Laws and Regulations
Program Resources
Health studios are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) annually and, in some cases, to post a $25,000 surety bond, letter of credit or certificate of deposit. The purpose of this security is to reimburse members if the studio fails to meet its contractual obligations to its members.
The law authorizes FDACS to collect registration fees. Penalty fees are imposed on studios that do not register or post security.
Please Note: FDACS does not review the content of contracts when processing applications for licensure. It is recommended you seek legal counsel to ensure these documents are in compliance with Florida Statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question to expand the answer.
Do I need to register with FDACS before I get a business tax receipt?
Yes, before a health studio opens its doors, it has to properly register with FDACS.
I am a personal trainer. Do I need to register?
Effective July 1, 2016, personal trainers are no longer required to register with FDACS under the Health Studio Act. According to Florida Statute, a "personal trainer" means an individual:
- Who does not have an established place of business for the primary purpose of the conducting of physical exercise;
- Whose provision of exercise equipment is incidental to the instruction provided; and
- Who does not accept payment for services that are to be rendered more than 30 days after the date of payment.
Is a $25,000 security bond part of health studio registration?
Possibly. If a health studio collects fees more than 30 days in advance and has a third party collecting the fees, the owner of the health studio needs to be bonded for a period of five years.
Does a health studio membership contract have to be approved by FDACS?
Yes, there are certain consumer protection clauses that have to be incorporated in the membership contract.
If ownership changes, is the health studio certificate transferable to the new owner?
Florida law does not allow for a health studio license to be transferred. The new owner has to register as a new health studio with FDACS. Applicants should check the “New Filing” box on the front page of the application, check the “Change of Owner” box and provide the license number of the previous health studio.
How can I apply for a military waiver of an initial or renewal registration fee?
*Please note: Sellers of Travel Independent Sales Agents are not eligible to receive the military waiver.
Active duty military, honorably discharged veterans, military spouses or surviving spouses may be eligible for a waiver of the initial or renewal registration fee.
Applicants must meet the licensing requirements of the specific industry and must submit FDACS-10991, Military Fee Waiver Request[ 
] .The waiver request and required supporting documentation must be submitted at the time the applicant submits the registration application.
Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) for more information regarding the military registration fee waiver.
Laws and Regulations
Program Resources
