State Licensing

by Regina
(Florida)

I live in the State of Florida and am trying to start my own in-home Personal Training Business. What do I need to do at the state level in order to legally operate as an independent business? As far as I can tell, there is no state licensure, but I want to make sure that is the case before I proceed. I already hold National Certification through ACE.

Thanks, Regina

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Florida Legislature Proposes Personal Trainer Licensure
by: Anonymous

I live in Florida as well. I dont know how old this question is but I got recent news - it seems like there is no need to do anything on the "state" basis yet, hope it wont go through. Hope it helps! Here it is:

Legislation has been introduced that would require Florida personal trainers to obtain licensure from the state. Both houses of the Florida Legislature are currently considering their version of the bill - House Bill 1257 and Senate Bill 984 – which both require all Florida personal trainers to be licensed by the state.
In order to gain a licensure under the bills, a trainer must:
- Obtain certification from a program or organization that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the Distance Education Training Council;
- Have a current certification in CPR and defibrillator (AED) use;
- Pass a state administered exam;
- Pay all related application, exam, licensure and renewal fees;
- Renew the license biennially; and
- Fulfill yet-to-be determined continuing education requirements.

Working with its lobbyist in Tallahassee, IHRSA has initiated discussions with the bills’ sponsors in order to protect Florida trainers from the unnecessarily burdensome aspects of the legislation. We will continue to update Florida members with any new developments.

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licensing for in-home or mobile fitness training
by: Anonymous

As scary as it is, the truth is that one does not need a certification, background check, or anything in order to legally work with clients and even call themselves a fitness trainer. Heck, any yo-yo or even a gorilla can legally train and prescribe cardio sessions to your uncle who is trying to get healthy after his 3rd heart attack! Heck, even the lady who cuts my wife's hair is licensed by the state. All she can do wrong is give my wife a screwed up haircut?

I am not necessarily calling for licensure, but I would certainly suggest that truly qualified and certified trainers learn how to become true professionals and separate themselves from the rest of the pack. In the Home Fitness Training Specialist approved continuing education course, the topic of professionalism is one of the major topics discussed. If you want to be taken seriously and make a successful career out of in-home training, you must be viewed as a professional.

The Home Fitness Professionals Association/Home Fitness Training Specialist Continuing Education and Certification Course Can be seen on this site under CEU Discounts. There is a 100% risk free guarantee for anyone who tries this course!

all the best,

Jeff Drock MS, CSCS
Home Fitness Professionals Associaion

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state
by: Anonymous

I made sure that I was a certified fitness instructor, through ISSA
Then as far as the state goes, I became a LLC to cover myself in case of any injury. I also purchased insurance as well.
If you are going to work as a job and earn an income, you would possibly need a city and county licence. Not a state licence as far as I know. But the LLC is registered in the state.
Sometimes it is better to run your business as a business, and then you have write offs too and it shows you are dedicated and a professional in your work. Good luck ! :)

State Licensing

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