If you’re planning to open or currently operate a medical spa in Florida, one of the most important legal questions you need to address is whether a medical director is required. The answer, in most cases, is yes—especially if your spa offers medical-grade treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, or laser therapies. These procedures are considered the practice of medicine and must be supervised by a licensed physician or an authorized healthcare provider. That’s where having a medical director becomes not only a regulatory requirement but also a key component of legal compliance.
In Florida, medical spas must operate under the supervision of a licensed physician, and this role is typically filled by a medical director. The medical director is responsible for overseeing all clinical procedures and ensuring that the spa complies with the Florida Board of Medicine’s rules and other healthcare regulations. This includes reviewing protocols, supervising staff who administer treatments, and ensuring that patient care meets accepted standards. The absence of proper supervision can expose the spa to serious legal consequences—including fines, sanctions, and even the forced shutdown of operations.
This is where business and healthcare law intersect—and why it’s so important to hire an attorney. An experienced healthcare attorney can help you determine the correct structure for your spa, draft a legally sound agreement with your medical director, and ensure you’re not violating Florida’s corporate practice of medicine laws. They’ll also help you understand what services require medical oversight and how to remain compliant with patient consent, privacy, and advertising laws. Without proper legal guidance, it’s easy to overlook these details and inadvertently operate outside the scope of the law.
In conclusion, yes—you do need a medical director for your Florida medical spa if you’re offering medical procedures, and yes—you absolutely need legal support to do it right. Working with a knowledgeable attorney ensures that your agreements, staffing, and operations are compliant with state law, which protects both your business and your patients. Don’t leave your success up to chance—legal structure and compliance are the foundation of a thriving, legitimate medical spa in Florida.