Massage therapists practicing in Knoxville need a Tennessee state license through the Massage Licensure Board plus a city business license through Chapter 8 of the City Code.
Tennessee licenses massage therapists statewide under TCA 63-18 through the Massage Licensure Board, which sets education, examination, and continuing education standards. Knoxville requires establishments to hold a separate city business license through the Business Tax Office and comply with Recode Knoxville zoning rules limiting massage parlors. The Knoxville Police Department enforces against unlicensed massage operations and human trafficking concerns under the Tennessee Human Trafficking Act. Posted licenses are required at the establishment.
Operating unlicensed massage businesses can lead to state cease-and-desist orders, criminal charges, and Knoxville code citations.
See how Knoxville's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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