Florida Massage Therapist State Requirements

Starting on a career path as a massage therapist in Florida has its prerequisites that you will need to make sure you complete. Like many, you might feel overwhelmed by the process required to become a licensed massage therapist in Florida. But there’s no need to worry. You're not alone in dealing with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy's regulations, obtaining your license, and keeping up with the necessary continuing education.

We walk you through understanding the regulations, monitoring your license status, and grasping essential knowledge. Keep reading for all the necessary insights and assurances to prepare you thoroughly for a successful career in massage therapy.

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How to Become a Massage Therapist in Florida

Starting a career as a massage therapist in Florida means completing a few important steps. First, you must finish 500 hours of training in massage therapy. Next, you must pass the MBLEX for massage skills and a test on Florida's specific massage laws. You'll also go through a background check. When applying, you'll fill out some forms and pay a fee. It’s a good idea to get insurance to protect your work. For more information, keep reading:

Education and Training Requirements:

Completion Requirements: You must receive and pass at least 500 hours of training, including theoretical and practical training, at a massage school approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
Examination Requirements: Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) conducted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). You must also complete a ten-hour course on Florida Laws and Rules pertinent to massage therapy.

License Requirement

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 or have received a high school diploma to qualify for a license
Background Check: A background check is mandatory, involving fingerprinting for a national criminal history check.
Application Process: Submit the completed application with a $50 non-refundable fee. Include proof of education, exam scores, and other necessary documents.

Massage Therapy Schools in Florida

For individuals interested in beginning or advancing their career in massage therapy in Florida, the state boasts numerous esteemed institutions featuring a range of programs that accommodate various preferences and specializations within the massage therapy profession. Below are overviews from various areas throughout Florida, each presenting distinct programs and areas of focus:

Sheridan Technical College, Hollywood: This school is part of the Broward County Public School District and offers a seven-month, 750-hour massage therapy program covering various key areas, including Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology.
Erwin Technical College, Tampa: Offers a nine-month, 750-hour program focusing on body awareness, ethics, and various massage techniques.
Manatee Technical College, Bradenton: This college offers an 11-month, 750-hour program covering therapeutic massage types like Swedish and neuromuscular, including a clinical practicum.
Southeastern College-West Palm Beach offers 900 clock hours of coursework and four clinical experiences, catering to full-time and part-time students.
Radford M Locklin Technical Center, Milton: This small public school offers a 750-hour program focusing on various massage therapies and requiring remedial classes for students with substandard scores.
La Belle Beauty Academy, Miami: This academy features a 600-hour program that includes clinical practices and focuses on various massage techniques and therapies.
Ridge Technical College, Winter Haven: This college offers a 750-hour program with labs and clinical experiences. The program focuses on safety, hygiene, and professional ethics alongside massage modalities.
Fortis Institute-Pensacola: Offers a 750-hour curriculum over 25 weeks, focusing on various core massage techniques and including clinical experiences.

Selecting the appropriate school includes evaluating the curriculum, accreditation status, practical training options, admission criteria, expenses, and class timings. Each school has distinct offerings, such as specializing in particular massage practices, a holistic curriculum including business skills and ethical considerations, or adaptable scheduling to suit students' needs.

Insurance Requirements

Massage liability insurance is necessary for professionals like massage therapists, although it's not a legal requirement in Florida. It is highly recommended that massage therapists in Florida and nationwide have the right coverage in place to provide peace of mind and career protection. A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive protection for massage therapists, providing $2 million in coverage per occurrence and a total aggregate coverage of $3 million. For more detailed information, check out our Florida massage insurance page.

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License Renewals for Massage Therapists in Florida

In Florida, massage therapists must maintain professional status through timely license renewals. Below is a guide for license renewals in Florida:

License Renewal Steps

Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed by a specific date; in Florida, licenses expire every two years on August 31 on odd years.
Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $100, plus any applicable online processing fees.
Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online for convenience and immediate processing.
Late Renewal: Late renewals incur additional fees, so it is crucial to renew on time to avoid these extra charges.
Continuing Education: Florida requires massage therapists to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years as part of the renewal process.
Background Check: Florida mandates that massage therapists undergo a background check at each renewal, with the applicant responsible for any associated fees.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

CE Hours: 24 CE hours are required every two years.
Hands-On Instruction: A portion of these hours must be in hands-on coursework; however, Florida regulations are subject to change, so it's important to verify the current requirements.
Flexible CE Hours: This includes various methods such as online courses, seminars, and hands-on workshops.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth renewal process, maintaining your license, and continuing your professional practice in Florida.

These requirements keep massage therapists current with the newest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, thus improving the quality of client care.

Regularly visit the Florida Board of Massage Therapy website for updates or changes in continuing education requirements.

MMIP offers over 60 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Florida or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know::

License Transfer Requirements:

Obtain official transcripts showcasing at least 500 hours of massage therapy education from a school approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
You must have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) conducted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
The Florida Massage Therapist Laws and Rules Exam must also be completed, which covers Florida-specific rules and laws.

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) allows LMTs to practice across multiple states with one license.

Florida's Position: Florida has no pending legislation regarding the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). The compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website offers the latest updates on which states have enacted, are pending, or have not introduced the relevant legislation.
About IMpact: The Compact aims to allow licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without additional licensing, promoting mobility within the profession. Each state must enact specific model legislation to join IMpact.

Read about the Interstate Massage Compact and its potential changes to the industry.

If you're a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Florida, it's important to stay updated on the state's participation status and any developments regarding the IMpact.

Regularly checking with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and professional organizations can provide the latest information and how it might affect your practice.

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