Dozens of Massage Parlors Are Busted and Shut Down Permanently

TDLR the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation just cracked down hard to protect Texans from unsafe practices and human trafficking, as reported below by  the TDLR and News West-9.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is sending a strong message in 2025: if you abuse the public’s trust, your license, and your livelihood, could be gone forever. So far this year, 110 licenses have been revoked across Texas, with many of them coming from the massage industry.

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And this isn't just a slap on the wrist. Several massage establishment owners across cities like Austin, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi have been permanently banned from ever working in the industry again.

Lifetime Bans for Massage Establishment Owners in Texas

Here’s a closer look at the massage parlor crackdown:

• Midland, Cleburne, Amarillo & Lubbock: A multi-city owner banned for life.
• Burleson: Owner banned for life and fined $10,500.
• San Antonio, El Paso, Round Rock, New Braunfels: All received lifetime bans.
• Corpus Christi, Garland, Fort Worth: Multiple establishments permanently closed.
• Austin: Owner fined $16,000, license revoked.
• Houston: One license revoked with $8,000 in penalties.
• San Antonio: Another parlor suspended for 2 months, $5,000 fine.
• Additional violations include unlicensed operations and failure to comply with human trafficking awareness laws.

These actions are part of TDLR’s efforts to remove bad actors who ignore safety standards, exploit workers, or operate without proper licenses.

TDLR: “We’re Here to Protect Texans”

The TDLR reminds all Texans to ask service providers for their license numbers. If someone refuses, walk away. It’s your right to know who’s operating legally and who’s not.
Consumers are also encouraged to report shady businesses or unlicensed activity at www.tdlr.texas.gov.
Since the start of 2025, the agency has also issued over $113,000 in administrative penalties across various industries, everything from towing companies and barber shops to even combative sports contestants.

More Than Just Massage: TDLR's Statewide Enforcement

While massage parlors dominated the list, other license revocations include:

• Tow Companies in Houston and Hutchins: $18,000 fines each
• Cosmetology Violations in Tyler, El Paso, Houston, and Schertz: Fines up to $15,500
• Cease and Desist Orders: Issued to unlicensed massage therapists in Arlington, Austin, McAllen, Pearland, and a rogue cosmetology busines

Bottom Line: Texas Is Watching

Whether you’re stepping into a massage parlor, barbershop, or nail salon—don’t take licenses for granted. TDLR’s inspectors are on the move, and unlicensed activity could lead to big trouble.

Want to stay safe? Ask to see a license. And if you're suspicious, report it. Because in Texas, we don't mess around with shady business.