Workers’ Compensation insurance

Florida Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all Florida businesses with four or more employees. Construction businesses must have coverage for every employee.

Who needs workers’ comp insurance in Florida?

Florida law states that workers’ compensation insurance is required when a business has four or more employees, either full- or part-time.

There are special considerations for some employees, including corporate officers:

• Sole proprietors and partners are automatically excluded from workers’ comp law, but they can purchase coverage by filing for election of coverage.
• Construction businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for every employee, including contractors. They can exempt up to three corporate officers if each can demonstrate ownership of at least 10% of the company. In addition, contractors are responsible for ensuring that their subcontractor provides coverage for their workers.
• Agricultural businesses with six or more regular employees and/or 12 or more seasonal employees that work for more that 30 days are required to provide coverage.

So, do you need workers’ comp for part-time employees? Unless they fall into one of the three exceptions above, the answer is yes. Independent contractors are not considered employees, and an employer is not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for those individuals unless they are in the construction industry.

Why is workers’ compensation insurance important for businesses?

Workers’ compensation is a crucial part of small business insurance because it can pay for medical bills, recovery costs, and disability benefits if an employee is injured at work. It can also cover funeral costs and death benefits for an employee’s family in the event of a fatality on the job.

By mandating this insurance coverage, Florida officials provide an incentive for businesses to keep employees safe and reduce the risk of lawsuits against business owners. That means that your small business insurance can: Cover medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured

Pay legal expenses if an employee files a lawsuit related to a work injury or illness (because workers’ comp includes employer’s liability insurance)
Comply with applicable workers’ comp laws

Dorsal Insurance helps a variety of industries compare quotes and buy Florida workers’ compensation insurance policies. Whether you own a dental practice, photography studio, convenience store, or something altogether different, we can help you find a policy to meet your business needs