10 points for real answer with real sources>> Do i have to be licensed to do massage?

[Angelis]

Please dont just say yes or no. Tell me how you know this. I am in FL and want to start doing massage on the side I have a professional table and have been doing this for years without charging money and am excellent at what I do. Do i have to be licensed? If yes, why? What can happen anyway if I do private massage in peoples homes and charge them? I am going to do it regardless, I just would like to know if anyone honestly knows how and why since it is private in their homes. Thank you.

 

[Thomas]

Any massage where the person massaging presents themselves as a professional without having a license is illegal, Any time money or anything else of value is exchanged for a massage without the person providing the service having a state license is the violation of the state practice act.

You can massage friends even strangers IF no funds are exchanged and they fully understand you are not a massage therapist. You have the same status any other person has when choosing to massage an acquaintance - if it is mutually agreeable and there is no money, items of value or sexual favors - it is legal. These simple rules apply in nearly every state.

You cannot accept anything of value - even tips would cause you to be serious violation of the state practice acts. I have included a link to each states specific regulations. Usually part of the state's medical practice act.

 

[Dee]

Yes. I can't explain here. Go to source might help you.

 

[David]

It all depends if you are collecting money or doing barder, then you have to have a business license, at least. Since Florida does not have State licensing, it does not mean there is a free-for-all unregulated situation in regard to massage. What it means is that every municipality has the responsibility of making their own laws regarding massage.

This varies by locality, but in most places in Florida you will need to complete some form of licensing requirement to practice massage, in addition to the regular business license. Any such licensing will require a Certified Massage Therapist certificate from a properly approved school.

If you are uncertified, it is not wise to practice massage professionally even if this is not illegal in your location. Every type of massage has certain contraindications and can cause harm to certain individuals in certain situations. You will not be able to get liability insurance without proper credentials.

Even if you familiarize yourself with the safety information, providing massage in exchange for money opens you to legal exposure. You don't have to actually hurt someone to end up as the defendant in a lawsuit. This can potentially bankrupt you whether or not you prevail in court.

 

[Tommy C]

ABSOLUTELY!! Even with a professional table and a "feeling" of what is right or wrong for the people you touch, you DEFINITELY need to be licensed in the State of Florida. There are specific regulations about the type of massage practices you can perform on those that are in your scope of practice as well. However, I will say this - most states allow for the private work on FAMILY ONLY, but at no charge. It would be easy to get busted for doing outcalls somewhere, merely by being visible carrying a massage table/chair in its case and lugging it into a location. And, even more so, the possibility of someone from the Florida Massage Board randomly being in an area you're in, you can't predict, nor, want to deal with if you get caught. In some states, it is a misdemeanor to break any kind of Massage Board policy and can land you into fines as little as $5,000.00, sanctions on a license you don't even have yet of up to 3-years, and even, in even more extreme cases, jail time. Check your specific state's regulations with regards to massage, memorize it as your personal bible, and do yourself a favor, go to school to fully understand the human body, its systems, its "enemies," and other modalities that you can use to fully enhance someone's life. There's a HUGE amount of financial aid out there for schools that are Federally accredited, and the time in school can be as little as 8-months, again, depending on your state's regulations for licensure. Good luck and happy touching (without the happy ending, of course!).