What is the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license in Texas?

Practicing massage therapy without a license in Texas is indeed subject to legal penalties, which can include fines and potential criminal charges. This aligns with the state's regulatory framework designed to protect public health and safety. Texas law recognizes massage therapy as a regulated profession, and engaging in it without the necessary licensure undermines this regulatory effort.

The consequences of unlicensed practice often include monetary fines, which can escalate in severity based on the number of offenses or the circumstances surrounding the violation. Additionally, practicing without a license can lead to criminal charges, which may result in a misdemeanor or, in some cases, a felony, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense. These measures serve as deterrents to ensure that only qualified individuals provide massage therapy services to the public, safeguarding clients from potentially harmful practices by untrained individuals.

The other options do not adequately reflect the legal implications of practicing without a license in Texas, thus reinforcing the notion that fines and criminal charges are the appropriate penalties in this context.