Does Travis County, TX have its own massage establishments ordinance?

No. Travis County, TX does not appear to have a local massage establishments ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from TX Occupations Code Ch. 455.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Travis County

Travis County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Licensor: TDLR statewide
Statute: TX Occupations Ch. 455
License display: Required onsite
Min therapist age: 18 years

Summary

Massage therapy and establishments in Travis County are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Occupations Code Chapter 455, with county zoning and TCHHS oversight for unincorporated locations.

City-specific rules exist: Austin has its own massage establishments rules that differ from Travis County's county-level regulations. If you live in Austin, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 455.005. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter supersedes any regulation adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the licensing or regulation of massage therapists. (b) Subject to Subsections (b-1), (c), (c-1), and (c-2), this chapter does not affect a local regulation that: (1) relates to: (A) zoning requirements, including conditional use permits; (B) hours of operation; or (C) other regulations similar to those described by Paragraph (A) or (B) for massage establishments; (2) authorizes or requires an investigation into the background of an owner or operator of, or an investor in, a massage establishment.

Source: TX Occupations Code Ch. 455View official code

Full Breakdown

All massage therapists, instructors, and establishments must hold TDLR licenses under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455. Establishments display licenses publicly, maintain therapist records, and pass periodic inspections. Travis County applies its land use regulations to unincorporated sites, requiring appropriate zoning. Austin layers a separate massage establishment permit with anti-trafficking signage and reporting. TCSO partners with TDLR investigators on illicit establishment cases. Renewal fees, continuing education, and background checks apply statewide; advertising must include the license number.

Violations & Fines

Practicing without a TDLR license, employing unlicensed therapists, or operating outside permitted zoning leads to administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation, license revocation, and possible criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the county license massage businesses directly?

No. Licensing is statewide through TDLR; Travis County controls only zoning and land use for unincorporated establishments.

Are home-based massage practices allowed?

Yes if zoning permits a home occupation and the therapist holds a TDLR license, but commercial signage and walk-in clients are typically restricted.

Sources & Official References

[1]TX Occupations Code Ch. 455

Other rules in Travis County

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All Travis County rules

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Massage Establishments in Cities Across Travis County

Austin, TX Pflugerville, TX