Louisville, KY Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Facility license fee
- $200 nonrefundable, annual
- Expires
- Every January 1
- Renewal deadline
- 45 days before expiration
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000 per violation
- Unlicensed practice
- Class B misdemeanor, up to 90 days
Summary
Massage facilities in Louisville Metro must hold an annual $200 Department license, and every massage therapist needs a valid Kentucky state license, before doing business.
No massage facility shall solicit or engage in massage services within Jefferson County unless an annual license for the operation of the massage facility has been applied for and issued by the Department and the license remains in effect... No person shall engage in massage for compensation unless they have a valid state license issued pursuant to Kentucky state laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Louisville Metro Code §115.171 bars any massage facility from soliciting or performing massage services anywhere in Jefferson County without an annual facility license issued by the Department. Owners file a sworn application, pay a nonrefundable $200 fee, submit fingerprints and background information, and list every therapist's state license. Therapists also need their own Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy credential: the facility license does not substitute for it. Licenses expire each January 1 and must be renewed at least 45 days before expiration.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; performing massage without a state license is a Class B misdemeanor carrying a $250 fine and up to 90 days in jail; two violations in 12 months triggers a persistent-illegal-activity-property referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Louisville massage therapist need a separate state license?
How much does a Louisville massage facility license cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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