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Navigating Florida Workers’ Comp: What Every Employer & Employee Needs to Know

Employer Coverage Requirements

• Construction Industry: Mandatory with 1 or more employees (including full-time, part-time, and corporate officers). Up to 3 officers per corporation can file for an official exemption.

• Non-Construction Industry: Mandatory with 4 or more employees. Corporate officers count toward the employee threshold unless formally exempted; sole proprietors and partners are excluded by default.

• Agricultural Sector: Mandatory with 6 regular employees or 12 seasonal workers who work more than 30 days in a season or 45 days in a calendar year.

Core Benefits Provided

• Medical Care: 100% of doctor visits, treatments, prescriptions, and travel to appointments.

• Lost Wage Checks: About two-thirds of your normal pay while you cannot work, up to state-mandated caps.

• Time Cap: Wage-loss checks can last up to 104 weeks (2 years) max.

• Death Benefits: Up to $150,000 in support for family dependents plus $7,500 for funeral costs if a worker dies.

Critical Time Limits

• 30-Day Worker Notice: An injured employee must report the workplace accident to their employer within 30 days.

• 7-Day Employer Notice: The employer must submit the claim to their insurance carrier within 7 days of being notified.

• 2-Year File Limit: Formal Petitions for Benefits must be filed within 2 years of the injury date or the last provision of benefits.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Stop-Work Orders: The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation can order an immediate pause on all business operations.

• Financial Fines: Set at 2 times the amount the business should have paid in premiums over the prior two years, or $1,000 (whichever is higher).

• Criminal Liability: Intentionally avoiding coverage or misclassifying workers is a third-degree felony in Florida.

Call Dorsal Insurance today for a more detailed quote (786) 601-2485

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.