Florida Workers Compensation Insurance

Contractors Workers Compensation Facts

We represent many different workers compensation insurance carriers in Florida and one of my carriers FUBA published a recent a contractors guide to workers compensation insurance and I though it was a great fact sheet that will answer all of your contractor related questions click below for your free copy.

Contractors Guide to Workers Compensation Insurance in Florida

August 2009 Contractor Alert Important Notice New Georgia Legislation (HB330) If contractors how have workers compensation coverage in Florida also perform work in Georgia. they will need to obtain coverage in GA as well. For additional information visit Georgia Division of Workers Compensation

Employee your about to hire a potential workers comp claim risk to your company? To find out, click on the link below.

Claims Database Query

Based on our experience with workers compensation insurance, we have found that an employee with a history of filing claims with multiple employers, can have a significant impact on your companies workers compensation premium.

Does the company you are working with or about to employ have a current workers compensation policy? Click on link below to find out.

Compliance Proof of Coverage Datebase

Florida Workers Compensation Insurance Rules

Florida workers compensation

1. Does my Florida business need Florida worker's Compensation Insurance?

Any employer who has four (4) or more full/part-time employees must provide workers' compensation insurance. An employer engaged in the construction industry that employs one (1) or more part/full-time employees must also carry workers' compensation insurance. State and local government you are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Farmers who have more than five (5) regular employees and/or twelve (12) or more additional workers for seasonal agricultural labor lasting thirty (30) days or more are also required to carry workers' compensation coverage.

2. Who can exempt themselves from Florida workers compensation Insurance?

Any individual serving as an officer of a corporation(the corporation must be registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations), who elects to be exempt may not recover workers' compensation benefits. You must meet eligibility requirements and provide documentation supporting your application.

Construction industry corporate officer, including a member of a limited liability company (LLC) applying for an exemption must own at least 10 percent of the stock of the corporation as shown by a stock certificate. In the case of a LLC a notarized statement attesting to the minimum 10 percent ownership is acceptable.

3. Does Florida workers compensation law have specific requirements for subcontractors/contractors and sole proprietors?

Employees of a subcontractor in Florida are recognized as the employees of the general contractor. And the general contractor is responsible for providing workers compensation insurance anytime there is a contractor /subcontractor relationship. Even if any employees of the subcontractors are independent contractors.

Sole Proprietor,Individuals,Partnerships,Corporations and LLC's your workers compensation premium's for officers looking to cover them self's will be based on the following payroll regardless of your earnings

Effective January 2010

Corporation – Non-Construction change Maximum to $124,800

Corporation – Construction Change Minimum to $9,100

Corporation – Construction Change Maximum to $124,800

Sole Proprietor – Change to $51,700

Partnership Change to $51,700

LLC – Non-Construction Change Maximum to $124,800*

LLC – Construction Industry Change Minimum to $9,100*

LLC members or managers may be treated as a Corporation or a Partnership depending on how filed.

FREE Florida Workers Compensation Classes

Business owners, employers and licensed contractors - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation is offering free classes on the requirements of Florida's workers' compensation Insurance laws and workplace safety. Continuing education credits are available to contractors whose license requires continuing education in workers' compensation and workplace safety. See the attached flyer for a list of scheduled classes and locations. Advanced registration is required.

Click here for the latest class schedule

Florida Workers Compensation Forms

I have provided a very helpful link to the Florida Department of Insurance web site that will provide you all the different workers compensation forms currently available in Florida. The most popular form is the exemption form which is below.

Florida Department of Insurance Forms Link

Florida workers Compensation Exemption Form

Click Here

Florida Workers Compensation revocation of exemption form

Click Here

Florida Acord Workers Compensation Application

Click Here

Employee Leasing and Staffing Companies

Using a PEO or staffing company to obtain your workers compensation may be a good alternative to purchasing your own workers compensation policy. Leasing companies handle your payroll, w-2 forms, unemployment and workers compensation claims. In many cases the down payment required to obtain a new workers compensation policy is high and many new businesses cannot afford the down payment. Another advantage, based on my experience, is that you will never get audited because you pay as you go for your coverage. We represent numerous leasing and staffing companies who in many cases offer deep discounts on your workers compensation coverage that you will not find from standard workers compensation insurance carriers.

USL&H & The Jones Act

We have excellent workers compensation programs for these specialty risks requiring this endorsement. If you are unsure and want to read either the USL&H or Jones Act I have provided helpful links below for you convenience. I have found them to be the most detailed and good resources on the laws.

If you need a quote that requires this coverage

Click Here for a USL&H Quote

Click here for the complete USL&H Act, courtesy of Cornell University.
Click here for: USL&H & Jones Act Information
Defense Base Act Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

Florida workers compensation

Florida Workers Compensation Links

News and Legislative Updates
Florida Workers Compensation Statutes
Florida Workers Compensation Forms
Quick Facts and Contact Information
Form - Notice of Election to be Exempt (PDF format)