Workers compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide statutory benefits for covered job injuries while protecting employers under the law. The employer buys a policy, reports employees and payroll, and sends work injuries to the carrier. The carrier investigates and administers authorized medical care, wage benefits and other benefits that apply. In Florida, Chapter 440 sets the framework.
Before an injury: the policy is built
The application identifies the legal entity, owners, operations, employees, payroll, classifications, locations and prior losses. Those facts create an estimated premium. Contractors also disclose subcontractors and any required certificates or exemptions.
Class codes connect actual job duties to the rating system. Roofers, drivers and clerical employees have different exposure. The carrier or NCCI must confirm each code; a title chosen by the employer does not settle it.
When an injury happens
The employee should tell the employer promptly. The employer should arrange immediate emergency help when needed, preserve basic incident facts and report the injury to the carrier. Florida's Division tells employers to file the first report even when they doubt the injury is covered, leaving the responsibility decision to the insurance process.
Do not punish an employee for reporting. Do not promise that a claim will or will not be accepted. Give accurate information and follow the carrier's directions for authorized care.
How a claim moves
The carrier reviews whether the injury arose from covered work, confirms employment and policy facts, and manages the claim under Florida law. Depending on the injury, statutory benefits may include authorized medical treatment and partial wage replacement. Severe injuries may involve longer-term benefits.
The employer should stay involved without practicing medicine: provide job descriptions, wage information and incident documents; communicate available modified work; and correct the hazard that caused the event. Open, aging claims can affect future underwriting and possibly experience modification.
What workers comp does not replace
- General liability for injury or damage alleged by customers or the public.
- Commercial auto for vehicle liability and physical damage.
- Health insurance for ordinary non-work medical care.
- Disability coverage outside the workers compensation system.
- A contractor's safety and incident-prevention responsibilities.
During the year: keep the policy accurate
Hiring, payroll growth, a new trade or work in another state can change the exposure. Tell the carrier about material changes rather than waiting until the end. Keep subcontractor certificates, exemption records, contracts and work dates current.
Insurance certificates may be requested throughout the year. A COI proves listed coverage on its issue date; it does not change the policy or guarantee a claim. Make sure the entity and dates are correct before sending it.
After the policy term: audit
The initial premium is based on estimates. The audit reviews actual payroll, tax reports, ledgers, employee duties and subcontractor documents. The final exposure may create additional premium or an adjustment subject to the policy's terms and minimums.
An audit is not a claim review. It is the accounting step that closes the coverage year. Good records make it easier to explain which people did which work.
Florida coverage thresholds
Construction employers generally need workers comp at the first employee. Most non-construction employers need it at four employees. Owner exemptions can change how an approved individual is counted, but the exemption does not apply to everyone in the business.
People Also Ask
Does workers comp pay every workplace injury?
No. The carrier evaluates each claim under Florida law and the policy facts.
Who pays the workers comp premium?
The employer pays it; Florida prohibits deducting workers compensation premium from employee pay.
Does filing a claim automatically raise the rate?
Not automatically, but losses can affect underwriting and the experience mod when applicable.
Official reference: Florida Division of Workers' Compensation employer resources. This overview is general information, not legal or claim advice.
Related policy and trade guides
Read the Florida policy guide, then explore HVAC operations and the Hollywood pool-service trade. Employers in Hollywood can request a quote review below.