Understanding workers’ compensation insurance
Workplace injuries affect employees and employers, and Florida has specific rules for when coverage is required.
What does workers’ compensation do?
Subject to law and policy terms, it can provide medical benefits and wage replacement for covered work-related injuries and illnesses.
When is it required in Florida?
Requirements depend on industry, employee count, and other factors. Construction employers generally face different thresholds than many non-construction employers. Verify current requirements with Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
How job duties affect the price
Payroll, job duties, subcontractor arrangements, and the insurer’s year-end payroll review can affect eligibility and premium.
What to review
Which workers are employees, whether owners are covered, subcontractor arrangements, work in other states, and the plan for return to work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rely on a subcontractor’s insurance?
You should verify coverage and applicable legal requirements; responsibility can depend on the actual working relationship.
Can business owners exclude themselves?
Certain exemptions may exist but eligibility and application requirements vary; confirm with the state.
What to keep for an audit
Maintain payroll, job descriptions, work locations, subcontractor invoices, and current certificates or exemption records. At renewal, compare listed job categories with actual duties. Ask how overtime, owners, clerical work, and subcontractors are handled. If someone moves from office duties to field work, report it so the classification can be reviewed.
Plan how to report an injury
Know who receives an employee report, how to arrange medical care, what information the insurer needs, and how return-to-work duties are handled. Keep incident records and follow reporting instructions. Florida law and the policy govern benefits and employer duties; confirm current requirements with the official Florida employer guidance.