Florida Massage Therapy Insurance
How Much Does Massage Liability Insurance Cost in Florida?
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
299
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
159
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.43/day
Florida Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines
When people hear the term “malpractice insurance,” they automatically think of doctor errors and mistakes on the operating table. Often, malpractice insurance is reserved for physicians who practice and perform invasive, delicate, and life-or-death operations. However, malpractice insurance is necessary for a variety of healthcare professions, including professional touch therapists. Massage liability insurance provides safety for massage practitioners in the event that a current or former patient sues them. While massage therapy may appear to be a low-risk career, no one can control or predict the decisions of patients. In an age where suing is second nature, even when the problem that is rising seems so minor, massage professionals need to have the protection afforded by insurance.
The decision regarding whether or not to have bodyworker insurance is often not left to the practitioner, as many states require that professional bodyworkers have coverage. This is not the case in the state of Florida, where the Florida Board of Massage Therapy does not require MTs to purchase and maintain massage therapy insurance. While it is not legally required to hold massage insurance coverage, it is beneficial for many reasons, as it not only keeps you safe, but also your clients, business, and future. Carrying insurance coverage protects the massage therapist in the event that their services do more harm than good. Additionally, the insurance offers coverage in the unlikely event a person slips and falls at the office or has any other type of accident while on the premises.
Clearly, while massage insurance is not required in the state of Florida, having the coverage is beneficial for both the therapist and the client, as it offers the peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong, coverage is available, and customers are at ease that their therapist is both licensed and insured.
Any individual who wishes to become a massage therapist in Florida must have completed at least 500 classroom hours of training with a certified instructor. While the applicant has the ability to choose the school and instructor, the instruction must have been approved by the state to offer massage therapist licensing. It is important to note that the training must be completed in-person and not done online. In addition to the classroom training, the applicant must take and pass the MBLEx exam. This exam covers all aspects of therapeutic massage and ensures that the test taker is prepared and ready to be a therapist. Applicants must also complete an HIV/AIDS course, as requested by the state.
After passing the exam, individuals can apply directly to the Florida Department of Public Health. Along with the completed application, individuals must submit a photograph, proof of completion of a massage school, proof of passage of the MBLEx, and an application fee. As long as the required paperwork and coursework is complete, the state of Florida will issue a massage therapist’s license.
Florida Massage Therapy Resources
The following are state resources, including some Florida employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you: Florida massage employment statistics as of 2019: $47, 470
Source: Forbes.com
Education Requirements: Required Education Hours: 500 hours. Written or Practical Exam: Written Exam. Exam Administered: MBLEx. CEUs Required: 24 hours every 2 years
Source: MassageTherapyLicense.org
For additional information about massage therapy in Florida, follow these links: State massage information: FloridaMassageTherapy.org
State employment stats: Bls.gov
Compare Florida massage therapist employment statistics to other states: Bls.gov
Everything You Need to Know About Renewals in Florida
License renewals are on August 31 of odd-numbered years
If this is a massage therapist's first time renewing their license, the requirements are slightly different. Florida first-time renewals are required to complete one (1) CE Hour for every month or partial month from your date of licensure until the renewal date. This is specifically what they need.
During the first biennial renewal cycle, the licensee shall complete:
- Two instruction hours in the prevention of medical errors, pursuant to Section 456.013(7), F.S.
- One hour in human trafficking awareness.
- One instruction hour for each month or partial month licensed. The overall number of required hours for renewal in the first biennial renewal cycle shall include the required hours of instruction in the prevention of medical errors and human trafficking awareness.
Not a First-Time Renewal? Read on.
If this is not a first-time renewal, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education. These hours must be completed since the last license renewal deadline. Continuing education hours do not carry over in Florida.
12 hours must be “live” and the other 12 can be “live” or online. Then there 4 “mandatory” courses:
- 2 hours Florida Law and Rules
- 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors
- 2 hours of Professional Ethics (such as Roles and Boundaries)
- 1 hour in human trafficking awareness
Massage Liability Insurance Options for Florida Massage Therapists
With Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, you have three policy options to choose from. All policy options include the same great coverage and exclusive membership benefits.
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
299
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
159
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.43/day
MMIP Insurance Perks & Benefits
MMIP Insurance Policy Limits
Who Is Massage Magazine Insurance Plus?
With a rich history of 38 years in the industry, MASSAGE Magazine created Massage Magazine Insurance Plus as a comprehensive national liability insurance policy for professionals in the fields of health, wellness, and beauty.
Now supported by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., our members can benefit from enhanced insurance coverage that is both reliable and backed by esteemed partners. Despite these advancements, our dedicated team at MASSAGE Magazine, serving the massage and bodywork industry since 1985, continues to operate the program.
I have used Massage Magazine Insurance Plus for years! Excellent, friendly service and easy renewal process, in addition to affordable rates. In my experience, customer service has always been able to easily resolve any questions or issues with a single phone call. Highly recommend!
Anna S.
I've been very happy with Insurance Plus for my liability insurance needs for nearly a decade. Reasonable pricing, easy process for starting and renewing this coverage, and accessible documents. As a Reiki Master who offers other modalities, I have been pleased with Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and feel grateful.
Erika S.
Although I have never had to make a claim, I have been insured by Insurance Plus since around 1998. I find it meets my commercial needs, extremely affordable compared to other standard insurers available with coverage that gives me a sense of confidence that I am protected. I will continue to be a faithful client.
Helen W.
REASONS WHY
Over 200,000 Professionals Have Chosen MMIP
We take great pride in offering a coverage type that comes highly recommended by the industry. Our occurrence form coverage with individual aggregate limits sets us apart from the rest.
Moreover, our extensive annual coverage, which amounts to millions, along with our exceptional customer service, further solidifies why countless professionals opt for MMIP.
We offer occurrence form coverage
Our policy has "occurrence form coverage" which is the industry-preferred coverage type which guarantees protection against claims that occurred while your policy was in effect, even if the claim arises after your policy has expired.
We cover over 500 modalities & disciplines
Our policy was designed to cover dual-practitioners in the beauty & bodywork industry for no additional cost.
However, there are some practices that our policy does not cover. Click here to learn more.