Workers' compensation insurance coverage is a very important topic. It's also one which is widely misunderstood, especially when you start getting into the specifics, and the regulations and requirements that different states may have. When is it a requirement, and what are other important need to know rules?
In this guide, you'll learn seven key facts and guidelines for Florida workers comp insurance.
More information and additional resources, educational tools, guides and more for employers, employees, insurers and providers, are available at Florida's Department of Financial Services Division of Workers' Compensation website. This can be accessed online at MyFloridaCFO.com/WC.
1. Construction Industry: In the construction industry, any employer with one or more employee of any kind is required to have workers compensation insurance in Florida.
2. Agricultural Industry: Florida's agricultural industry is very seasonal, and as such, different rules are in place. Agricultural employees must provide workers comp in Florida if they have six or more regular employees, or 12 or more seasonal employees. A seasonal period is counted as 30 or more days.
3. Contractors & Sub Contractors: When a contractor sub-contracts part of their work, new regulations come into play in Florida. If the sub-contractor is exempt or not covered, then the sub-contractor's employees become the employees of the contractor for workers comp purposes in Florida. The contractor is then responsible to pay benefits to both the sub-contract and its employees.
4. Non-Construction Industry: Businesses not in the construction or agricultural industry must provide workers comp insurance coverage in Florida when they have four or more employees.
5. Government: All government employers in Florida, including state and local governments, must provide workers comp insurance.
6. Exemptions: Exemptions may be obtained for Florida business owners, but not for employees. Construction industry business owners may pay $50 for an exemption which lasts for two years; non-construction industry business owners receive a free exemption but it still must be renewed every two years.
7. Proof of Coverage: Employees who may be unsure if their employer has the proper workers compensation coverage, or if they are covered, can access the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation Compliance Proof of Coverage Search Database online. By using employer name, or the beginning of the employer name, and its city location, a list of results which are updated daily throughout the week will be returned.
Of course, there are many other important details, facts, regulations and requirements for workers comp in Florida. But hopefully, you've been able to learn a little bit more about the basics, and some of the major differences across different industries and types of employers, and more.
Again, for more information, it's recommended that you call the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Workers' Compensation, or visit them online.
