We talk a lot about mobile massage in Florida. But the MOBILE Act has nothing to do with mobile massage, establishments, or on-site massage. It has everything to do with licensing of new massage therapists from out of state.
So, if you’re a massage therapist thinking about relocating to Florida, there’s good news for most of you. As of July 1, 2024, Florida passed the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement Act (MOBILE Act)—a new law designed to make it easier for health care practitioners, including massage therapists, to get licensed in Florida when moving from another state.
Before the MOBILE Act, every health profession in Florida (including massage) had its own process. The MOBILE Act changes that by creating a uniform set of requirements for anyone applying through endorsement. In simple terms, if you’re licensed and experienced elsewhere, you now have a clearer path to becoming licensed in Florida. Let’s find out how.
Are Massage Therapists Included in the MOBILE Act?
Yes! The MOBILE Act applies to massage therapists because the profession is regulated by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). If you’re actively practicing in another state, you may be eligible—provided you meet the criteria below.
Key Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement (Specifically for Massage Therapists)
Here’s what you need to qualify:
Active, Unencumbered License
You must hold a current, active massage therapy license from another U.S. state, Washington D.C., or a U.S. territory. Unencumbered means that there is not any discipline against the license.
Work Experience
You must show that you’ve been actively practicing massage therapy for at least 3 years out of the last 4 years before applying.
This proves to Florida that you’re not just licensed—you’re experienced and still actively working in the field.
National Exam or Certification
Florida wants to know you’ve proven your skills on a national level. You need to have passed one of these approved exams:
- MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination from the FSMTB)
- NCETM/NCETMB (National Certification Exams from NCBTMB)
If your original state didn’t require an exam or used a state-only test, don’t worry just yet—there may still be a pathway. You’ll need to check with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy to see if your education and experience meet their standards.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
Like all health professions in Florida, massage therapists applying under the MOBILE Act must submit to a fingerprint-based background check.
10-Hour Florida Laws and Rules Course
No matter how long you’ve been practicing elsewhere, Florida requires all massage therapists to complete a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. This ensures you understand the specific state laws that regulate massage therapy here.
What About the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) Is it the same as the MOBILE Act?
You may have heard about the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)—another effort to streamline multi-state licensing for massage therapists. T
IMpact is separate from the MOBILE Act and still in the early stages with limited state participation. If Florida joins in the future, it could offer even more flexibility, but for now, the MOBILE Act is the main pathway for out-of-state massage therapists moving here.
Pro Tips for Massage Therapists Applying for a Florida Massage License
If you’re planning to make the move to Florida, here’s what you should do:
Verify your license status—make sure your current license is active
Gather your professional documents—license, proof of national exam, work history✔ Schedule your background screening – I suggest Fieldprint Florida
Complete the 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course— we offer the course online (anytime) here – 10 Hour Florida Laws and Rules
Again, this is a NEW Act and that often brings out some unanswered questions while we all adjust to something new. You can always contact the board for more information and questions about your situation.
We have helped thousands of people get their Florida Massage License since 2010! If you have other questions about licensing in Florida, including those of you that may not qualify under the MOBILE Act or have unique situations, I have most likely covered it here: Florida Massage License.
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