For Texas massage therapists moving to Florida, the steps required to getting a Florida Massage License depends on how many hours of massage education you have.
300 hours of Training
Before 2007, Texas had one of the lowest training requirements for massage therapists at 300 hours, and their own state licensing exam.
500 hours of Training
Since 2007, Texas has required that massage therapists complete at least 500 hours of training and pass a board-approved licensing exam (MBLEx, NCETMB) before obtaining a massage therapy license.
Based on the above, here is what you need to do next.
If you have 500 (or more) hours of training…
If you have 500 hours of massage training, please see this page on transferring your massage license to Florida.
You will next determine if you are a license by examination or endorsement candidate. This will be based on your current license situation (active or expired), and whether you took a Florida Board-Approved Examination. Florida does not accept the old Texas State Licensing Exam.
Once you determine if you are an endorsement or examination candidate, be sure to print off a free checklist to help guide you step-by-step through the Florida license process.
If you have less than 500 hours of training…
The Florida Board of Massage requires 500 hours of formal massage education, and they make no exceptions to this rule. My suggestion is that you contact the Florida Board to request a list of board-approved schools that will allow you to sit in class and make up the remaining hours you need to get your license.
You will also need to complete a Florida board-approved exam (MBLEx, NCETM, NCETMB, NESL).
If you have a more specific question or situation, please leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help!
Renewing Your Florida Massage Establishment License
Hi. I was wondering if you knew whether CE hours count toward the required 500 hours? I’ve had my TX license since 1999. I haven’t had the best of luck talking to the FL Board getting a straight answer. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
From what I have always been told, CE credits do not count towards the 500 hours. I had one person that had a problem because the graduated from a 350 school and a 250 hour school. Florida said they needed them to graduate from a 500 hour school and the combination of 600 hours did not count. I think they were going to appeal that. I know it is hard to get a straight answer sometimes. Ask to talk to a supervisor next time you call. Best wishes!
I also have a 300 hr license from TX with many years of practice and CEUs. I was wondering if I found a class in TX to upgrade my license to a 500 hr one if that would work or if I should pick up the classes in FL. What would you suggest?
HI Vanessa,
Situations like yours are tricky. I would recommend that you contact the Florida board. They will require you graduate from a 500 hour program. If you can fins a school in Texas or Florida that will allow you to transfer your current 300 hours into a 500 hour program, that may be the easiest solution. I wish I had a better answer for you!
Im trying to obtain a Florida license but keep my Texas one. I need a dual license for a sports massage job I want to apply for. How do I do that?
Hi Kimberly! You can have a massage license in multiple states. I have just the article for you to learn more about it. You can read it on my other website here – https://www.floridamassage.com/license-multiple-states/