The process of attaining a Florida massage license can be confusing, and you may not know where to begin. I know this firsthand, having transferred my own license through the Florida Endorsement process. I also receive emails and calls every week from people asking about their own unique situation.
I have compiled a list of the most common questions I receive from my 10-hour Florida laws and rules course students. Read below to see if any of the following scenarios are similar to yours, or if I can answer some of the most frequent questions about the process for you.
If you have a question not answered, please ask!
What do I need to do to get my Florida massage license?
There are two routes you should be aware of when applying for your Florida License. Before you begin, you should determine which route applies to you.
License by Endorsement:
This is for massage professionals who have:
- 500 hours of massage training from a school approved in their state
- Have passed a Florida Board-approved exam (MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or New York State),
- AND have a current massage license in another state
License by Examination:
This is basically massage professionals that do not meet the License by Endorsement criteria in one way or another.
- You qualify for this process if you have 500 hours of massage training, however:
- Have not passed a Florida Board-approved exam (MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or New York State), or
- Do not currently hold a valid massage license in another state.
I was Grandfathered, grandmothered, into licensure in my state. I never took the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or New York State exam.
Or
My state does not require the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or New York State to get a massage license.
You are most likely not going to like this answer. Yes, completion of the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or New York State is mandatory for licensure in Florida. I am sure you think you have forgotten everything you learned in school, but you haven’t. No one likes exams, but you can do this. I know this because I see people pass their exam using Massage Exam Academy’s MBLEx study guide and practice questions.
I did all the hard work and went to massage school years ago, but never actually got my Florida massage license.
Luckily, the hard work is done. If you did not take the NCETM, NCETMB, MBLEx, NESL, or New York State exam you will need to complete that requirement along with the three required continuing education courses.
I had a Florida massage license. Now I don’t, and I want one again.
There really is not a clear cut answer for this question. It really depends on how long you have been without your license.
Florida does allow you to go to inactive status. Then when you are ready to reactivate, you need to pay your back fees and show completion of all the continuing education you normally would have needed.
This is different than the endorsement process.
If you want to reinstate your license (if you did not apply for inactive status) see: 64B7-28.0042 Requirements for Reactivation of an Inactive License.
I would be prepared to appear before the board of massage to explain that you did not just let you license go to get out of paying for the CE requirements while on inactive status.
If it has been a while since you held a Florida license, then the process of reactivating a license is much like an initial application to the State.
Contact the Florida Board of Massage for more details: MQA_MassageTherapy@doh.state.fl.us
I was previously licensed in Florida, but I let my license become null and void. Now I am required to take courses and exams that I did not have to take the first time. Why?
When we let a license lapse, we take the chance that the laws and rules change. These rules may include a change in approved examinations or required courses. So, in order to get our license back, we sometimes have to take exams or courses because of those decisions.
The really hard work of going to school is behind you; do not let a few courses or one exam keep you from getting your license back.
I do not have 500 hours of massage training.
Florida is very stringent about the 500-hour requirement. 500 hours means 500 hours.
An example, if you had 350 hours of massage training, you will need to transfer those hours to another program and complete their 500-hour program. The five or ten plus years you may have under your belt practicing in another state or years of continuing education courses do not count towards obtaining your Florida license.
Contact schools in your area about transferring or making up your remaining hours. You will also need to take the MBLEx, NCETMB, or NESL exam and complete the other continuing education requirements before you get your Florida license.
I have 500+ hours and took the NACCOM exam, or some other State exam Florida does not accept.
Florida accepts the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, and NESL exams. Personally, I have not seen any leeway in this situation, except when the board moved to accept the New York State exam.
Contact the Florida Board of Massage about your previous exam. It is a long shot, but they may recommend you bring your case before the Board of Massage for review. Who knows? I cannot say for sure what they would do, unfortunately.
If you need to take an exam, you will be a license by examination candidate.
Can I have more than one massage therapy license?
Luckily massage licenses are not like citizenship; you do not have to relinquish one for another. You can hold a license in all fifty states if you want to. Getting a license in Florida does not negate the current massage license you hold.
If you keep both licenses current, you will just be dually licensed. I hold both Iowa and Florida massage licenses. I just follow the laws in the state that I am practicing.
I took the NCETMB or NCETM, but am not “nationally certified” anymore. Do I have to take the exam again?
It does not matter that your NCTMB credential has expired; it just matters that you took and passed the NCETMB exam at some point. There is no need to redo the exam.
