sole examination intended to assess basic professional skills necessary for licensure. It is multiple choice and is available in both English and Spanish.
Candidates can submit applications online or through the mail . They must verify on the application form that they have read the candidate handbook. They must also remit a $195 fee. Transcripts are not required the FSMTB does caution, though, that passing the examination is not in and of itself sufficient to ensure licensure.
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What Is The Difference Between A Licensed Massage Therapist And A Certified Massage Therapist
So, in most states, therapists need to graduate from a recognized program and pass an exam before they can start practicing massage. But whatâs the difference between an LMT and a CMT?
The main difference between the two is the process they go through as the name implies, LMTs go through a licensure process, which is regulated by governmental agencies âwhile CMTs are certified by a private, non-governmental agency.
In states with licensing requirements, having a license is a legal requirement for practicing massage. Certification, on the other hand, is voluntaryâbut because it shows that the therapist meets the standard set by the certification board, it can be helpful in establishing credibility and attracting clients. So, in states with licensing requirements, all massage therapists need to get a massage therapy license and become LMTs in order to practiceâbut they can also opt to get their massage therapy certification and become CMTs.
Medical Massage Therapy Certification
The Medical Massage Therapy certification comprises multiple classes focusing on different parts of the body. Medical massage therapy is a type of remedy for those experiencing pain from injuries or illnesses. It applies corrective and restorative techniques to patients. To earn this certification, complete 600 hours of supervised instruction and pass an exam.
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Consider Opening Your Own Practice
Once youâre ready to start working, the first major fork in your career path will be whether to work with a larger, more established practice or branch out on your own.Both options have their pros and cons. Starting with an established clinic means youâll have a steady stream of clients, a steady income, and health insurance and other benefits. Especially if youâre just starting, it can be comforting to work under a more experienced therapist who can give you on-the-job tips to help you with the rest of your career.
However, in starting your own practice, you can be your own boss, setting your schedule, rates, and services. You can work out of your own home and build the career of your dreams. It may be a bit harder starting out, but you can say that youâve truly created something of your own.
Can I Have A Massage Establishment In My Home
Yes and no.
The short answer is that if your home is zoned residential, you should be able to obtain an establishment license in your home as long as it meets the requirements for inspection. There are not any state laws or board rules that prohibit a home in a residential area from obtaining a massage establishment license.
However, some cities/counties prohibit massage establishment home businesses. I am looking at you Orlando!
Contact your city or county government if you have questions about having a massage establishment in your home.
If your home is not zoned residential, read below.
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Preparing For Your Massage License
The full requirements for obtaining massage therapy licensing vary by state and may include:
- Passing the federal Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam
- State licensing exams
- A minimum number of training hours
- Payment of a fee
- Some states, like Florida, require board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork .
Most states massage therapy licenses are only valid for a period of time, such as two years, after which you must renew the license in order to keep practicing in that state. In many states, you must also complete continuing education hours as a condition of license renewal.
Passing your examswhether the MBLEx or another exam in the massage therapy field, including some for board certificationcan be a source of anxiety for many prospective massage therapists. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with test prep. For example, popular apps that help massage therapy students study for their required exams include:
American Massage Therapy Association Massage Exam AppPrepares students for the MBLEx exam with practice questions.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork administers a voluntary board certification exam called the BCETMB, which shows advanced standing among massage professionals and is required for graduate students in some states.
Criminal History Guidelines For Massage Therapy
DISCLAIMER: The Division uses this matrix simply as a starting point in making its licensing or disciplinary decisions, and therefore it is provided only for general informational and guidance purposes. Every applicant and licensee is unique, with individual circumstances that may involve aggravating or mitigating or other factors, including patterns of conduct that may affect any final decision. Please consult your attorney if you have questions.
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Finish Any Additional Requirements
It is possible you will need to submit materials in addition to the ones listed above.
I used to recommend people submit their school transcripts and exam scores in all cases. However, the Board office has updated their process, and sometimes they can make an application decision based on your state license verification.
Unfortunately, a complete list of which state licenses need to submit additional information is not available, as license verification comes in many forms and states sometimes change what they provide with a verification.
Once an application has been received, it will be reviewed by Board staff. Upon review, it may be necessary for Board staff to request the additional information below.
School Transcript
In some cases, the Board office can make the determination of completion of 500 hours without a transcript through the state verification. However, if this education equivalency cannot be determined, Board staff will request a change of application method and request documentation of education.
Exam Scores
As with school transcripts, if proof of exam cannot be determined through your license verification, the Board staff will request your licensing exam scores. If you took an exam to get your current license, or sometime after you got your license, you can most likely use those scores for your Florida license.
64B7-25.004 Endorsements. says the following about those who have an active license and are applying by endorsement: