Licensed Massage Therapists perform a valued service to people with chronic pain and back pain, in addition to increasing flexibility and potentially assisting people with diabetes, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Massage therapists in Florida must receive at least 500 hours of training, pass a national exam and receive a state license.

The Land Development Code (LDC) does not define Massage Salons, or what kind of massages are permitted and other services that would be allowed to be at such establishments. Additionally, the LDC does distinguish that only a licensed massage therapist may perform these functions.

A Massage Salon will be defined as, “A business providing massages, as defined by state law, performed exclusively by Florida licensed massage therapists, including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and stretching, with operating hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and which does not allow persons to sleep or reside on site. Such businesses may also employ Florida licensed cosmetologists to provide skin care services, including facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.”