FSMTA is currently watching the status of HB197 and SB 896: Health Care Practitioners and Massage Therapy. While these bills were not sponsored by FSMTA, we did provide input before they were filed and as they were reviewed by Health Regulation, Policy and Appropriations Committees. Provisions in these bills can help law enforcement and Investigative Services do their job and more effectively address Illicit Massage Businesses (licensed and unlicensed). https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/197
On January 10, 2024, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy (FL BOMT) held a workshop to discuss Rule 64B7-32.003: Minimum Requirements for Board Approved Massage Therapy Schools. The FL BOMT is considering increasing the minimum classroom hours required for licensure. Over 70 people attended this teleconference call and several offered input. This will continue to be an important topic as many Massage Therapy Schools owners are concerned about the recent U.S Department of Education ruling regarding financial assistance, what changes to the current FL minimum requirements might be made, and how these changes to classroom hours could impact their school.
The next FL Board of Massage Therapy in-person meeting is scheduled for January 25 & 26, 2024 and will be held at The Florida Hotel, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Florida 32809. Meeting starts at 9am EST. LMTs that attend an in-person meeting will receive 2 CEs in FL Laws & Rules and 2 CEs in Ethics (you must sign in upon arrival).
Crystal A. Howard, LMT (MA29672)
FSMTA Executive President
407-415-5540
Crystal A. Howard is an Esthetician and Licensed Massage Therapist with a practice in Orlando, Florida. She is NCBTMB Board Certified and holds licenses in Florida and Illinois. Crystal has trained and worked with numerous product lines, developing, demonstrating, and implementing treatment protocols both within her practice and for other companies. Her knowledge and experience in both professions allow for greater understanding and support of the spa industry. She currently serves as Executive President for the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA). Crystal also serves as the Regulatory Committee Chair on the Florida Spa & Wellness Association (FSA).