Did you know that most non-construction businesses with 4 or more employees (full-time or part-time, including corporate officers or LLC members) are required by law to carry worker's comp insurance? It's to cover job-related injuries and illnesses, no matter who's at fault. This helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
If you're in construction, it's required even with just 1 employee! Source: Florida Division of Workers' Compensation.
Florida worker's comp pays 100% of necessary medical expenses (like ER visits, therapy, and meds), up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage for temporary total disability (up to 104 weeks), and benefits for permanent impairments.
It also covers death benefits for families, including funeral costs and ongoing support.
It doesn't cover non-work-related stuff or injuries from misconduct/drugs.
Post the required notice in workplace (name/address of carrier, policy expiration, and injury reporting instructions).
Injuries needs to be reported to medical attention within 7 days, or deaths within 24 hours to the Division of Workers' Comp.
For agricultural businesses the rules are a bit different—coverage is mandatory if you have 6 or more regular employees or 12+ seasonal ones working more than 30 days a season (but no more than 45 days total per year).
Workers Compensation protects against things like heat-related illnesses or machinery accidents.
Wrapping this up—penalties for not having coverage are no joke!
Florida issues about 2,500 stop-work orders yearly, shutting down ops until you comply, plus fines up to double your estimated premiums for several years.
Employees can sue if uncovered, and it's a misdemeanor.
Regular safety training and equipment checks can lower your premiums by reducing your experience mod.
If you’re looking to find the right policy, give us a call at (561) 510-1442! We compare options from 6 top carriers to get you the best fit for your business, whether you're in Miami or Jacksonville.