Massage establishments in Fairfax County must hold a Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) and individual therapists need state certification through the Virginia Board of Nursing under VA Code Title 54.1.
Fairfax County requires every massage establishment to obtain a BPOL through the Department of Tax Administration before opening. Individual massage therapists must hold current certification from the Virginia Board of Nursing per VA Code Title 54.1 Chapter 30. Establishments must operate from properly zoned commercial premises (not residential), maintain client records, and comply with health and sanitation standards. Police and zoning enforcement may inspect for compliance. Operating without licensure or employing uncertified therapists exposes owners to BPOL penalties and possible state disciplinary action.
Operating without BPOL or employing uncertified therapists triggers fines, license revocation, and possible criminal misdemeanor charges under state law.
See how Fairfax's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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