Florida spa owners say there's a delay in massage business licensing -- and it's affecting revenue - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX

[Anthony Austin]

A Jacksonville spa owner submitted his application to the Florida Department of Health in November. One month later, he says he was still waiting for a response.



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Ask Anthony team is trying to get answers to why some new massage businesses in Florida are facing delays in receiving their licenses.


A Jacksonville spa owner contacted Anthony Austin for help, because the delay was affecting his revenue. Chris Pruitt and his wife, Rosie, are the owners of a new Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa off of Yellow Bluff Road in Jacksonville.


On November 3, they submitted their application to the Florida Department of Health to open a massage establishment. One month later, they were still waiting.


"We have employees that we've hired who simply cannot go to work. So, we're trying to keep them paid, especially during the holiday time while we wait for that approval," Chris Pruitt explained.


While they waited, a significant loss in revenue from not being able to operate their business at full capacity. On Tuesday, when Anthony Austin checked the state's website for application processing times for massage establishments, it said 14 to 16 days. On Thursday, it increased by two days with a wait time of 16 to 18 days.


While Pruitt dealt with the issue of keeping his employees paid, there were even more problems trying to get answers about the status of his application.


"It's a complete black box. They cannot tell you anything other than you're in line to be reviewed and that they do them in the order they receive, but nothing further can they provide you," Pruitt said.


Pruitt has spoken with others across the state who are dealing with the same issue. He wonders how many new massage establishment owners are struggling to keep the bills paid.


"We know there are people across the state who are in probably in the exact circumstance that we are," Pruitt said.


This problem has been resolved. The Pruitts not only reached out to the Ask Anthony team, but also two state elected leaders. Their application was reviewed and approved. A grand opening is scheduled for Saturday.


Anthony called a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health on Thursday who said they were looking into the issue. The spokesperson did mention that recent hurricanes and staffing issues could be the reason behind the delays.