On October 9, 2025, Florida massage therapist Jose Barroso permanently surrendered his massage therapy license as part of disciplinary proceedings on his license. Barroso's decision to surrender his license follows a June 5, 2024 Emergency Order restricting his license. The Emergency Suspension was entered after disturbing allegations were made that he sexually assaulted a female client while working at the Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Hotel spa, located on 4040 Central Florida Parkway. Jose Barroso had been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since 2004.
According to the Department of Health records, the alleged sexual misconduct occurred during a 50-minute massage on November 11, 2023, which Barroso was the assigned therapist. The complaint states that Barroso asked the client if she wanted to extend the massage an additional 30 minutes in which the client agreed. He then continued with the massage by placing his hand under the sheet, rubbing the client's left leg and upper thigh. Barroso's allegedly began brushing up against the client's pubic area, and then penetrated and touched her labia. Barroso then reportedly pulled off the draping completely, leaving the client's backside fully exposed. The client then grabbed the sheet to cover herself and told Barroso to stop. Barroso told the client the massage would be free, and she got dressed and left.
Clients of massage therapists are placed in isolated, vulnerable settings where they can be subject to abuse by their massage therapists. Due to the potential for abuse that is inherent under these circumstances, massage therapists must possess good judgment and good moral character in order to practice massage therapy safely. Incidents such as this are a reminder that persons who may commit sexual misconduct work in all industries, even professions in which we typically place our blind trust. All allegations of sexual abuse must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement, and employers must be especially vigilant in supervision and protection at all times. Jose Barroso is accused of abusing his power and lacking good moral judgment to safely massage his female clients.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits against massage therapists for clients who were inappropriately touched at various massage salons and spas. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery during a massage, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.