Who needs a physical fitness certificate of authority and bond in South Carolina?

Issued by South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (Physical Fitness Services Act, Code of Laws 44-79), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

2 of the 20 kinds of business in South Carolina

Every business offering physical fitness services, including gyms, studios, spas and weight control centers, files for the certificate before selling any membership. The Act limits contract length and prepayment and writes cancellation rights into every membership agreement.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (Physical Fitness Services Act, Code of Laws 44-79).

Sources and dates

Code of Laws 44-79-30 and 44-79-80; Department of Consumer Affairs physical fitness service provider pages and initial application. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.