Workers Compensation Insurance for General Contractors in Florida: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements

Workers compensation insurance is required for Florida general contractors with one or more employees -- a stricter threshold than most other industries in Florida. WC covers your employees' work-related injuries and illnesses: medical treatment, lost wages, disability benefits, and death benefits. Florida's construction industry WC rules are among the strictest in the country, and non-compliance carries significant penalties.

Quick Answer

Estimated workers compensation premiums for Florida general contractors:

Business Size	Estimated Annual WC Premium
Small GC (1 to 5 employees)	$1,500 to $3,000 per year
Larger GC (6 or more employees)	$2,800 to $5,600 per year

Florida GC workers comp premiums are near the national average. Actual premiums depend on payroll, employee classification codes, and experience modification factor.

What Workers Comp Covers for Florida General Contractors

Medical Treatment for Work Injuries

WC covers the cost of medical treatment for employees injured on the job -- emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages

WC pays a portion of an injured employee's wages during recovery. Florida's temporary disability benefit is 66.67% of average weekly wages up to a state maximum.

Permanent Disability

WC provides permanent impairment and permanent total disability benefits for employees whose injuries result in lasting impairment under Florida's rating schedule.

Death Benefits

WC pays death benefits to eligible dependents of employees who die from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Employer's Liability

Workers comp policies include an employer's liability section that covers lawsuits from employees claiming negligence beyond the WC system.

What Workers Comp Does Not Cover for Florida General Contractors

Subcontractor Injuries

WC covers your employees, not independent subcontractors. Subcontractors need their own WC. Uninsured subcontractor payroll may be added to your policy at audit. Florida's construction industry rules make subcontractor certificate compliance especially important. Collect WC certificates from every subcontractor before work begins.

Third-Party Bodily Injury

WC does not cover bodily injury claims from non-employees. General liability covers those third-party claims.

Property Damage

WC does not cover property damage. GL covers property damage claims.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Florida Construction Industry WC Threshold

Florida requires WC for construction industry employers with one or more employees -- lower than the four-employee threshold that applies to most other Florida industries. A GC with even a single construction employee must carry WC. Non-compliance triggers stop-work orders and substantial penalties.

Subcontractor Exemptions

Florida allows sole proprietors and corporate officers to file for WC exemptions. However, if you use an exempt sub, you cannot count on that sub's exemption to protect you from liability for their injuries. Review Florida Division of Workers Compensation guidance on how exemptions affect your coverage obligations before engaging exempt subcontractors.

Florida Division of Workers Compensation

Florida's Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) enforces WC compliance in the construction industry. DWC compliance officers conduct site inspections and issue stop-work orders for non-compliance. A stop-work order halts your project until coverage is obtained.

Subcontractor Certificate Management

Florida GCs should maintain current WC certificates for every subcontractor on every project. At audit, uninsured subcontractor payroll is added to your policy and billed at the applicable construction classification rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is workers comp required for general contractors in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires WC for construction employers with one or more employees. Non-compliance triggers stop-work orders and penalties.

Does WC cover subcontractor injuries on my Florida job site?

WC covers your employees. Subcontractors need their own WC or a Florida WC exemption. Uninsured sub payroll may be added to your policy at audit. Collect certificates from all subcontractors.

What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Florida construction?

Florida DWC can issue a stop-work order immediately and require payment of penalty equal to 2x the evaded premium or $1,000, whichever is greater.

How much does workers comp cost for a Florida general contractor?

Florida small GCs typically pay $1,500 to $3,000 per year for WC coverage.

Can a sole proprietor GC be exempt from workers comp in Florida?

Sole proprietors and certain corporate officers can apply for a WC exemption in Florida. However, exemptions have limitations in the construction industry. Consult a licensed insurance agent before relying on an exemption.

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 and attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Florida Division of Workers Compensation
• Florida Department of Financial Services
• Insurance Information Institute
• Associated General Contractors of America