Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Georgia

Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Georgia

At Raynor Massage, we believe in clear, legal practice and holistic wellness. In Georgia, reflexology is exempt from state-level massage therapy licensure, but local business rules and ethical marketing requirements still apply.

✅ Is Reflexology Legal in Georgia?

Yes. Under the Georgia Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act (HB915), reflexology is not considered massage therapy at the state level, provided it’s practiced on the hands, feet, or ears, the client remains clothed, and it is not advertised as massage therapy library.municode.com+5georgiareflexology.org+5nccoep.org+5.

State Legal Exemption Details

O.C.G.A. § 43‑24A‑19(5) states that practitioners who limit their work to the soft tissue of hands, feet, or ears—without requiring clients to disrobe or claiming to be massage therapists—are not subject to massage licensing .

Local Business Licenses & City Rules

Although reflexology isn’t regulated by the state, cities and counties in Georgia may still require:

• A business license

• Zoning approval or health-related permits

• Compliance with spa or bodywork ordinances: e.g., Holly Springs includes reflexology under “bodywork therapy” regulations georgiareflexology.org+1sos.ga.gov+1library.municode.com

Practitioners should check with their city or county business licensing department prior to offering services.

⚖️ Why This Matters

• State-level: No massage license required, as long as you stay within the defined exemption.

• Marketing: Avoid using terms like “massage,” “massage therapy,” or “massage therapist”—legal misuse can violate state law

• Local oversight: You may need to comply with city-specific regulations, zoning, or public health rules.

Want to Learn Reflexology?

Raynor Massage offers professional training in Foot & Hand Reflexology aligned with Georgia’s exemption framework:

➡️ Foot & Hand Reflexology Course
➡️ Browse all Raynor Massage Courses

Ideal for:

• Practitioners needing clarity on legal boundaries

• Massage therapists seeking specialized reflexology skills

• Holistic practitioners expanding safe, compliant services

✅ Georgia Reflexology Compliance Checklist

1. Practice only on hands, feet, or ears

2. Ensure clients remain fully clothed

3. Avoid marketing as “massage therapy” or “massage therapist”

4. Verify local business licensing requirements

5. Maintain professional standards and client safety

Additional Resources

• Georgia Reflexology Organization (GRO) for legislative updates and community support abmp.com+4georgiareflexology.org+4georgiareflexology.org+4georgiareflexology.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1

• Georgia Board of Massage Therapy rules for reference on permitted exemptions abmp.com+2sos.ga.gov+2library.municode.com+2

⚠️ Disclaimer

This page is informational and not legal advice. Local requirements vary—always confirm with your city or county office and consider consulting legal counsel before practicing.

Raynor Massage
Holistic Education in Reflexology & Natural Healing
www.raynormassage.com