Massage School Requirements in Florida

Do you want to attend massage schools in Florida? Read this comprehensive article to get started.

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Firstly, the state of Florida is a very desirable place to work as a massage therapist.

So you can enjoy the warm weather alongside the blossoming and continuous tourist seasons year-round.

Many spas, hotels and attractions geared towards the rich and famous are located in this “Sunny State of the United States”.

There are many massage therapists working in this state.

And also, in this article, you will find an overview of the massage industry in the state of Florida.

So scroll straight to the bottom to see a list of the top massage therapy schools in Florida.

Massage Schools in Florida – Brief Summary 

All massage therapy establishments and professionals operate under the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.

massage schools in florida

Because this agency is a part of the Florida Department of Health who regulates, creates rules.

And also,  oversees all practices of the massage industry.

So the board has passed many laws and regulations.

Including terms and conditions regarding the massage workforce and other similar fields.

There are approximately 28,000 registered massage practitioners working in the state of Florida.

Furthermore, in order to apply for a massage license.

The applicant is required to pass the National Certificate Examination for Massage.

And also, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy requires you to renew your license every two years along with an associated fee.

Schooling Details and Requirements (Credit Hours)

However, there are 80 noteworthy massage schools in Florida.

And also, you must be 18 to be eligible for acquiring a license.

And also, pursuing your massage therapy education.

In addition, you must either pass the Massage Certificate Program with a minimum of 500 working.

And training hours or complete an Apprenticeship Training Program.

So which can last up to 12 months in the state of Florida?

Aside from this, you must also pass a two-hour medical errors course.

So needless to say, the requirements in the state of Florida are stringent.

And also, require much attention on the applicant’s part.

Qualifying Massage Schools in Florida

Furthermore, the following are some of the top quality massage schools in Florida.

So that you can attend in the state of Florida, along with contact information:

  • Barbara Brennan School of Healing 500 NE Spanish River Blvd. #208 Boca Raton, FL 33431 (800)924.2564
  • Boca Beauty Academy 7820 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33434 (561)487.1191
  • International Institute for Health Care Professionals 600 South Dixie Hwy #211 Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561)394.5822
  • Bonita Springs School of Massage and Cosmetology 10915 Bonita Beach Road SE #2111 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (239)495.0714

And also, the above is not a comprehensive list of massage schools in Florida.

So for detailed information about the schools and the training department.

And also, you can follow the link by clicking here.

Licensing/Certification Requirements

Therefore, in order to become a registered massage practitioner in the state of Florida.

So you need to complete the certificate requirements.

That is recognized by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

And also, understand that the state of Florida also accepts the Advance Exam.

That should be passed by the applicant with a minimum of 250 hours post graduation hands-on massage therapy experience.

In addition to all this, the state of Florida also requires you to fulfil the following requirements:

  • Graduation from recognized and approved massage schools in Florida.
  • Complete a Florida State Massage application.
  • Completion of the following courses:
    1. Two hours from taking the medical error course.
    2. HIV course comprising of 3 hours.
    3. Laws and rules of the state; 10 hours from an accredited massage school in Florida.
  • A complete criminal record background check.
  • Passing either of NCETM/NCETMB or MBLEx.

So you can keep a tab on your application status online at this link.

Key Agencies / Boards involved and their contact information

And also, the organization associated with regulating all massage therapy rules in the state is the Florida Department of Health Medical Quality Assurance Board of Massage Therapy.

The physical and the mailing address are as follows:

  • Physical: Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Phone: 850-245-4161 Fax: 850-921-6184
  • Mailing: Department of Health Payment Management PO Box 6330 Tallahassee, FL 32314

Alternatively, you can also visit the board’s official website or check here.

Requirements to Start a Massage Business in Florida (Massage Establishment License)

And also, in order to start a massage business in the state of Florida,

And also, you must first complete and file an application.

So you can find the PDF version of the form here.

However, you will need to include all of the requested information in order for your application to be processed successfully.

And also be aware that your application will screen for any falsely provided information.

Because it is advisable to provide only true.

