About FSMTA

History of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association

With approximately 4,700 members, the FSMTA has grown considerably from its beginnings on August 1939 and its 85 charter members. Currently, the FSMTA has members living anywhere from the Florida/Alabama border in Escambia County to the tip of the Keys and from Costa Rica to Australia. From its inception, the Florida State Massage Therapy Association has been a leader in supporting and protecting those who have and are choosing massage therapy as their profession.

In 1943, the Florida State Massage Law was passed by the state legislature. This law, and many of the later rules and procedures were developed from the annual meetings of the Florida State Massage Association, the original name of the FSMTA. And in 1945, committees on Ethics, Membership, Finance, and Constitution/Bylaws were formed to help the association protect the massage therapist.

In the 1950’s, the FSMTA grew to the point that it needed to have local chapters to help address issues and education with its members. Chapters were formed in the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Palm Beach, and in Pinellis and Broward Counties, although the Dade chapter was already in existence, having preceded the State Association. Education programs were extended in 1953 to the chapter meetings and 8 hours of continuing educational courses were incorporated into the Annual Convention.

Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, the Association remained active, but the greatest period of growth and change was the 1980’s. During that time, the FSMTA became more centralized and grew to 14 chapters, and in 1986, it was reincorporated as the Florida State Massage Therapy Association. During that same year, The Massage Message Magazine, the official magazine of the FSMTA, was first published. New committees were formed in 1988 to help achieve the goals of the FSMTA. The Insurance Committee made liability insurance available to the members, while the Legislative Committee helped improve Chapter 480 to be more responsive to the needs of the therapist and the public. The Educational Standards Committee was developed to work with the State of Florida, the FSMTA Annual Convention and local chapters to provide continuing education programs. The last two committees formed at this time were the Sports Massage Team, which became known throughout the state for its excellent service to athletes, and the Public Relations Committee, which was designed to actively promote the FSMTA and its members to the public.

In the 1990’s the Association continued to grow and so the FSMTA Central Office was established in Orlando to organize and consolidate the services of the Association and helped it to become more responsive to the needs of its members. And in 2001, the FSMTA added its 19^th chapter in the ongoing effort to better serve its members.

With our mission statement of “To Unify The Massage Therapy Profession While Creating, Representing, and Promoting Standards of Excellence in Health Care”, the FSMTA, and its governing Board of Directors, composed of chapter presidents and state officers, is continuing on its course to serve and protect the massage therapist in Florida.

Florida State Massage Therapy Association Code of Ethics

This is a declaration of the principles of acceptance. ethical, and and professional behavior of the members of the FSMTA. The conduct of our members shall be consistant with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

As Members of the FSMTA,
Licensed Massage Therapists shall:

Honestly represent their education and certifications, and maintain their professional excellence through continuing education.

Formulate treatment plans that are beneficial to the client / patient’s health and well-being.

Describe their massage therapy treatment and their intended draping procedures to each client / patient.

Respect the client / patient’s right to continue, modify or discontinue massage therapy any time, and respect the client / patient’s choice.

Recognize the scope of massage therapy and refer or discontinue massage therapy any time, and respect the client / patient’s health and well-being.

Provide quality care to those who seek professional massage therapy and maintain high standards of professional competence.

Maintain honest and accurate records.

Maintain a clean, professional environment and high standards of personal hygiene.

Never engage in any sexual conduct involving client / patient.

Advertise accurately and with professional integrity.

Administer all treatments in a professional manner with respect for the client / patient confidentiality, boundaries, safety, and privacy.