Regulations for a Mobile Massage Business in Florida

A mobile massage business is a business whereby a massage therapist performs massages in her client's homes, offices or desired locations rather than at a set location determined by the massage therapist, such as a clinic or office building. Although a mobile massage business might have no physical location, its proprietor must follow the same business operating procedures and laws as any other business in Florida to operate legally. Florida has regulations for business owners and for massage therapists, so be diligent in making sure you're in compliance.

Massage Therapist License

All individuals working as massage therapists in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, which is a division of the Florida Department of Health. You can obtain a license by filling out an application with the board. You must be 18 years of age, you must have completed coursework at an approved massage therapy school in Florida, and you must have passed a national certification examination. According to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, massage therapists must submit applications for licensing before a given deadline set by the board.

Massage Business License

Mobile massage business owners must apply for a business license with Florida's Division of Corporations so the state is aware of the mobile business' existence. The general business license is given by the division, once the massage therapist has filled out and submitted an application for a fictitious name registration. The Florida Department of State provides payment options and sets filing fees for Florida businesses. In June 2011, registration cost $50.

Mobile Massage Business Permits

A mobile massage business does not require any local permits, according to regulations outlined by the Florida state department. However, optional permits include a signage permit, which allows the massage owner to market and advertise the mobile massage service business using signs. The permit is issued by the planning and zoning department of the county where the mobile massage business owner resides.

Massage Therapist Taxes

The U.S. Small Business Administration states that business owners, including mobile massage business owners, must pay taxes on all earnings according to Florida business regulations. Mobile business owners must contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to get an employer identification number (EIN), associating the mobile massage business with the taxes filed at the end of the business' fiscal year. The form is free and available online.

References

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name
• IRS: Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Business Licenses & Permits Results - Florida
• Florida Department of State -- Divisions of Corporations: Fictitious Name Registration
• Florida Department of Health: Florida Board of Massage Therapy -- Application Information