And also, acceptable information when submitting your application.

So any false information will cause your application to be terminated.

The total application fee is $255.

So which includes the following:

  • $150 application fee,
  • $ 100 License fee,
  • The unlicensed activity fee is $5.

However, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy also requires proof of insurance.

Because this insurance must be in the original business owner’s name.

And also, this individual can only receive the massage therapy license and associated benefits.

Massage License Renewal Process

So the Florida Department of Health sends out a letter of notice 90 days before your massage therapy license expires.

And also, you can submit your renewal application online if your business meets the following criteria:

  • Does not change the license status.
  • And also, Credit or debit card is available to complete the transaction.
  • The license is not military action.
  • The license has not been revoked and is under active status.

And also, if the license has been renewed before the expiration date.

So then the total fee will be $105.

But if done after the renewal date, the fee charged is $180.

So which includes extra levied charges.

The Florida Board of Massage Therapy will cancel your license if it is not renewed within 6 months of the expiration date.

Massage License Reciprocity

So for endorsement, you must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Be of 18 years of age.
  • Submit application or license.
  • Have passed the high school or graduate equivalent diploma.

Note: Specific personal information, office addresses, fees, payments etc.

may change over time.

Although we do our best to keep this site up to date.

So please ensure you contact the state board to obtain the most recent information at the time of your application. 

So here is a list of the top massage schools in Florida near you.

And also, we have an arrangement with all of them that allow you to request information for FREE.

Lastly, please do so and take that first step toward a better future.

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Video lesson

Read how to become a massage school teacher in Florida here.y

Neal Lyons is a founding member and volunteer contributor at the MTSI Institute, an information based portal dedicated to guiding and assisting aspiring massage therapists establish a successful career in massage. Neal is a published author and has collaborated on several mobile applications that serve the massage profession. You can view his published work on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and on Google+

9 comments on “Massage School Requirements in Florida
  1. regina passee says:

    I would like to what is the cost of the fees and how possible for someone from the caribbean apply?

    • Neal Lyons says:

      You first need to select the State where you want to attend school. We have articles on each State that tells you the specific requirements, costs/fees, etc. Let us know if you have any specific questions after you read these articles. Students from the Caribbean apply to US massage schools all the time.

  2. Nicole says:

    I am a cmt in delaware. I am thinking about moving to florida. I’m trying to find out if I can massage in Florida with a cmt license or do I have to take my nationals?

    • Neal Lyons says:

      Did you contact FL and find out? You should be able to practice with a license. Make sure you apply for the reciprocity process if it exists between Delaware and Florida. It makes the transition simple, and in some cases instant.

  3. Sharon Jones says:

    I am a CMT in Texas. I have completed over 800 hours to receive my certification. Would I be able to practice in FL?

    • Neal Lyons says:

      Sharon, given that the TX requirements are more stringent, as long as you meet the license reciprocity requirements you should be ok in terms of the hours you have. Does that help? Have you contacted the FL board? If so, can you share with us their feedback to you?

  4. Toni Crosby says:

    Hello …I have a massage practice in Georgia. i am considering a move to Florida by next summer…I have a Georgia License and I am also insured since 2007…Can i massage in Florida with these credentials? Or do i need to take a test

    • Neal Lyons says:

      Most likely yes Toni. What we would suggest is reading the most recent requirements to practice in Florida and then comparing those to the requirements you have already fulfilled in GA. If they are similar you will likely be ok. If not, you will have to plug the gap. As you know, requirements can be dynamic in that they change every now and then. Our suggestion is to have the FL regulatory agency do an evaluation of your experience and credentials (stuff you have already done and accomplished) and let them advise you on what else you need or whether you can move ahead with your practice. If the latter, then you simply have to file the forms required for the license transfer.

    • Nancy says:

      Hi Toni!
      I am curious, did you ever find out about moving to Florida with your Georgia Massage license? ? I too am planning to open a satellite office in north Florida & I currently am licensed in Georgia. .
      I am just starting the research myself however, would appreciate any info you have learned in your search.
      Thanks!!

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