Do you want to own a Texas gym? Here’s a quick overview of the common steps for setting one up.
- Form a new Texas business entity as a personal liability shield. A limited liability company (LLC) is more popular than a corporation because it offers liability protection but is simpler to run.
- Lease a high-traffic location near neighborhoods filled with young families that have kids. Ideally, it’s also near one or more schools. Check with your city government before leasing to ensure there’s no zoning/permit issues.
- Most Texas gyms must comply with the state’s Health Spa Act. Among other things, this means getting your gym membership agreement approved by the state and being assigned a registration number under the Act. Failure to do this may mean all your gym contracts are void.
- Obtain a sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller’s Office. This can be done online.
- Be sure to file the Beneficial Ownership Information Report with the federal government. This is a new requirement that went into effect at the beginning of 2024.
- In addition to the membership contract, have an experienced Texas gym lawyer prepare liability waivers (for guests and members) plus a media release so you can promote your new gym using photos and videos you take of members and guests working out at your facility.
- Get liability insurance as additional protection in case someone gets hurt at your gym.
Of course, each Texas gym is unique. So what you need to do may vary from the above list. However, these are common steps most successful gyms do in the Lone Star State.
Now if you need legal help with this, it’s a good idea to set up a phone consultation with Texas Gym Lawyer Mike Young.
