Sangamon County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- unincorporated Sangamon County
- Application fee
- $50
- License fee
- $300/year
- Expires
- December 31 annually
- Requires
- background check, fingerprints
Summary
Massage establishments in unincorporated Sangamon County need a county license before opening: background checks, fingerprinting, and Public Health Committee approval are all required.
After September 30, 2025, it shall be unlawful for any person to advertise, offer, engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be advertised, offered, engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises in the unincorporated area of Sangamon County, the operation of a massage establishment as herein defined, without first having obtained a license from Sangamon County pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.16, rewritten effective September 30, 2025, requires anyone operating a massage establishment in unincorporated Sangamon County to hold a county license: file with the County Clerk, pay a $50 application fee, pass Department of Public Health and Building & Zoning inspections, and clear a background check and fingerprinting before the Public Health Committee votes on a $300 annual license. Hospitals, state-licensed therapists, cosmetologists doing limited clothed services, schools, and compliant home-based providers are exempt; felony or prostitution-related convictions are grounds for denial.
Violations & Fines
Operating unlicensed is unlawful under § 5.16.020; the Public Health Committee can deny, suspend, or revoke a license for felony, prostitution-related, or advertising violations, with hearings and appeal to circuit court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a county license to open a massage business outside Springfield's limits?
Are licensed physical therapists or cosmetologists exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois business licensing & operations overview
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