These score reports need to be sent directly to the Board of Massage in Florida.
I have 500 hours of training from a school approved in my state, have passed a Florida Board-approved exam (NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or MBLEx), and have a current massage license in another state? What is next?
Good! This is a best-case scenario. You are a license by endorsement candidate. You should get started with your 10-hour laws and rules course.
How often does the Board of Massage approve licenses?
When you apply to the Board for a license, they open a file for you. That file stays open for one year.
Most times when all of your information is received by the Board and they have check marked (CE courses, application, transcript, exam score, and previous license info), they automatically kick out your license to the address you provided them within a few days.
Sometimes, if something does not look quite right with your background check or you have an international transcript, the Board of Massage will need to review your information. In that case, you will need to wait until the next board meeting to have the Board review your application and information.
Should I start this process before I move?
I highly suggest you start the process before you move. This will help minimize the gaps in income (so you can start working sooner) when you do move. It is the same cost to apply for a license now as it will be anytime before the next August 31st every odd year renewal deadline.
I would suggest starting the process a few months before you plan to move.
One, because it takes time to get all of your information to the Florida board (transcripts, test scores, proof of current license, course transcripts).
Second, if you are going to open a business where your clients come to you, you will most likely need to get a massage establishment license and inspection. This takes a couple of weeks to complete.
I was able to get my license by endorsement in about six weeks. That included sending a second school transcript because my first one never arrived at the Board office. Wherever that transcript is, I hope it is having a good time.
It is great you are planning ahead, many do not. Those people are in Florida unable to work as a massage therapist as they wait for their massage/establishment licenses.
I see that Florida massage licenses expire August 31st every odd year. When is the best time to apply for a license?
Every massage therapist needs 24 hours of CE’s at the biennial renewal, except new licensees or transfer licensees. New Florida massage therapists are required to complete one (1) CE Hour for every month or partial month from their date of licensure until the renewal date (August 31st, 2019).
Learn more about First time Florida license renewal here.
Grace Period: Massage therapists licensed between June – August of the renewal year (2019) fall into a grace period that allows them to wait until the next renewal period (2021) to renew their license for the first time.
These therapists will need to complete 24 CE Hours for their 2021 license renewal.
My massage school closed. Now what?
If you held a license in another state, often your state verification will have enough information for the Board to make the determination that you meet the minimum educational requirement. If not, here are some tips I have for finding massage transcripts for closed schools.
I also have a cosmetology, esthetician, or nail tech license I would like to transfer to Florida. How do I do that?
Cosmetologists, as well as facial and nail specialists, are licensed under a different Board and Department in Florida. If you need the 4 hour HIV/AIDS course to transfer your cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail tech license to Florida, visit FloridaCosmetologist.com for information on completing the required course and license/registration requirements.
What is the Florida Board of Massage Contact Information?
MAILING ADDRESS:
Department of Health
Board of Massage Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3257
For Applications and Fees (Regular Mail):
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330
PHONE: (850) 245-4161
FAX: (850) 921-6184
Email: MQA_MassageTherapy@doh.state.fl.us
It takes a couple of days for a response, but I have received great communication from the Florida Board of Massage through email.
Have other questions or a unique situation not listed?
Ask a question in the comments section below! I’d be happy to help you.
If you would prefer a private inquiry, you may contact me by email ivy@floridamassage.com or by phone: (319) 560-4143.
Ivy,
Thank you for your website. This has been so helpfull. I am trying to get my licence by endorsment in florida. I have graduated from a school with more than 500 hours training but some of the hours are in shiatsu and other bodywork. would that still count to the 500 hours in florida?
Sarah
Sarah,
Happy to hear that the site is useful. Typically, Florida accepts most schools that are approved in other jurisdictions. I would not think that you should have a problem.
Training must consist of 500 hours – Here is the breakdown (as you can see it is pretty generic)-
150-hour anatomy and physiology
225-hour massage techniques, theory, practicum and history
97 Hours of Allied Modalities (Includes Prevention of Medical Errors in Florida)
15 hours on hydrotherapy (or colonic irrigation)
These are included in most Florida Programs, and are the courses endorsement candidates need to complete when they move.
10 hours of training on Florida’s massage therapy laws and rules
3 hours on HIV and AIDS and 2 hours on preventing medical errors are no longer required for transfer applicants.
Here is the endorsement package from our site.
