Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance

Protect Your Employees and Your Florida Business

Whether you operate a construction company in Jacksonville, a restaurant in Orlando, a retail store in Tampa, or a growing business in South Florida, protecting your employees is an important part of protecting your company's future.

Florida workers' compensation insurance helps provide financial protection when employees suffer qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses. Coverage can help pay medical expenses, provide partial wage replacement, and offer other benefits while helping employers meet their obligations under Florida law.

At Tatum Insurance Agency, we help Florida business owners evaluate workers' compensation insurance options based on their industry, employee classifications, payroll, and workplace exposures.

As an independent insurance agency with offices in Fernandina Beach and Jasper, Florida, we work with businesses seeking coverage throughout the state.

Whether you are purchasing your first workers' compensation policy, reviewing existing coverage, or expanding your workforce, our team can help you explore available insurance options.

Who Needs Workers' Compensation Insurance in Florida?

Florida workers' compensation requirements depend on the type of business, number of employees, and other factors.

Unlike states that apply a single employee threshold to most employers, Florida establishes different requirements for construction, non-construction, and agricultural operations.

Florida Workers' Compensation Requirements by Industry

Business TypeGeneral Coverage RequirementConstruction businessesOne or more employees, including non-exempt ownersNon-construction businessesFour or more employees, including non-exempt ownersAgricultural businessesSix or more regular employees and/or 12 or more qualifying seasonal workersState and local government employersGenerally required to provide coverage

These thresholds are general guidelines. Employee status, valid exemptions, business structure, and other circumstances can affect the requirements.

Workers' Compensation for Florida Construction Companies

Florida has particularly strict workers' compensation requirements for construction businesses.

Construction employers generally must maintain coverage when they have one or more employees, including non-exempt owners.

This can affect businesses such as:

  • General contractors

  • Roofing contractors

  • Electrical contractors

  • Plumbing contractors

  • HVAC contractors

  • Concrete and masonry contractors

  • Excavation and grading contractors

  • Framing and carpentry contractors

  • Painting contractors

  • Other qualifying construction trades

Contractors should also understand their responsibilities when hiring subcontractors. Florida law can create workers' compensation exposure for contractors when subcontractors fail to maintain required coverage.

Workers' Compensation for Non-Construction Businesses

Florida non-construction businesses generally must carry workers' compensation insurance when they have four or more employees, including qualifying full-time and part-time workers.

This requirement can affect restaurants, retailers, professional offices, hospitality businesses, warehouses, and many other employers.

Certain business owners and corporate officers may qualify for exemptions, but exemptions must satisfy Florida's eligibility and filing requirements.

Workers' Compensation for Florida Agricultural Businesses

Agricultural employers are generally required to maintain workers' compensation coverage when they have six or more regular employees and/or 12 or more qualifying seasonal workers.

Because agricultural operations may rely on seasonal labor, farm owners should review how employee counts and work periods affect their coverage obligations.

What Does Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance Cover?

Workers' compensation insurance is designed to provide benefits to employees who experience qualifying work-related injuries or occupational illnesses.

Depending on the circumstances, benefits may include:

Medical expenses

Coverage for authorized and medically necessary treatment related to a qualifying workplace injury, including physician visits, hospital care, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.

Lost wage benefits

Eligible employees may receive partial wage replacement when a covered workplace injury prevents them from performing their regular job duties.

Temporary or permanent disability benefits

Benefits may be available when a qualifying injury results in temporary or permanent impairment, subject to Florida law.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Certain employees may qualify for rehabilitation or vocational assistance to support their recovery and return to employment.

Death benefits

When a covered workplace injury or occupational illness results in an employee's death, eligible dependents may receive benefits as provided by Florida law.

Workers' compensation policies also typically include employers liability insurance, which can provide protection against certain employee injury-related liability claims outside the statutory benefits system.

Actual benefits, limitations, and eligibility depend on Florida law and the insurance policy.

Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance for Contractors and Subcontractors

Construction is one of the industries where workers' compensation coverage deserves particular attention.

Florida contractors should verify that subcontractors maintain appropriate coverage or valid exemptions before work begins.

A subcontractor's failure to carry required insurance may expose the hiring contractor to additional responsibility for workplace injuries and insurance premiums.

Important considerations include:

  • Verifying subcontractor workers' compensation coverage.

  • Obtaining current Certificates of Insurance.

  • Checking the validity of applicable exemptions.

  • Maintaining accurate payroll and subcontractor records.

  • Confirming proper employee classifications.

  • Understanding contractual insurance requirements.

Tatum Insurance Agency can help contractors review their workers' compensation needs as part of a broader commercial insurance program.

How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost in Florida?

The cost of Florida workers' compensation insurance varies based on the nature of the business, its workforce, and its claims experience.

Insurance companies generally consider several factors when calculating premiums.

Industry and Employee Classification Codes

Workers' compensation classifications reflect the type of work employees perform.

Businesses with higher-risk operations, such as roofing or certain construction trades, typically have different insurance rates than businesses with primarily office-based employees.

Annual Payroll

Workers' compensation premiums are generally calculated using employee payroll and applicable classification rates.

As payroll increases or decreases, insurance premiums may change.

Claims History

Businesses with previous workplace injury claims may experience different premiums than comparable businesses with fewer or less severe claims.

Experience Modification Factor

Eligible businesses may receive an experience modification factor that adjusts premiums based partly on their claims history compared with similar businesses.

