Start a mobile massage company in CA

Ok. I want to start a mobile massage company but I need to know about licensing for mobile massage. How is it done in Southern CA? And where do I find info on it? Any help would be appreciated!

OMG where to begin? Okay, the first problem with doing massages in California is that almost every county/city has different rules.

In some towns, you can NOT do any mobile massages at all. And, some towns have different requirements on top of that. The San Fernando Valley requires 300 hours, where as Simi Valley requires 250.

Gov. Arnold signed a massage bill that will introduce one law that covers the entire state, instead of it being different city to city.

That won't go into effect until 9/09. And, we don't even have an idea as to what the state-wide laws will be.

So to answer your question, you will have to call EACH city for their business license requirements.

For instance; you are NOT allowed to do mobile massages in Malibu, end of story. Yet, I looked on the internet, and found mobile massage therapists in Malibu.

I GIVE UP! :(

Yeah, see that is what I'm talking about! There are so many freakin' rules in each city! I'm doing spa parties right now where I charge $20 per half hour and the host/hostess brings in at least 3 more friends. So far, I've booked a few parties, and everyone is real happy. I also want to have manicurists and facialists to join me, but before I promote anything on the web, I was wondering what the government rules are. I looked and looked and so far found nothing! I just don't know what to do! Maybe just go ahead?

I've spoke with some friends that do mobile services in So. Cal. They do what they want.

Some will disagree with that, but they have to make a living. I asked if they'd ever been caught, or if anyone they knew had ever been caught. Nobody ever has that they know of.

I'm fairly certain that September will bring a better era for legit massage therapists. As far as I know, this is the only state that is that anal to have different laws in different towns.

Wish I could be more helpful, hun.

As for me, I will do mobile services at-will. It's easier to ask for forgiveness then ask for permission! :)

Please keep in touch!

ha! you're right about that! I'll let you know about my discoveries!
thanks

When I worked in SoCal I licensed in my home town and worked where my clients lead me. I advertised by word of mouth and prayed that if I did something unknowingly illegal I wouldn't get in too much trouble.

I think that you will find that local law enforcers are pretty understanding. I would just do what you are doing, keep your massage insurance and keep your mouth shut.

Good Luck

I hv always known about massaging but got very much interested in it now. Can i get to consult with someone whom is well groomed in this, maybe be from personal buisness experience. This will help me as i look forward to starting off a Massaging outfit soonest. cheers

In Orange county the only two cities that you may legally do "off premise"AKA outcall massages are Irvine and Newport Beach. They offer an actual "off premise" permit. The rest of the orange county cities do not offer any kind of Off premise or out call permit/license because it is illegal in the rest of the cities.

Technically you would not be "licensed" to do such services.

The only law that you may go to any home in all cities is IF the client is disable and can not otherwise get to the spa/facility.

(which is how most mobile massage businesses get their license, however they are doing it illegally because you and I know they are not limiting their clients just to disable and most likely don't have any disable clients any way.

Also, there is no such thing as "not knowing" the laws or what we can and can not do, as it is city test just to get your city massage license. Just like doctors, it our responsibility to know the laws of what we can and not do. Cities where I live have zero tolerance and you would get your city license taken away and possibly fined.

Where did the freedom to earn a few dollars for helping someone gooooooooooooooo.....we all need some attention....a kind touch.....a nice word....a moment of companionship and maybe earn gas money......

D Nourse in Orange, California said: In Orange county the only two cities that you may legally do "off premise"AKA outcall massages are Irvine and Newport Beach. They offer an actual "off premise" permit. The rest of the orange county cities do not offer any kind of Off premise or out call permit/license because it is illegal in the rest of the cities.

Technically you would not be "licensed" to do such services.

The only law that you may go to any home in all cities is IF the client is disable and can not otherwise get to the spa/facility.

(which is how most mobile massage businesses get their license, however they are doing it illegally because you and I know they are not limiting their clients just to disable and most likely don't have any disable clients any way.

Also, there is no such thing as "not knowing" the laws or what we can and can not do, as it is city test just to get your city massage license. Just like doctors, it our responsibility to know the laws of what we can and not do. Cities where I live have zero tolerance and you would get your city license taken away and possibly fined.

Actually, there are several cities that have Off Premise licenses, including Yorba Linda, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. Beware of where you get your information. The only way to know is to ask each city.