SB 1003 — Relating to: licensure and regulation of establishments providing massage therapy or bodywork therapy, the practice of massage therapy or bodywork therapy, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Summary

An Act to renumber and amend 460.02, 460.03, 460.04 (2) (a), 460.07 (1) and 460.07 (2); to amend 440.03 (13) (c) 2., 440.094 (2) (a) (intro.), 440.15, 460.04 (2) (e), 460.04 (2) (g), 460.05 (1) (h) 1., 460.05 (4), 460.08, 460.095 (4) (intro.), 460.10 (1) (a), 460.10 (2), 460.11, 460.12 (1), 460.12 (2), 460.12 (3), 460.12 (4), 460.13, 460.14 (2) (b), 460.14 (2) (c), 460.14 (2m) (intro.) and (a), 460.14 (4), 460.145, 460.17 (2) (a) 1. and 460.17 (2) (a) 2.; to repeal and recreate 460.06, 460.07 (title) and 460.12 (5) (b); to create 440.03 (9) (bm), 440.03 (13) (b) 38g., 440.03 (13) (c) 1. n., 440.08 (2) (a) 46s., 460.01 (2e), 460.01 (4g), 460.01 (4m), 460.01 (4r), 460.01 (5), 460.01 (5m), 460.01 (8), 460.01 (9), 460.02 (2m), 460.03 (2m), 460.04 (2) (a) 2., 460.04 (2) (h), 460.04 (2) (i), 460.04 (2) (j), 460.04 (2) (k), 460.055, 460.07 (1m), 460.095 (5), 460.135 and 460.14 (2) (k) to (m) of the statutes;

Bill Text

• Bill Text View text Current pdf

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a licensing framework for massage therapy and bodywork therapy establishments and modifies existing provisions related to the practice and regulation of massage therapy.

• 460.02

  Except as provided in s. 460.03, no person may provide massage therapy or bodywork therapy, designate himself or herself as a massage therapist or bodywork therapist or masseur or masseuse, or use or assume the title “massage therapist and bodywork therapist” or “massage therapist” or “bodywork therapist” or “masseur” or “masseuse” or any title that includes “massage therapist,” “bodywork therapist,” or “bodyworker,” or append to the person’s name the letters “M.T.,” “R.M.T.,” “L.M.T.,” “C.M.T.,” “B.T.,” “B.W.,” “L.B.W.,” “R.B.W.,” or “C.B.W.,” or use any other title or designation that represents or may tend to represent that he or she is licensed under this chapter, unless the person is licensed under this chapter. → 460.02 (1m) M ASSAGE THERAPIST OR BODYWORK THERAPIST LICENSE. Except as provided in s. 460.03 (1m), no person may provide massage therapy or bodywork therapy, designate himself or herself as a massage therapist or bodywork therapist, or any title that includes ‘massage therapist’ or ‘bodywork therapist,’ unless the person is licensed under this chapter.

  The language clarifies the licensing requirement for practicing massage therapy or bodywork therapy.

• 460.03

  A license under this chapter is not required for any of the following:

  The bill modifies the provisions for applicability and exceptions related to licensure.

• 460.04 (2) (a)

  Standards that govern the professional conduct of license holders in practicing massage therapy or bodywork therapy. The standards shall prohibit a license holder from having sexual contact or sexual intercourse with a client.

  The bill maintains the prohibition of sexual contact or intercourse with clients but may enhance regulatory oversight.

• 460.07 (1)

  Each person who is licensed under this chapter shall conspicuously display the license in the place of business where he or she practices massage therapy or bodywork therapy so that the license can easily be seen and read.

  The bill modifies the display requirements for licenses in massage therapy establishments.

• 460.07 (2)

  Renewal applications shall be submitted to the department on a form provided by the department on or before the applicable renewal date specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a) and shall include all of the following:

  The bill may change the renewal application process for licenses.

Action History

1. March 23, 2026

   Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

2. February 27, 2026

   Fiscal estimate received

3. February 12, 2026

   Read first time and referred to Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs

4. February 12, 2026

   Introduced by Senators James and Wall; cosponsored by Representatives Brooks, Behnke, Knodl and O'Connor

Sponsors

• Brooks · Cosponsor
• Behnke · Cosponsor
• Knodl · Cosponsor
• O'Connor · Cosponsor
• Jesse James · Primary
• Jamie Wall · Cosponsor

Subjects