Workers comp rates and rules in Florida
Florida has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,197 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Florida, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
Florida coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
Employers with 4 or more employees (full-time or part-time) must carry coverage. Construction industry employers with 1 or more employees must carry coverage. Agricultural employers with 5 or more regular employees and/or 12 or more seasonal employees who work for more than 30 days must carry coverage.
Max weekly benefit
$1,197 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
104 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
Death benefit
Up to $150,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Individuals classified as independent contractors (1099) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes if they meet specific statutory criteria, otherwise they may be reclassified as employees.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
Estimate your premium in Florida
Pre-filled to Florida. Pick your industry and payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.
Filing & compliance in Florida
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with 4 or more employees (full-time or part-time) must carry coverage. Construction industry employers with 1 or more employees must carry coverage. Agricultural employers with 5 or more regular employees and/or 12 or more seasonal employees who work for more than 30 days must carry coverage.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
Private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual write coverage in Florida. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
General contractors are liable for the workers' compensation coverage of their uninsured subcontractors and their employees. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll within 90 days of policy expiration. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll.
Florida workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Florida?
Employers with 4 or more employees (full-time or part-time) must carry coverage. Construction industry employers with 1 or more employees must carry coverage. Agricultural employers with 5 or more regular employees and/or 12 or more seasonal employees who work for more than 30 days must carry coverage.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Florida?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Florida is $1,197 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Florida is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Florida?
Individuals classified as independent contractors (1099) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes if they meet specific statutory criteria, otherwise they may be reclassified as employees.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Florida?
Yes, Florida allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Florida?
Failure to secure workers' compensation coverage can result in stop-work orders, fines of $1,000 per day, and criminal penalties.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Florida?
Florida typically requires a payroll audit within 90 days of policy expiration. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in Florida?
General contractors are liable for the workers' compensation coverage of their uninsured subcontractors and their employees.