Delays in Massage Business Licenses Cause Trouble for Florida Spa Owners
Jacksonville, Fla. — New massage businesses in Florida, like the recently opened Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, are facing delays in obtaining the necessary licenses to operate. This has raised concerns among owners about the financial impact of these hold-ups.
Who is Affected?
Chris Pruitt and his wife, Rosie, are the owners of the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa located off of Yellow Bluff Road in Jacksonville. They submitted their application to the Florida Department of Health on November 3, seeking to start their massage establishment. However, a month later, approval had yet to be granted.
What is the Problem?
According to Pruitt, the delays have critically affected their business. “We have employees that we’ve hired who simply cannot go to work,” he said. “So, we’re trying to keep them paid, especially during the holiday time while we wait for that approval.” Without the license, the spa is unable to operate at full capacity, leading to significant revenue loss.
When Did the Delays Occur?
Initially, the state’s website indicated that license processing times for massage establishments were about 14 to 16 days. However, those times increased to 16 to 18 days, causing further frustration. While waiting for their application to be reviewed, Pruitt found it challenging to get status updates.
Why is This Happening?
Chris Pruitt noted a lack of communication from the Florida Department of Health. “It’s a complete black box. They cannot tell you anything other than you’re in line to be reviewed and that they do them in the order they receive,” he explained. This lack of transparency adds to the confusion as many new business owners are similarly waiting for approvals.
Community Concerns
Pruitt has spoken to other spa owners across the state facing similar delays. He speculated, “We know there are people across the state who are probably in the exact circumstance that we are,” alluding to the possible wider impact on local economies and job security.
Resolution for the Pruitts
Fortunately for Chris and Rosie, they did not remain idle during the ongoing delays. Alongside reaching out to the Ask Anthony team for assistance, they contacted two state elected leaders, prompting quicker action. Their application was eventually reviewed and approved. A grand opening for their spa is now scheduled for Saturday, demonstrating a positive turn in an otherwise frustrating situation.
State Response
An inquiry made to a spokesperson from the Florida Department of Health revealed that recent natural disasters, such as hurricanes, and staffing issues may have contributed to the licensing delays. They are currently investigating the matter to assess the full scope of the situation.
Final Thoughts
The experience of Chris Pruitt and his business highlights the challenges faced by new massage establishments in Florida amidst licensing delays. As the industry seeks clarity and expediency from regulatory bodies, the hope remains that future applicants will face fewer hurdles in launching their businesses.