Workplace Safety Practices

Employee training, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and risk-management practices can help reduce workplace injuries and potentially improve long-term insurance costs.

Insurance Carrier and Coverage Options

Insurance rates and available programs can vary among carriers. Working with an independent insurance agency allows business owners to compare available options rather than relying on a single insurer.

Florida Workers' Compensation Exemptions

Certain Florida business owners may qualify to exempt themselves from workers' compensation coverage.

However, exemption eligibility depends on the industry, business structure, ownership, and other requirements established by the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation.

Construction and non-construction businesses are subject to different exemption rules.

For example, eligible construction corporate officers and LLC members generally must satisfy ownership and registration requirements, and the number of individuals who may elect an exemption is limited.

An exemption applies to the qualifying individual, not automatically to the entire business or its employees.

Business owners should verify eligibility and obtain the appropriate state-issued exemption rather than assuming they are exempt.

Workers' Compensation Policy Audits in Florida

Many Florida workers' compensation policies are subject to premium audits.

When a policy begins, the initial premium is often based on estimated payroll, employee classifications, and projected business operations.

At the end of the policy period, the insurance company may review actual payroll and other relevant records.

An audit can result in an additional premium or an adjustment when actual exposure differs from the original estimate, subject to policy terms.

Maintaining accurate payroll records, properly classifying employees, and documenting subcontractor insurance can help reduce unexpected audit issues.

Industries We Help With Workers' Compensation Insurance in Florida

Tatum Insurance Agency works with Florida businesses across a variety of industries and commercial operations.

These may include:

  • Construction and contracting

  • Restaurants and hospitality

  • Retail businesses

  • Manufacturing

  • Transportation and distribution

  • Landscaping and property maintenance

  • Automotive services

  • Warehousing

  • Professional services

  • Small businesses and growing companies

Every industry has different workplace exposures, employee classifications, and insurance considerations.

Our goal is to help Florida business owners evaluate coverage that reflects how their companies actually operate.

Workers' Compensation Insurance Throughout Florida

Tatum Insurance Agency serves businesses throughout Florida, with local offices in Fernandina Beach and Jasper.

We understand that workers' compensation needs can differ among businesses operating in major metropolitan markets, smaller communities, and industries such as construction, hospitality, transportation, and agriculture.

We can assist businesses seeking workers' compensation insurance in communities including:

  • Jacksonville

  • Tampa

  • Orlando

  • Miami

  • Tallahassee

  • Fernandina Beach

  • Jasper

  • Gainesville

  • St. Augustine

  • Live Oak

Whether your company operates in one Florida city or maintains employees at multiple locations, our team can help evaluate your coverage needs.

Why Choose Tatum Insurance Agency for Florida Workers' Compensation?

Selecting workers' compensation insurance involves more than finding the lowest premium.

Your coverage should accurately reflect your business operations, payroll, employee classifications, and potential workplace risks.

As an independent insurance agency, Tatum Insurance Agency helps Florida employers explore available workers' compensation coverage options.

We can assist with:

  • Reviewing existing workers' compensation policies.

  • Evaluating coverage for new or growing businesses.

  • Comparing available insurance carrier options.

  • Reviewing employee classifications and payroll estimates.

  • Understanding subcontractor insurance considerations.

  • Coordinating workers' compensation with other commercial insurance policies.

Our goal is to help business owners make informed insurance decisions while protecting their employees and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance

How many employees require workers' compensation insurance in Florida?

Most non-construction businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance when they have four or more employees. Construction businesses generally must maintain coverage with one or more employees, while agricultural businesses have separate employee thresholds. Valid exemptions and other circumstances may affect these requirements.

Do Florida contractors need workers' compensation insurance?

Generally, yes, when they have one or more employees, including non-exempt owners. Florida construction businesses are subject to stricter coverage requirements than most non-construction employers.

Are part-time employees counted for workers' compensation in Florida?

Yes. Part-time employees generally count toward applicable employee thresholds. Businesses should consider both full-time and part-time workers when evaluating their obligations.

Can a Florida business owner be exempt from workers' compensation?

Certain eligible corporate officers and LLC members may obtain exemptions through the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation. Requirements differ between construction and non-construction industries. An exemption does not automatically eliminate the business's obligation to insure other employees.

Do Florida subcontractors need workers' compensation insurance?

Subcontractors must comply with applicable Florida coverage requirements. General contractors should verify that subcontractors maintain required coverage or valid exemptions because uninsured subcontractors can create additional liability exposure.

Can I purchase workers' compensation insurance if my business has fewer than four employees?

Yes. Businesses that are not legally required to maintain coverage may still choose to purchase workers' compensation insurance. Customers, general contractors, or other business partners may also require proof of coverage.

Does workers' compensation cover an employee injured while traveling for work?

It may. Injuries sustained while performing qualifying work-related duties away from the employer's primary location can be covered, depending on the circumstances and applicable Florida law. Ordinary commuting generally receives different treatment.

Request a Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance Quote

Protecting your employees is an important part of building a financially secure business.

Whether you operate a construction company, manage a restaurant, own a retail business, or employ workers in another industry, Tatum Insurance Agency can help you evaluate workers' compensation insurance options.

With offices in Fernandina Beach and Jasper, Florida, our independent insurance professionals are available to assist businesses throughout the state.

Contact Tatum Insurance Agency today to discuss your Florida workers' compensation insurance needs and request a personalized quote.