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Florida massage therapists and spas: what your ads and website must show
Florida statute 480.0465 says each licensed massage therapist or massage establishment must include the license number in any advertisement of massage therapy services, in any advertising medium. The ad must also include the establishment's physical address and the phone number given to the Department of Health. The address and phone aren't required if the owner operates more than five locations in the state, but the license number still is. Rule 64B7-33.001 lists “internet” among the media. We are not lawyers: confirm your case with the Board of Massage Therapy or the Department of Health.
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What the official text says
“shall include the number of the license in any advertisement” · “must also include the physical address of the massage establishment”
In plain words: the license number goes in any advertisement of massage services, with the establishment's physical address and the phone number given to the state.
“operates more than five locations in this state”
In plain words: address and phone aren't required in an ad by an establishment whose owner operates more than five locations in Florida. The license number is still required.
“any newspaper, airwave or computer transmission, internet, telephone directory listing…, business card, handbill, flyer, sign… or other form of written advertising”
In plain words: the rule defines “advertising medium” and includes the internet, business cards, flyers and signs. It excludes an in-column listing of only name, address and phone, and a building tenant directory. This is an unofficial copy: confirm the current text.
“shall result in a penalty of $250.00”
In plain words: that rule sets a penalty of $250 for leaving the number out of an ad. It's the amount that rule states: we're not saying it's the only thing that can happen.
Where to put it on your site and profile
1. At the top, next to the phone
License number, address and phone visible as soon as the page opens. The exact placement is our tip, not a rule.
2. In the footer
With the registered business name. The rule allows a properly registered corporate or fictitious name.
3. On your booking page
It's where people decide. Repeat the number, address and phone there.
4. On your Google profile and social media
The rule says “internet”. Whether a profile or a post counts as an ad isn't confirmed: ask the Board of Massage Therapy.
5. Your Google profile name
Google says unnecessary information in the business name isn't permitted (for example a phone number or a URL). If you're a service-area business, Google says to hide your address: how the law applies in that case is not verified, ask the Board.
Recap
- License number in your ads
- Establishment address and phone
- Top, footer and booking
- Google profile name without extras
How to verify a license
Open the Department of Health portal
The MQA Search Services portal has “License Verification”, with an establishment option (which includes massage establishments). To look up a person, confirm in the portal which option to use.
Free check of your website and Google profile
We look at your website and profile against these rules: license number, address and phone, and the profile name. Free.
- We tell you what's missing on your site
- We check your Google profile name and details
- Free, no strings attached
Frequently asked questions
Where do I put my license number?
In any advertisement of massage services. An establishment must also show its physical address and the phone number it gave the state (statute 480.0465). Rule 64B7-33.001 includes the internet among the media.
What if I have more than five locations?
The address and phone aren't required in the establishment's ad, but the license number still is.
How do I verify a license?
On the Department of Health's MQA Search Services portal, “License Verification”. There's an establishment option; for people, confirm in the portal which option to use.
Does my Google profile or Instagram count as an ad?
The rule says “internet”, but it isn't confirmed for profiles and posts. Confirm with the Board of Massage Therapy.
Can I add keywords to my Google profile name?
Google says unnecessary information in the business name isn't permitted, such as phone numbers or URLs. Keep it clean, with no extras.
Official sources
- Florida Statutes 480.0465
- Fla. Admin. Code 64B7-33.001 (Cornell LII)
- Fla. Admin. Code 64B7-30.004 (Cornell LII)
- Florida DOH MQA Search Services
- Google Business Profile guidelines
We are not lawyers. This guide is general information, not legal advice; ask the Board of Massage Therapy or the Department of Health. Laws can change: check the official source. The administrative rules come from a Cornell LII copy, not the official site.
