On April 7, 2026, the Florida Department of Health issued an Emergency Suspension Order against the license of massage therapist Michael Edward Banner in Pasco County, Florida. The Order was issued following allegations of sexual misconduct during a massage session performed while Banner was working at Massage Luxe.
Banner has been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since March 2016. According to Banner's Facebook page, he has also been doing business at Mike's Mobile Massage.
Allegations Against Michael Banner
According to the Department of Health’s Emergency Order, the allegations stem from an incident involving a female client on October 20, 2025.
Authorities allege that:
- During the massage, the client turned over onto her back, and Banner began massaging her shoulders and upper chest
- Banner then moved his hands downward under the drape and onto the client’s breasts
- Banner brought his hands back over the client’s breasts and allegedly pinched and/or twisted her nipples
- The client did not consent to Banner touching or massaging her breasts
Facts and Background
According to the Emergency Suspension Order:
- Banner was working as a massage therapist at Massage Luxe at the time of the incident
- The client disrobed to her lower undergarments, lay face down on the massage table, and was covered with a drape
- During the massage, the client turned onto her back
- Banner then engaged in inappropriate contact involving the client’s breasts without consent
The Department of Health determined that this conduct fell outside the scope of acceptable massage therapy practice and violated professional standards.
Emergency Suspension of License
The Florida Department of Health concluded that Banner willfully abused his position as a massage therapist to sexually violate a client who trusted him to act professionally.
State regulators determined that his conduct demonstrated a lack of good judgment and moral character necessary to safely practice massage therapy, and that his continued practice constitutes an immediate and serious danger to the public.
As a result, the Department issued an immediate suspension of Banner’s license pending further disciplinary proceedings.
Massage Therapists Occupy Positions of Trust
When clients schedule a massage, they do so to relax and relieve stress. They trust that licensed massage therapists are properly vetted and will act professionally, with integrity, and with respect for boundaries.
Under Florida law, massage therapists occupy positions of trust, and any sexual contact with a client is strictly prohibited. A therapist may not use the therapist-client relationship to induce or attempt to induce a client to engage in sexual activity outside the accepted scope of practice or standards of treatment.
It is unlawful, unethical, and a violation of professional duty for any massage therapist to touch a client sexually. Because massage therapy occurs in private settings where clients are especially vulnerable, practitioners are expected to exercise sound judgment and uphold the highest standards of moral character.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
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 by Michael Banner or any other therapist 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.