Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida Massage Therapist License (DBPR)

   Florida requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy (ch. 480, Florida Statutes) — not DBPR. Requirements include completing 500 or more clock hours at a board-approved massage school, passing an approved examination (the MBLEx through FSMTB, or an approved NCBTMB national certification exam), and background screening. Licenses are renewed biennially.

   Official government source

   $155 initial ($50 application fee + $100 initial licensing fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee); MBLEx exam fee paid separately to FSMTB·4–8 weeks

   $155 initial ($50 application fee + $100 initial licensing fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee); MBLEx exam fee paid separately to FSMTB

   4–8 weeks

2. Florida Massage Establishment License (DBPR)

   Florida requires massage establishments to be separately licensed by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy (ch. 480, Florida Statutes). The establishment must employ only licensed massage therapists, designate a responsible person, and pass inspection. Renewal is biennial.

   Official government source

   $255 initial total ($50 application fee + $100 initial licensing fee + $100 inspection fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee)·2–4 weeks

   $255 initial total ($50 application fee + $100 initial licensing fee + $100 inspection fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee)

   2–4 weeks

1. City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (Local Business License)

   All businesses operating in the City of Miami must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the Miami Finance Department. For massage establishments, this requires proof of state licensing for all therapists and compliance with zoning requirements.

   Official government source

   $50–$300/year·2–4 weeks

   $50–$300/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Miami-Dade County Business Tax Receipt

   In addition to the city BTR, businesses must also obtain a Miami-Dade County Business Tax Receipt. Both are required when operating within incorporated city limits.

   Official government source

   $100–$400/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$400/year

   2–4 weeks

3. Miami-Dade Zoning/Certificate of Use

   A Certificate of Use may be required to verify the business location is properly zoned for a massage establishment. Apply through Miami-Dade County Regulatory and Economic Resources.

   Official government source

   $100–$300·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Massage Therapy
• City of Miami — Business Tax Receipts
• Miami-Dade County — Business Tax

Related Guides