By Lance O. Leider, J.D., The Health Law Firm and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The operation of massage therapy establishments between certain late night and early morning hours will be prohibited under a new Florida law. Section 480.0475, Florida Statutes, becomes effective on October 1, 2013. The new Florida law restricts massage therapy businesses from being open for business between midnight and 5:00 A.M., with limited exceptions.
Click here to read Section 480.0475, Florida Statutes.
This law represents a significant curtailment of an establishment owner’s right to operate his/her business. The law states that it does not matter if an establishment is operating legitimately. The Florida Legislature and the Attorney General (AG) have cast a wide net to end what they refer to as a “human trafficking epidemic” in Florida massage establishments.
From our perspective, this will do nothing to help resolve any “human trafficking” problem that exists and is merely an invalid rationalization for this law. We have represented many massage therapists in Florida and have counseled many more. So far we have never encountered any that have been involved in any “human trafficking,” whether they are licensed massage therapists working in spas and salons or whether they are the owners of message therapy establishments.
Exceptions to the Law.
The law does not apply to massage establishments located on the premises of health care facilities, health care clinics, hotels, motels and public airports. It similarly does not apply to massages performed by a massage therapist under a medical prescription from a licensed physician, physician assistant, osteopathic physician, chiropractic physician, podiatric physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) or dentist.
Also, the law does not restrict massage therapists from operating between midnight and 5:00 A.M., during a special event if the county or municipality in which the establishment operates has approved such operation during the event.
Massage Therapy Businesses as Primary Residence.
Section 480.0475, Florida Statutes, also states that a massage establishment cannot be used as a primary residence unless it is zoned for residential use.
The Florida rules define “massage establishment” as “a site or premises, or portion thereof, wherein a licensed massage therapist practices massage for compensation.”
Penalties for Not Complying with the Law Include Fines and Jail Time.
A person who violates any provision of this statute is subject to criminal penalties.
The first violation is considered a misdemeanor of the second degree. The offender could face jail time of up to sixty (60) days and a $500 fine. The second violation is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. The offender could spend up to a year in jail and have to pay a $1,000 fine. For someone who commits a third or subsequent violations, that person could be charged with a felony of the third degree. That offender faces imprisonment of up to five (5) years and a $5,000 fine.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Massage Therapists.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to massage therapists in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, licensing matters and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.
We have represented a number of Chinese massage therapists who have had summary actions initiated against their massage therapy licenses by the Department of Health (DOH). Many of these have confided in us that they believe there may be discrimination involved in the way they were targeted. We are looking into such allegations for several clients.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Comments?
Did you know about this Florida Statue? Does your massage therapy business comply with this law already? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.
Have you been the subject of any discrimination or harassment from investigators based on your race or national origin? We’d like to hear from you if you have.
About the Authors: Lance O. Leider is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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