Hope this helps.
hi i was wondering about the break down of allied modalities of 97 hours as im transfering licence to new york and they argue with me about what allied covers in relation to which topics i try to explain that is was chinese medicine as i lack hours in this area for my new york licence but they need actually topic related areas and subjects covered and i dont know how to accomplish this as my school is closed down now and all my transcript says is 97 hours of allied and i tried everything so far do you have any advice
Unfortunately, I can’t be of much help. Allied modalities could be ANY modality (TPT, Thai, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, etc). Sorry!
Hello Ivy,
I was wondering if the CE hours that I obtained in 2012 while holding an Ohio Massage License could be used towards my renewal of my florida massage license that I obtained in december of 2012.. In other words, when i took the course of Ashi thai training I receivd CE hours but at the time I did not have a florida License, only an Ohio License.
Can these CE hours go towards my first renewal of my Florida License in August 2013?
Thanks,
Alice
Hi Alice,
Great question. Since those hours were in the biennial period, you would think that they count. But, I believe I have been told that you need to have your license at the time. That is the reason your 10 hour law, 3 hour HIV, etc courses do not count. You did not have a FL license number yet.
The law states -Licensees must complete one (1) hour of CE for each month or partial month that has elapsed since the issuance of the license for which renewal is sought, up to a maximum of 24 hours for the renewal period.
I will message the BOM to make sure. You could always call/email them too.
Also, the CE provider would need to be a FL approved provider too for the hours to count. Since you did not have a FL license number to give them, they never would have entered credits into CE Broker.
Take Care!
I got my license in 2001 in NC I do not remember the name of the exam. I know the mblex wasn’t around would it have been the ncetmb?
Hi
Thank you for putting all of this together. I am sure it is on here but figure just easier to ask. I am certified in Virginia and moving to Fl this summer. I have taken my NCTMB and have a Virginia state license. Can I just copy all my certificaitons and send them in or do I need to call the board and state to have stuff sent. Also do they require a stamped transcript from my school or can I again just make a copy of the one I have? Trying to do all this in one shot instead of getting letters back that I need xyz.
Any help would be great so i can get this going
Also I got certified last July so I have not taken any CE’s yet.
Thanks
Amy
Hi Amy,
Ivy is the expert, but I do know that everything has to come from your State and the Massage board and your school…You can not just send copies. Ivy has a page on her site that gives you steps on how to transfer your National license through endorsement.
Good Luck,
Alice
Hi, I had a florida Massage and colon license but I let it go null and void in 2001. Can I reinstate my license. I have searched DOH and Im still unclear as to being able to reinstate. If I can what are the steps I need to take? Thank you
Hi, I had a florida Massage and colon license but I let it go null and void in 2001. Can I reinstate my license. I have searched DOH and Im still unclear as to being able to reinstate. If I can what are the steps I need to take? Thank you very much
The reason they do not have anything up on the site is because it is different for each person that reinstates – so they want you to contact them first. They will tell you what you need to do to get your license back. You will likely just have to reapply and may need the 3 courses new licensees need (I have that package here). Also, if you took the old FL exam, you may need to take either the MBLEx, NCETM, or NESL.
Here is the email for the Board – mqa_massagetherapy@doh.state.fl.us
Let me know what you find out.
Ivy,
I am a LMT from New Jersey. Our second home is on Fla. We are planning a permanent move soon. The school in NJ i went to was 600 hours. And I will be taking the MBLex in the next week. The question i have is that i noticed that course breakdown has 15 hours in hydrotheraphy or colonic. This is not something that we had in the school I attended. Is htis another course I will have to take before I can get a license in Florida ?
Hi Suzy. Good question. You never know whether the board will be happy about your 100 extra hours, or dwell on the 15 hours you are deficient in this area. I do not think it should be a big issue. Certainly one that you should be able to resolve without too much hassle. I would email the Board and ask. And best wishes on the MBLEx!!!!!
I went to Southeastern Institute in Charlotte, NC. It was 500 hours of education. I have taken my MBLEx and passed. Currently working as a therapist. Do you know if SEI is a accepted school for a Florida Massage Therapy License? I know Southeastern has a school somewhere in Florida. And A++ website. Very awesome.
Hi Jacob,
Typically if the school is approved in your state/jurisdiction and it meets the FL minimum hours in all the subjects areas, then the FL Board should accept your hours there. It having another school in FL is promising too.
