regulations of professionals and occupations

New Florida Law Prohibits Massage Therapy Businesses from Operating Between Certain Hours: Should Remedy “Human Trafficking” in Florida

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 […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:10-04:00May 15, 2018|Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy License|

Florida Massage Therapist Charged in Sexual Battery Case Following Several Complaints

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On June 24, 2016, a South Florida massage therapist was charged with sexual battery after being accused of assaulting a client during a session in February 2016. The therapist who allegedly worked at Chi Spa in Pompano Beach, Florida, pleaded not guilty on charges of sexual battery on a person older than 18 without violence.

The Complaints.

According to police reports, at least three women claimed to have been inappropriately touched during massage appointments at Chi Spa. Police said the spa’s owner said she was aware of one incident because the woman called to ask for her […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:32-04:00May 15, 2018|Health Facilities Law Blog|

Florida Statute on Massage Therapy Establishments: Employees Must Present Documentation to Department of Health and Law Enforcement Agencies

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

Currently there is a fight in Florida, headed by the Attorney General (AG), to stop human trafficking. AG Pam Bondi has worked to make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. During the 2012 legislative session, she advocated for legislation that was supposed to crack down on human trafficking.

Section 480.0535, Florida Statutes, is one result of her efforts. The statute contains details on the documentation required for employees working in a massage therapy establishment. These requirements provide the Department of Health (DOH) and law enforcement agencies […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:47-04:00May 15, 2018|Massage Law Blog|