The State of Florida Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 65,755 square miles of The Sunshine State, approximately 36,586 massage therapists work to help the more than 21.5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 890,467 people in Jacksonville, 454,279 people in Miami, and 387,916 people in Tampa, massage therapists who work in Florida can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Florida?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Florida, you must register with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. The registration fee is $155. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine.
In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours from an approved massage therapy program by the Board and must pass a national massage licensing examination.
Applicants must also complete two hour prevention of medical errors course, three hour HIV/AIDS course, and a ten hour Florida laws and rules course.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The Florida Board of Massage Therapy provides a list of approved schools where future LMTs can complete their 500 required hours.
Since there are dozens of education options in Florida, it may be helpful for you to narrow down where in Florida you would like to study. Miami is a popular city to study massage, with two leading programs there: Florida College of Natural Health and Miami Dade College.
- Florida College of Natural Health: Accredited by the ACCSC, students at this school can graduate in as little as six and a half months. This school has been serving Florida for more than 20 years, and many graduates work for the top massage and spa industry employers in the nation. Florida College of Natural Health also has locations in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
- Miami Dade College: This massage therapy program is approved by the State of Florida Board of Massage Therapy, and will prepare students to apply for one of the National Certification Board of examinations. Students will earn hours in hydrotherapy, anatomy and physiology, allied modalities, and standards for massage therapy.
Other education options outside of Miami include Central Florida School of Massage Therapy in Orlando and Alpha School of Massage in Jacksonville.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Florida was $50,561 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Naples-Marco Island earn a similar salary, with the average for this city at $49,171 annually.
“I take a massage each week. This isn’t an indulgence, it’s an investment in your full creative expression/productivity/passion and sustained good health.” Robin Sharma
Unlock a rewarding career in the thriving massage therapy industry by becoming a licensed massage therapist in Florida. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from educational requirements to passing the MBLEx, ensuring you’re well-prepared to succeed in this fulfilling profession.
Educational Requirements
To become a licensed massage therapist in Florida, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a state-approved massage therapy program if you do not already have a license from another state. These programs provide comprehensive training that prepares you for a successful career in massage therapy.
There is also a mandatory 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course that must be taken to receive your massage therapy license in Florida. If you completed your educational training at a board-approved massage school, you may have completed this mandatory course as part of your curriculum.
What is the MBLEx?
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practices in the field of massage therapy.
The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). It is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level massage therapists and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively. Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Florida.
Out-of-State License Transfer
If you have a license from another state and want to work in Florida as a massage therapist, the Board will review your transcripts and will determine if your background meets their requirements. Your background must either meet Florida requirements or exceed them. Additionally, you will have to complete the 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course with an approved provider.
Application Process for Licensure
After completing your education and passing the MBLEx, you need to apply for licensure in Florida. The process includes:
- Submitting Proof of Education: Documentation from your massage therapy program.
- MBLEx Scores: Official test scores sent to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
- Application Form: Complete the application available on the Florida Department of Health website.
- Application Fees: Pay the required fees as listed on the application form.
Background Check and Fingerprinting
Florida requires all massage therapy applicants to undergo a background check. This process includes:
- Fingerprinting: Visit an approved vendor to get your fingerprints taken.
- Background Check: The state conducts a thorough background check to ensure applicant eligibility.
- Fees and Processing: Pay the associated fees and allow time for processing.
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your license, Florida requires massage therapists to complete continuing education:
- Hours Required: A minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Approved Courses: Courses must be approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
- Renewal Process: Submit proof of continuing education with your license renewal application.
Florida Massage Insurance Requirements
While not legally required, having massage insurance is highly recommended for massage therapists to protect their practice and ensure financial security. Here’s an in-depth look at why insurance is important, the types of Florida massage liability insurance available, and additional resources for Florida massage therapists.
Importance of Insurance
Massage insurance provides essential protection against various risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:
- Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is crucial as it protects you from claims related to injuries or dissatisfaction with your services.
- General Liability: Protects against accidents and injuries that may occur on your business premises. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance covers medical costs and potential legal fees.
- Identity Protection Coverage: Provides protection against identity theft and threat incidents that would put personal information at risk. Typically includes credit monitoring, dark web scans, and recovery services if your information is jeopardized.
- Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re accused of libel, slander, or false advertising.
Resources
For more detailed information on insurance requirements and recommendations for massage therapists in Florida, consider the following resources:
- Florida Massage Insurance Requirements: This page provides specific information about insurance requirements and options in Florida.
- Florida Massage Liability Insurance: Learn about different types of liability insurance available to Florida massage therapists.
- Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. Currently only Nevada and Ohio have legislation enacted but therapists should keep a sharp eye on this for licensure reasons.
- Florida Board of Massage Therapy: Regularly visit the state website for any updates on regulations and state laws.
- MBLEx Guide: Dependable educational platform for completing the MBLEx.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Once you become a licensed massage therapist in Florida, numerous employment opportunities await you. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.
Workplaces
Massage therapists can find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Spas and Wellness Centers: These are common employers for massage therapists, providing relaxation and therapeutic services.
- Clinics and Hospitals: Medical settings where massage therapists may work alongside other healthcare professionals to assist in patient recovery and rehabilitation.
- Chiropractic Offices: Offering complementary care to chiropractic treatments.
- Private Practice: Many massage therapists choose to run their own businesses, providing services directly to clients either in a home office or by traveling to clients’ locations.
- Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Working with athletes to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Salary Expectations
The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:
- The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023
(Bureau of Labor Statistics) . - In Florida, the average annual salary for massage therapists is around $52,000, with variations depending on the specific metropolitan area. For example, in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area, the annual mean wage is approximately $52,000
(Bureau of Labor Statistics) .
Job Outlook
The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow significantly. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in approximately 22,000 new job openings each year, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage therapy and the need to replace retiring workers
Job Search Tips
To successfully land a job as a massage therapist, consider the following strategies:
- Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field through industry events, local massage therapy associations, and online platforms.
- Professional Associations: Join organizations like the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA). These associations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and job listings.
- Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for healthcare professionals to find job openings.
- Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in massage therapy by attending workshops and courses. This not only increases your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
- Marketing: If you are starting a private practice, invest in marketing efforts such as creating a professional website, using social media, and establishing partnerships with local businesses to attract clients.
Ensure Your Peace of Mind with Liability Insurance
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