Workers' compensation insurance in Florida

Florida workers compensation is a private, competitive market

Unlike Washington and a few other states, Florida has a competitive private workers compensation market. Employers purchase workers comp from private insurance carriers regulated by the Florida Division of Workers Compensation. The state sets statutory requirements, but carriers compete on rates and service.

Who must carry workers compensation in Florida

Florida law requires most employers to carry workers compensation insurance. The threshold depends on your industry: construction contractors must carry it with 1+ employee; non-construction businesses must carry it with 4+ employees; agriculture has separate thresholds. Sole proprietors and partners can elect coverage but are not required. Failure to carry coverage when required carries steep penalties.

• Construction: required with 1+ employee
• Non-construction: required with 4+ employees
• Sole proprietors/partners: optional
• Agriculture: separate thresholds; consult a specialist

What Florida workers compensation covers

• Medical benefits. covers all necessary medical treatment for a work injury with no waiting period or limits
• Wage replacement (indemnity). employees receive a percentage of lost wages starting after a one-week waiting period (which may be waived in certain circumstances)
• Death benefits. if an employee is killed on the job, survivors receive burial expenses and ongoing income replacement
• Vocational rehabilitation. if an employee cannot return to their previous job, the carrier may fund retraining and job placement
• Supplemental job displacement. if an employee cannot return to work, they may receive additional education or training benefits

How Florida workers comp premiums are set

Your Florida workers compensation premium is based on your industry class, payroll, and claims history. Carriers use statistical formulas and competitive analysis to price policies. Because Florida has a competitive market and high medical costs driven by medical inflation and litigation, workers comp in Florida is consistently more expensive than many other states. Maru compares multiple carriers to find the best rate for your risk profile.

Electing coverage as a sole proprietor

If you're a sole proprietor or partner, you can elect to be covered under your business's workers compensation policy. This gives you the same protection as your employees. Some businesses elect coverage as an inexpensive way to provide personal protection.

Reducing your Florida workers comp premium

• Implement documented workplace safety and loss-prevention programs
• Work with your carrier on return-to-work and disability management
• Keep a clean safety record and resolve injuries quickly
• Consider higher medical deductibles if your business can absorb the cost
• Re-shop at renewal; Maru compares carriers for you

Why buy Florida workers comp through Maru

Maru compares workers compensation carriers across our network to find the best rate and coverage options for your Florida business. We ensure you meet statutory requirements, handle renewals, and can layer workers comp with your general liability, commercial property, and commercial auto policies.

Frequently asked questions

Vadim — Maru Insurance
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.