Workers Comp Insurance for Barbershops in Florida: Requirements and Average Costs

Florida requires employers with 4 or more employees to carry workers comp insurance in most non-construction industries. Florida barbershops with 4 or more employees must carry workers comp coverage. Single-member LLC owners and corporate officers may elect to exempt themselves from coverage. Florida workers comp rates are regulated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Quick Answer

Estimated workers comp premiums for Florida barbershops:

Barbershop Type	Estimated Annual Workers Comp Premium
Small barbershop (1 to 3 employees)	Not required (below threshold)
Barbershop at 4-employee threshold	$900 to $2,200 per year
Mid-size barbershop (5 to 8 employees)	$2,000 to $5,000 per year

Florida barbershop workers comp premiums are near the national average.

What Workers Comp Covers for Florida Barbershops

Medical Benefits

Covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation costs for employees injured on the job:

• A barber cuts a hand while shaving a client and requires treatment
• An employee slips on a wet salon floor and sustains an injury
• A barber develops a repetitive stress injury from cutting

Lost Wage Benefits

Covers a portion of wages for employees unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Covers employees with permanent partial or total disability resulting from a work-related injury.

Death Benefits

Covers funeral expenses and survivor benefits if a work-related injury results in death.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Florida 4-Employee Threshold

Florida requires workers comp when a business in a non-construction industry reaches 4 or more employees. Barbershops with 1 to 3 employees are not required to carry workers comp, though it is recommended. Once the threshold is reached, all employees must be covered.

Florida Division of Workers Compensation

Workers comp in Florida is regulated by the Florida Division of Workers Compensation under the Department of Financial Services.

Corporate Officer and LLC Member Exemptions

Florida allows corporate officers and LLC members to exempt themselves from workers comp coverage. Exemption must be filed with the Division of Workers Compensation. A maximum of 3 officers or LLC members can exempt in the construction industry; no stated maximum for non-construction.

NCCI Class Code 9586

Florida barbershops are classified under NCCI class code 9586 (Barber or Beauty Parlor). All non-exempt barber and staff payroll is rated under this code.

Booth Rental Barbers

Florida barbers renting booth space as independent contractors are generally not covered under the shop owner's workers comp policy. Confirm worker classification status with your carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida require workers comp for barbershops?

Florida requires workers comp when a barbershop reaches 4 or more employees in a non-construction industry.

Can a Florida barbershop owner exempt themselves from workers comp?

Yes. Florida corporate officers and LLC members can file for an exemption from workers comp coverage. Exemption must be filed with the Florida Division of Workers Compensation.

What class code applies to Florida barbershop workers comp?

Class code 9586 (Barber or Beauty Parlor) is the standard NCCI code for barbershop employees in Florida.

Does workers comp cover booth rental barbers in Florida?

Not automatically. Independent contractor booth renters are generally not covered under the shop owner's workers comp policy.

How much does workers comp cost for Florida barbershops?

Florida barbershops at the 4-employee threshold typically pay $900 to $2,200 per year, depending on payroll, claims history, and carrier.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Florida Division of Workers Compensation
• National Council on Compensation Insurance
• Insurance Information Institute
• Professional Beauty Association