West Palm Beach, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Certificate of Use + Business Tax Receipt
- NAICS class
- 812193 Masseur/Masseuse
- Annual business tax
- $144.70 (§ 82-163)
- State license
- Required under Fla. Stat. ch. 480
- Certificate term
- 1 year, expires Sept. 30
- Enforcement
- City special magistrate, § 22-39
Summary
West Palm Beach requires massage businesses to hold both a business tax receipt and a certificate of use before opening. City Code § 22-31 places NAICS 812193 (Masseur/Masseuse) on the short list of service categories covered by the certificate-of-use article, and § 22-32(a) makes it unlawful to conduct that business without first obtaining the certificate from the city.
Sector 81 Other Services, only categories 811111, 811192, 811192, 811211, 812420, 811430, 811490, 812111, 812112, 812113, 812191, 812193, 812194, 812199, 812210, 812220, 812310, 812311, 812990, 812991, 812993, 812995 and all of section 8130 Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional & Similar Organizations except for categories, 888888, 899998 and 899999. ... It shall be unlawful for any person either directly or indirectly, to engage in or to conduct any business, as defined by this article, in the city, without first making application for, and having obtained, a certificate of use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 76).
Full Breakdown
09, and whether any prior license or receipt held anywhere was suspended or revoked. ch. ' The city's construction services, fire rescue and zoning divisions inspect the premises before a certificate issues, and under § 22-35 the certificate runs for a single year, expiring every September 30 with a required renewal filing. 70. Operating at more than one location requires a separate certificate and receipt for each address under § 22-35(c). A certificate of use can be denied to an applicant whose prior license or certificate was suspended or revoked, or whose business has been found to constitute a public nuisance, under § 22-39(a).
Violations & Fines
Conducting a massage business without a certificate of use is prosecuted under § 1-13 of the Code, per § 22-36. The special magistrate can suspend or revoke an issued certificate for up to 12 months under § 22-39(d) after a noticed hearing; no fees are refunded on suspension, revocation, or a resulting closure, and the police department enforces any closure order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state massage license before West Palm Beach will issue a business tax receipt?
How much is the annual business tax for a massage business in West Palm Beach?
What happens if I operate without a certificate of use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Palm Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare West Palm Beach to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle massage establishments.