Chances are if you are here, you have looked around enough to know that every Florida massage therapist needs to renew their license by August, 31st of every odd year. So, you may be asking yourself:
“If I get my license now, will I need to renew in just a couple of months?”
Maybe you are thinking about waiting to apply because you assume if get your license before the August license renewal, you will have to turn around and renew your license right away. Maybe you’re considering just waiting until after the August renewal to avoid the extra work and fees.
Right?
After all, Florida Rules state:
64B7-28.009 (1) Continuing Education.
Every massage practitioner licensed pursuant to Chapter 480, F.S., shall be required for renewal to complete one continuing education hour for each month or part of a month that shall have elapsed since the issuance of the license for which renewal is sought, up to a maximum requirement of 24 hours for the renewal period.
After reading this rule, you would think if you get your license in June of 2015, you would need to complete three continuing education hours and renew with everyone else; even though you just got your license.
That is what I thought too! However…
There is something not stated in the rules (or anywhere else!).
If your license is issued while the “renewal is open” (meaning the time period when those that are already licensed to practice massage in Florida are allowed to renew their licenses for the biennial), you can get your massage license and you will not have to renew until the next biennial (August 31, 2017).
Therapists receiving their license when the “renewal is open” do not have to turn around and pay the renewal fee and show proof of completing a few CE hours. They will need 24 hours of continuing education for the next renewal.
Here is the problem about finding out when the renewal opens: the exact date is not specified.
At this time, the Board does not yet know when it will be. Estimates are April/May of 2015.
Update: Massage Therapists licensed between April 4, 2015 and August 31, 2015 will not need to renew their license until August 31, 2017.
The hours needed for first time renewal candidates is broken down below:
| Month Licensed | CE Hours Needed: | Month Licensed | CE Hours Needed: |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2013 | 24 | September 2014 | 12 |
| October 2013 | 23 | October 2014 | 11 |
| November 2013 | 22 | November 2014 | 10 |
| December 2013 | 21 | December 2014 | 9 |
| January 2014 | 20 | January 2015 | 8 |
| February 2014 | 19 | February 2015 | 7 |
| March 2014 | 18 | March 2015 | 6 |
| April 2014 | 17 | April 2015 | 0* |
| May 2014 | 16 | May 2015 | 0* |
| June 2014 | 15 | June 2015 | 0* |
| July 2014 | 14 | July 2015 | 0* |
| August 2014 | 13 | August 2015 | 0* |
*There is a grace period for massage therapists licensed between April 4, 2015 and August 31, 2015. These therapists do not need to renew their license this year, and will need 24 hours for the next renewal (August 31, 2017).
Apply Now or Wait?
As we approach the open renewal period, you will have a decision to make.
If you are ready to work in Florida and make money, go ahead and get your license now. The money you earn should make up for the $105 renewal fee and the cost of the few CE hours you will need.
A couple things to remember:
When the licensing process goes smoothly, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to get your license.
You have up to one year to submit your school transcript, proof of license, exam score and continuing education certificates for your 3 required courses.
Of all these materials, your CE certificates are the only documents you may submit directly to the Board yourself.
So if you want to ensure that you do not receive your license until the open renewal period, you could still file your license application and request submission of all the necessary documents. Then, just hold your CE certificates until the renewal opens.
P.S.
This magical open renewal period also applies to new massage establishment licenses. When the renewal opens, an establishment license granted during this special open period won’t need to be renewed until 2017 as well.
If you are ready to get started on your Florida license, start here. It will guide you through the licensing process.
Have a question or need clarification on something? Leave me a comment below!
I have my license since 4/1/2011 and I miss my date to renew ,what can I do?
Hi Carmen
Did you have to renew in 8/2011, or is this your first renewal (April is close to the open renewal date)? If it is your first renewal, you can contact me and I can help you get your hours done so you can renew you license ASAP. If this is not your first renewal, you will have to complete 12 live hands one hours before. Call or email me if you have questions – ivy@advancedmassagetechniques.com or 887-515-9971.