Workers’ compensation, also known simply as “workers’ comp,” is essentially an employee insurance program mandated by the United States government to provide funding and healthcare benefits to workers who become disabled in the course of their job. Administered by the individual states, the benefits available through this program varies significantly throughout the country.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation coverage benefits employees who suffer an injury or contract an illness as a function of doing their job. These benefits may include partial wage replacement when the employee is incapacitated, occupational therapy to aid recovery, and medical services reimbursement.
What Benefits Are Provided by Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
Injured employees in the state of Florida who get workers’ compensation may get the following:
Monetary Benefits
- Indemnity Benefits: Replaces partial salary for missing work that exceeds seven days.
- Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: Supplements 80 percent of wages if the injury prevents earning at the same level upon return to work.
- Temporary Total Disability: Replaces approximately 66 percent of regular wages from the 8th day of lost time. A person could obtain 80 percent of their wages for up to 6 months for critical injuries. The employee may collect temporary partial and total disability benefits for up to 104 weeks.
- Impairment Benefits: Based on a doctor’s evaluation, an employee may receive a rating for permanent restrictions or permanent impairment, which provides different funding levels to compensate for lost wages.
Medical Treatments
Under workers’ compensation, employees can receive medical treatment for their covered injuries. They should remember that the employer’s insurance company must approve the healthcare provider.
Reemployment Services
The Bureau of Employee Assistance in Florida is available in person or by phone to assist employees with permanent work restrictions who need to find alternate employment because their injuries prevent them from performing their former job responsibilities.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
Florida requires workers’ compensation insurance for most businesses that employ four or more individuals. In addition, further regulations are depending on the industry.
Agriculture Businesses
Companies in the agricultural sector must provide workers’ comp coverage if they employ at least six full-time employees or 12 temporary workers between 30 and 45 days in a calendar year.
Construction Companies
Businesses in the construction industry with one employee or more are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance.
Contractors
Before starting a project in Florida, general contractors must provide workers’ compensation coverage for all independent contractors or self-employed individuals.
Out-of-State Employers
Any company physically located in a different state but employs workers within the state of Florida must have a workers’ compensation policy with a carrier approved by the state.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Exemptions in Florida
Florida offers exemptions for certain businesses that may not require coverage. Sole proprietors or partnerships may apply for a certificate of election not to provide coverage. Corporations and LLCs not in the construction industry can apply to the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations for a possible exemption. Corporations and LLCs within the construction industry must meet additional criteria to obtain an exemption.
About The Hilb Group
Deciding what coverage you need and what limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Founded in 2009, the Hilb Group has been helping clients to make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other type of business or personal coverage, we encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Call us at (800) 776-3078 for a consultation.