Running a business in Florida—especially in Jacksonville—means you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between managing your team, serving your customers, and keeping up with the latest rules, it can feel like the laws are always changing. One of the most common questions we get from small business owners is:
“Do I really need to carry workers’ comp insurance in Florida?”
Let’s break it down in plain English.
Yes. Florida law requires workers’ compensation coverage if you have:
Rules also apply to subcontractors, out-of-state employers, and seasonal crews.
In Florida, workers’ compensation isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s often required by law. The rules depend on the type of business you run and how many employees you have.
Here’s the simple version:
Navigating Florida’s workers' compensation laws can feel overwhelming, especially for busy Jacksonville business owners. That’s where we come in. Our team specializes in Jacksonville workers' comp insurance, helping local businesses meet state requirements without overpaying. Whether you're hiring your first employee or reviewing your current policy, we’ll walk you through class codes, exemptions, and rates—so you can protect your team and stay compliant with confidence.
Need a workers comp policy? Get a fast, no-pressure quote from our friendly Jacksonville team today.
Start My QuoteFlorida doesn’t mess around with enforcement. If your business is required to carry workers' compensation and doesn’t, the penalties can include:
And most importantly—it protects your team. If someone gets injured on the job, workers’ comp helps pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and more. That means less stress for them—and for you.
The cost depends on:
Good news? We shop around with top-rated insurance companies to find you a fair price and the right protection. You don’t need to be an expert—we’ve got your back.
Whether you're a contractor, retailer, or run a small office, workers comp insurance for small businesses is essential for protecting your employees and your future. In Florida, coverage is legally required if you have four or more employees—even part-timers. But did you know your rate is based on something called a class code, which reflects the type of work your employees do? The wrong classification can lead to overpaying—or unexpected issues during a premium audit. Our Jacksonville-based team helps small businesses get the right policy, clearly explain class codes, and ensure you're compliant—without the confusion.
When you're setting up a workers’ compensation policy, your employees will be assigned something called a class code. Think of it as a label that describes the type of work they do.
Each class code is linked to a specific level of risk. For example:
These codes are set by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and are standardized across Florida. Every insurance company and agent uses the same class codes—they don’t vary from one provider to another. The higher the risk associated with a class code, the higher the rate you’ll pay for workers’ comp insurance. That’s why accurate classification is so important—it directly affects your premium.
Why It Matters:
That’s why it’s important to work with a knowledgeable work comp agent who can review your operations and make sure everyone is properly classified. (Spoiler alert: That’s us. 👋)
In Florida, workers’ comp rates aren’t even set by your insurance company. They’re determined by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which analyzes claims data and job risk across the state. Each class code comes with a base rate per $100 of payroll. So whether your employees are roofers, plumbers, office staff, or retail workers, the rate you pay is tied to how risky the job is based on real claims history. That’s why getting the class code right is so important—it directly impacts your rate.
So for every type of job (like retail clerk, plumber, roofer, or office worker), there's a specific rate per $100 of payroll. That rate reflects how risky the job is based on real claim data.
For example:
Your final rate is determined by:
Not every business has a work comp experience modification. However, iIf your business has had workers’ comp coverage for at least two years and meets a minimum premium threshold, you’ll receive an Experience Modification Factor, or Mod for short. Not every business has a work comp experience modification.
This is a number that adjusts your workers’ comp premium up or down based on your company’s past claims.
Here's how it works:
Your Mod is based on your:
We’ve been serving Jacksonville and all of Florida since 2005. As a local independent insurance agency, we understand the needs of small business owners in Northeast Florida—and we’re proud to make insurance simple.
Here’s what makes us different:
Whether you're hiring your first employee or reviewing your current coverage, we’re here to help.
👉 Request a Fast, No-Pressure Quote
📞 Or call us today at 904-268-3106
Need a workers comp policy? Get a fast, no-pressure quote from our friendly Jacksonville team today.
Start My Free QuoteYes—possibly. Florida may consider your 1099 subcontractors to be employees depending on how the work is controlled, especially in the construction industry. If you're a contractor, you’re required to make sure your subs carry their own valid coverage.
Florida can issue a stop-work order, assess steep fines, and you may be personally liable for the injured worker's medical costs and lost wages. It’s not worth the risk. We have seen businesses fines up to $10,000 for failure to have workers' compensation insurance.
In most cases, yes. Owners, officers, and members of LLCs can file an exemption from coverage with the state of Florida—unless you're in construction. Construction industry owners can still file an exemption, but only under strict rules. This is done through the state of Florida and not through your insurance company.
Yes. Even if your payroll is small, most carriers have a minimum premium, often in the $500–$1,000 range. We'll help you find the best fit based on your size and industry.
Yes. In Florida, once you reach the employee threshold (e.g., 4 or more employees), it doesn’t matter if they’re full-time or part-time—they count toward the requirement.
You can apply through the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation website. It’s free, but you must meet certain criteria. We’re happy to walk you through it or help you check eligibility.