Since you have been to the site already (happy you liked it), I am sure you picked up your checklist. If you have not, it is on this page – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/endorsement-package/
Please let me know if you have any other questions, Jacob.
Hi my question is .. I graduated massage school, took and passed MBLEX in the state of NH. I have not yet applied for my license in NH. I am moving to Florida. So instead of paying twice, I would just like to get my Florida license. so Do I do endorsement or examination? I have already taken the required Fl classes.. Laws, HIV, and medical..
Thanks Mary
Hi Mary,
You would apply as an examination candidate since you do not have a current license.
Best wishes,
Ivy
Hi Ivy
I think I fall into the endorsment category. I hold my curren license in the state of Maryland. We had to pass the NCBTMB to get our license. In maryland you do not need to keep the National Certification updated. Just you license. Is that an exam that the Florida board will recognize as long as my license is in current standing?
I will be taking your course if all my other requirements are satisfied! Thank you
Nia
Hi Nia,
You are correct. You are an endorsement candidate. Here is the endorsement checklist I made if you do not have it already. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ivy
Hi Ivy
Thanks for the quick response. One last question..I read that I would have to send my info in by Aug to qualify to re certify by 2015. Is that still the case if I certify now?
Thank you
Nia
I have a DWI will that be a problem to apply for florida massage license?
I believe you will need to put it on you application (not positive about this), but I have never heard of a DWI/DUI/OMVI keeping someone from getting their massage license. You can email the board to verify this if you want to be sure.
Hello Mary……I also had a DWI, and still got my Florida LMT license. However, they WILL require ALL of the info…date, charge, plea, judges ruling, penalty, fine, police report etc. The more details you can provide, the better you will do…but Florida is VERY helpful, usually when you call, you get a live person, and they can usually get you to whom you need to talk to…pretty efficient process. Good Luck!
Thanks for the info, Turk!
Mary,
Did you ever find out information on the DWI situation? I recently got a DUI and I am concerned about my future?
Thanks Casey
Hi Casey,
Here is the FL BOM email that you can use. You should get a response within a day.
MQA_MassageTherapy@doh.state.fl.us
Hi Casey,
I notified board as “Ivy” suggested this past Thursday, I am currently waiting to hear back.
Best wishes
Mary
I just passed my FL exams! I wanted to know about massage Insurance. I was confused if that was someting all Fl therapists have to carry on their own or is it covered by the salon if we work at one? Also any suggestions for companies
thank you
Yay!
Most of the time you are responsible for having your own professional liability insurance. The salon *may* (rarely) reimburse you for the expense (more likely if you are an employee). If the salon holds the establishment license, they will likely pay for the property -slip/trip fall insurance.
As far as professional liability insurance (AMTA, ABMP, and Massage Mag Insurance Plus), I like them all and have had them all. I currently have Massage Mag Insurance plus. I have been happy with with their coverage and service. If you go to AMTA conventions, I recommend them (because of the convention discount), and I always loved the service and people from ABMP.
Hello Ivy,
I am a LMT and a RNC-OB in Texas. I also hold a Florida RN license (Travel Nurse). We are required to have
The HIV and Prevention of medical errors for our nursing license. Does this mean all I need to
take is the Florida Massage Law CE course in order to apply for license by endorsement?
I completed a 500 hr. Massage Therapy course and passed both MBLEX AND NESL.
Hi Laurie,
I had to dig a little, but I found my blog about if you have already taken the other two courses. You can ready more about that here – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/massage-blog/hivaids-florida-license/. What I am not completely sure about is if those courses are Board-specific. You can check cebroker to verify a provider under the massage board, or just email/call the board to make sure the courses would count.
If they are approved, you would only need the 10 hour Florida law and rules – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/florida-law-and-rules-10-hours/
If not, you would then need to complete the endorsement package – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/endorsement-package/
I know this is not a definitive answer for you, but I sometimes like people to verify things like this with the Board so they do not encounter any needless delays in obtaining their licenses.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hopefully I will be of more help ;)
Ivy
Hi Ivy,
I plan a move to Florida and have started looking into what the requirements are. I was grandfathered into my Massage License in PA back in 2011 I believe. Am I needing to take an actual exam for their approval? I have been in the field working since June 2006 and completeled 950 hours in school. I am slightly confused at what to do! I did look over your check lsts but I’m still not sure which one I should go with!
Hi Sara,
According to this information you would be an examination candidate since you have not completed a board-approved exam yet (correct?).
