Forsyth County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Under Sec. 22-227(a), operating a massage or spa establishment without a valid license or exemption is unlawful, and the license is required in addition to the chapter 22 occupation tax certificate. Applications go to the Sheriff's Office in person, notarized, with a sworn lawful-presence affidavit and an annual regulatory fee covering both an investigative fee and a license fee set by board resolution (Sec. 22-228(a)). Licenses run the calendar year and expire December 31; existing licensees must reapply by November 1, and applications filed after that date draw a ten percent late fee (Sec.

22-228(b)). No license is transferable. Employees also need a separate work permit under Sec. 00 sheriff's office fingerprinting fee plus the GBI/FBI processing charge, and disclosure of any prior involvement with a revoked or nuisance-declared establishment. Sec. , a licensed massage therapist must be on-site whenever the business is open, storefront windows can't be over-tinted or blocked, and every enclosed treatment room needs at least a 40-watt light that stays on and undimmed. State-licensed physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists working in their licensed capacity are exempt under Sec. 22-226(b), and the sheriff may grant a calendar-year exemption to an establishment owned by a licensed massage therapist under Sec. 22-226(e).