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

Under Article 8-12-6, anyone wanting to engage in the business, trade or profession of massage therapist must file a written application before starting, per § 8-12-6-020, and applicants and any employees not already licensed by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy must be fingerprinted by the police department and undergo a background check, completed at least 15 days before a license can issue. Qualification under § 8-12-6-030 requires a current health certificate from a medical doctor for the applicant and each employee, an active state board certification (or, for a corporate applicant, a contractual guarantee that a licensed massage therapist will be present in the room whenever services are performed), proof of current liability and professional-liability insurance, compliance with fire and safety codes, a vermin-extermination provision, sanitary equipment, and adequate restroom and shower facilities including soap and towels where a whirlpool, sauna, hot tub, spa or steam room is offered.

Section 8-12-6-060 requires the licensee to file the names, home addresses and phone numbers of all employees with the administrator, updating within three days of any change, and § 8-12-6-070 requires a treatment record of every client's name, address and type of treatment, open to inspection by any license inspector or police officer at any time. Section 8-12-6-050 lets a licensed massage therapist train personnel in their own studio, so long as a health certificate is furnished for the trainee. Section 8-12-6-100 permits unlicensed persons to give massages only under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist physically present in the same room for the entire session.