Here is that checklist for you. https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/wp-content/uploads/florida-examination-checklist.pdf
If you have any other questions about getting started with the license process or exam preparation, do not be afraid to email me.
ivy@advancedmassagetechniques.com
As an endorsement candidate, does it matter when you took the 3 required FL courses? For example, I took a 3ceu course for HIV/AIDS in 2008, a 2ceu Preventing Medical Errors course in 2010, if I wanted to apply for a FL license in 2015, would I have to re-take the 2 I’ve already taken?
Hi Jessica,
It should not matter when you took them as long as they are from a Florida board approved provider. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Ivy!
I have relocated from a state (WY) which currently does not have any license requirements.
Thank goodness for the wealth of information you have provided to me here thus far! The licensure process in Florida is extremely confusing! Since this is all very new to me do you have any recommendations (preferably online) where I can take these required courses in Florida?
I also would kindly like confirmation that I have understood correctly that I must take the MBLEx prior to taking these required courses for licensure?
Hi Cass,
The courses you need are actually available on this site. You were so close! Here is the direct link to the package I have with all three courses.
And it is all online :)
If you have not taken a board approved exam (NESL,NCETMB, NCETM, or the MBLEx), then you do have to complete one. Since the MBLEx is the only one available now, I recommend that one. Actually, I have preferred that exam for a while. If you are looking for resources for studying for the exam, you can visit my other site, Massage Exam Academy, to learn more about preparing for the MBLEx. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hey Ivy! I’m looking into moving to Florida from Minnesota. Minnesota does not have a license for the state, but I am licensed in the city of Austin. Does that still count as endorsement?
Hi Megan,
That is not a state license, so you would still be an examination candidate. Here are those requirements: https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/wp-content/uploads/florida-examination-checklist.pdf
I had a. Florida massage license and fail to renew it 7 months ago becouse of financial treasons can i take the ce classes and renew my license
Yes. You will need to pay the renewal fee and a late fee. The renewal was in August of 2013, so you likely need more hours and show proof of having level 2 fingerprinting. If you let this go past this August 31st, you will have to reapply to the board and start the licensing process over. Let me know if you have other questions. There are many renewal packages available on this site.
I have a question I got a DUI In April 2014 the final court date was Oct. 2014 well I wasn’t aware that I had to report it to the Board of Massage. I didn’t think it had anything to do with my massage license so it didn’t even cross my mind to say something. Well I had to submit finger prints and back ground check mandatory for Florida this year and I just got a letter stating a claim has been open against me for not reporting the DUI . Now I have to submit an explanation to the board along with the arrest record and the final outcome. Well my question is and I have no idea what to write to the board? Should I hire an attorney to help me with this? And has anyone else gone thru this do they fine you or take your license? I don’t know what to expect and I’m worried I’m gonna lose my license. This is the first time I’ve ever had a complaint on me.
Hi Michelle,
I have to talked to a few people moving to FL and worried that a past DUI/DWI would affect their ability to get a license. All have told me they reported it on their application and none have reported back to me that it has got in the way of getting a license if that makes you feel better. None of them have told me that they have used an attorney for this matter. I understand that this could be overlooked on your part, but it is part of our responsibility as licensees to report any convictions to the BOM. Just be honest about the situation and that you did not think to report it and were not trying to hide anything from them. You may fined by the BOM and hiring an attorney is completely up to you.
Hello,
I was going through the FAQ’s and submitted questions but haven’t come across anything regarding the Live Scan finger printing. I am in Illinois and I had mine done when I first got licensed but I don’t see anything that says if I am to contact the state and have them sent to the Florida board or if this is something that even needs to be done. I have found some info on renews and finger printing but nothing on transferring your license. Thank you for all of your help.
Hi Brandi,
It is a requirement for all new applications since July. It should be on the checklist in your member area too. In the Blog section of this website I have a post about Fingerprinting. Also check out the post on avoiding delays with getting your license. There are some tips for fingerprinting and getting your license in a timely manner;)
I am licensed in the state of TX and have submitted everything to the Board as required. The only hiccup is that my massage school is through a University as opposed to a massage school, so the State of Texas Board of Massage Therapy will not send a letter saying that my school was an approved school. The best they can do is send a statement that says that the University is an approved school with the Southern Association of Colleges. Many, many, many attempts to speak with someone at the Florida Board has been frustrating since I cannot get them to return a phone call or answer an e-mail. My school sent a link to the Board that shows the University as an approved school; however, I can’t get the FL Board to respond to my calls or e-mails to see if that is sufficient. I’m going on six months now with this one issue. Any suggestions?
