Florida Massage Establishments May Not Operate Between Midnight and 5 AM

House bill 7005, signed into law on June 14, 2013, prohibits the operation of massage establishments between the hours of midnight and 5:00 AM. The prohibition does not apply to: health care facilities, hotels, timeshares, and airports if the massage is performed under a medical prescription or during a county-approved special event. The new law 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.” The new law takes effect October 1, 2013.