Federal Way, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. No. 26-1043, eff. 7-7-26
- License required
- State license, Ch. 18.108 RCW
- Business hours ban
- 10:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.
- License violation penalty
- Gross misdemeanor
- Internal warning systems
- Prohibited (civil penalty)
Summary
Federal Way requires every massage therapist to hold a valid state license, bans internal warning systems and cash-only transactions, and closes massage businesses between 10:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., all enforced as gross misdemeanors.
It is unlawful for any person to practice as a massage therapist without possessing a valid and unexpired Washington State massage therapist license issued to the massage therapist. A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. ... A massage business is prohibited from operating between 10:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. ... it shall be the responsibility of any owner, director, manager, or other person in charge of a massage business in the city of Federal Way to ensure that no internal warning system or device is installed on the business premises.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Adopted by Ordinance No. 108 RCW, a violation classed as a gross misdemeanor. 050 puts the duty on the owner, director, or manager to confirm every practitioner is currently licensed, and failing to check license validity through the Washington Department of Health counts as criminal negligence under the section. 060 requires each therapist's license to be conspicuously displayed in the lobby, viewable without asking, and bars displaying an expired, altered, or fraudulently obtained license; therapists must also carry government-issued photo ID while working. 120. , and hours must be posted at the entrance and lobby.
010 tie the whole chapter to a stated purpose: preventing unlicensed massage from serving as a front for prostitution, money laundering, and human trafficking while protecting legitimate licensed practitioners.
Violations & Fines
Practicing without a valid state license (FWRC 12.65.040), an owner or manager knowingly permitting an unlicensed practitioner (FWRC 12.65.050), and displaying a fraudulent or expired license (FWRC 12.65.060) are each classed as gross misdemeanors. Installing a prohibited internal warning system or violating the posted business hours draws a civil penalty under FWRC Chapter 1.15, enforced as a civil infraction in the same amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can a Federal Way massage business stay open?
Who is responsible if an unlicensed person gives massages at a Federal Way business?
Are internal law-enforcement warning systems allowed in Federal Way massage businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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