I really don’t think Texas need to send a letter saying the school is approved. Did someone ask you to do this? The school needs to send your transcript with a breakdown of hours. Have they done that yet? What Texas needs to do is send proof of your license status and that there have been no disciplinary actions against you. Have you logged into your account to see what is missing and not missing on the Florida Board website? That might give you some hints on what needs to be done yet. If you need help with that send me an email. I know it can be frustrating trying to get ahold of the board, so keep trying.
I don’t have an answer. But I will tell you that a lot of people are having the same problem with the Florida massage board. They don’t respond quickly.
First go onto the website and see what’s missing. Is it the same thing they keep saying its incomplete even though it’s been sent? Next, who sends in your transcripts at your school, you need a direct number of someone who is always working with you. Who is your case worker? Find out who it is,dont email,you will not get a response. Find out who your case worker is,get them on the phone and ask to speak to someone higher up,dont be rude,its not there fault. Get a direct number and name and email if possible and call daily if needed. Next, get the person who sends the transcripts in from your school on the phone e with the Florida board and keep them talking weekly if needed. You need to stay on both your school and the board. Call weekly or daily if needed. The most important thing is to get the board and school speaking to each other. I went back and forth for 6 months and it turned out my school was not sending the correct type of COUNTERFEIT PAPER! So yeah sometimes it something so mundane it’s mind blowing. Hope this helps.
Hi Ivy,
I graduated from a 500hr massage school in Tennessee 4 yrs ago and passed the Mblex. We decided to move to Florida 2 yrs ago so I was able to retire my Tennessee license. I am now interested in getting back into massage and getting my Florida license. I’m wondering if my retired license is a problem?
Thank you so much
I would contact the TN board of massage. You likely will just need to show proof of CEs completed and pay your renewal fees or application fees. It has not been a terribly long time, so I would not expect anything too difficult for you. Best wishes!
Hi! Do the HIV and law classes required for transfers need to be in class or can they be online? In TN we can only have so many online ce’s and the rest must be in person.
They can be online or in class for the licensing classes. They must be from a FL approved CE provider or school.
hi Ivy, i read through your florida checklist and had a couple of questions. i have been a massage therapist in Illinois since 1997 and was grandfathered into licensing in 2005. grandfathered because I had 10 years working as a full time massage therapist but only 100 hours of initial training as was the most common amount of school available at the time. so based on your list it sounded like if you were grandfathered in but didn’t take the exam you just need to take the exam and have the state forward proof of your license (and take the 3 classes they require). Is this correct or would i have to take additional hours to get to 500? of course i have many hours of CE’s but not 500 all together. can you please clarify? thank you, Robin
Hi Robin,
From what I have seen, Florida does require completion of a 500 hour program (not including CE), even from states where those were grandfathered. I have a flow chart on this page – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/endorsement-package/
I know that is not the news you want to hear and I ALWAYS recommend contacting the FL board of massage to see if they have any suggestions or know of any other options and avenues you could take.
Hello,
I am currently in school for massage therapy in the state of Connecticut but i’m planning on moving and getting licensed in the state of Florida and want to take the additional 15 hour course for HIV etc. online as soon as possible. Can I take this course while in school or do I have to wait until I graduate and pass the MBLEX to being the coure?
Thank you!!
You can take the courses needed for licensure any time, even if you are still in school.
Hello, i am a certified massage therapist in minnesota. I am relocating to Florida sometime in august. I have never had any state transfers or renewed my license yet. i dont really know all the process and especially about florida. What are the steps that i have to take to get my license transferred and the fees and any exams that i have to take? I just want to plan ahead and meet the florida state requirements. Thank you!!!
Hi Yang, I know we have talked about this, but I am going to post my reply here just in case others have the same question. Hello!
You will need to show proof of completing a 500 hour massage program (at minimum). I know Minnesota does not have any statewide hours requirement, so that would be the most important thing to have done.
You will need to take the MBLEx.
You will need to take 10 hour law. It can be done now and online before you move.
You will need to complete a background check (fingerprinting) – http://www.fieldprintflorida.com
Here is a checklist I have to help you – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/wp-content/uploads/florida-examination-checklist.pdf
Let me know if you have any questions after looking it over.