Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance

Protect your business and employees with Florida workers' comp

Getting workers' compensation insurance in Florida is an essential step for many businesses. This coverage provides financial and medical benefits to employees who get injured or sick on the job. Workers' comp also helps companies in the Sunshine State minimize liability, care for their employees, and meet legal requirements.

Find out more about Florida workers' compensation insurance rules and see how the specialists at Progressive Commercial can help you protect your business.

Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Florida?

Florida workers' compensation law requires most businesses to get coverage, but the specifics depend on your industry and number of employees. Common requirements by profession include:

• Non-construction companies: Businesses with four or more employees must carry workers' comp in Florida. This rule includes business owners who are corporate officers or Limited Liability Company (LLC) members. Explore business insurance for LLCs.
• Construction companies: Contractors and construction businesses with one or more employees need workers' compensation. In most cases, subcontractors must submit proof of coverage, too. If your subcontractors don't have their own Florida workers' comp insurance, you might need to add them to your policy.
• Agricultural businesses: The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation requires coverage for agricultural businesses with six or more regular employees. You'll also need workers' comp if you have at least twelve seasonal workers for more than 30 days a season or 45 days per year.

Out-of-state employers will need to follow these rules and get coverage from an approved workers' compensation insurance company in Florida.

Florida workers' compensation insurance exemptions

One key workers' comp exemption in Florida is sole proprietors. Sole proprietorships are businesses that are owned and operated by one person. Learn more about business insurance for sole proprietors.

What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Florida?

Violating Florida workers' compensation rules for employers can lead to costly penalties, including a stop order on operations. To resume work, a business will need to get the appropriate coverage and pay a fee. This fee is typically twice the amount the business would have paid in premiums for the last two years.

The best way to prevent these financial and legal outcomes is to follow workers' comp requirements in Florida and get insurance.

How can you get workers' comp in Florida?

You can get Florida workers' compensation insurance three ways:

• Private insurers: Many businesses purchase Florida workers' compensation policies through private insurance companies. These insurers can customize coverage and offer discounts for things like safety training. Ask about special features when getting a Progressive Commercial quote.
• Self-insurance: Florida companies can apply for self-insurance. This option can help save on premiums by handling the administration and payment of workers' comp claims in-house with money you've set aside. However, you'll assume all financial risk.
• Florida Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association (FWCJUA): Some businesses can't secure private coverage or self-insurance because they're new, high-risk, or have an extensive claims history. In these cases, workers' comp is available through the FWCJUA.

How does workers' comp work in Florida?

Workers' compensation insurance in Florida helps employees with job-related injuries and illnesses get necessary care. After they report an injury to their employer, they'll file a claim. If approved, the employee will start receiving financial support.

Common workers' comp benefits include:

• Medical expenses
• Disability benefits
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation costs

Workers' comp provides a structured process for resolving disputes and facilitating the employee's smooth return to work. It can also protect employers from costly fines and lawsuits because employees who accept this benefit typically can't sue for their injuries.

Workers' compensation death benefits

Workers' compensation death benefits in Florida provide financial support to a deceased employee's spouse and dependents. They can cover up to $7,500 in funeral expenses, as well as payments of up to 66.67% of the deceased's weekly wage. These income benefits are capped at $150,000.

Florida workers' compensation statute of limitations

Generally, the statute of limitations on filing a workers' comp claim in Florida is two years from the date of injury or diagnosis of a work-related illness.

That said, it's best to file a claim as soon as possible. You should encourage your employees to report their injuries within thirty days of an on-the-job accident. You'll have seven days to submit documentation to your insurance company after that.

Get a Florida workers' comp quote with Progressive Commercial

Progressive Commercial makes it easy to get workers' compensation insurance in Florida. We're here to help you meet state requirements and protect your small business. You'll also gain access to our outstanding customer service and fast claims processing.

Call us to speak with an agent or start a quote online today.