Workers Comp Rates in Florida (FL)
The average workers' compensation rate in Florida is $1.40 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.21 (17.6%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Florida has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Florida requires workers' compensation for employers with 4 or more employees (1 for construction). The state has a competitive market, but rates are above the national average due to hurricane-related construction claims and fraud concerns.
Workers Comp Requirements in Florida
Workers Comp Rates by City in Florida
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 6 cities in Florida, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.36/$100 in St. Petersburg to $1.48/$100 in Miami. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $1.48 | $3,700 | +$0.08 | +$0.29 | High construction activity |
| Fort Lauderdale | $1.45 | $3,625 | +$0.05 | +$0.26 | -- |
| Tampa | $1.42 | $3,550 | +$0.02 | +$0.23 | -- |
| Orlando | $1.40 | $3,500 | Same | +$0.21 | Tourism/hospitality |
| Jacksonville | $1.38 | $3,450 | -$0.02 | +$0.19 | -- |
| St. Petersburg | $1.36 | $3,400 | -$0.04 | +$0.17 | -- |
How Florida Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Florida with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Florida stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (FL) | $1.40 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,500 |
| Washington (WA) | $1.40 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,500 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $1.38 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,450 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $1.42 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,550 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,375 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Florida
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Florida using the state average rate of $1.40 per $100 of payroll. Actual costs depend on your industry class code and experience modifier.
| Annual Payroll | Est. Annual Premium | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $700 | $58 |
| $100,000 | $1,400 | $117 |
| $250,000 | $3,500 | $292 |
| $500,000 | $7,000 | $583 |
| $1,000,000 | $14,000 | $1,167 |
| $2,500,000 | $35,000 | $2,917 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Florida
How much does workers comp cost in Florida?
The average workers' compensation rate in Florida is $1.40 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,500 per year. However, actual rates vary significantly by industry. Office workers may pay as little as $0.20/$100 while high-risk industries like construction or logging can exceed $10/$100.
Is workers comp required in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires workers' compensation for employers with 4 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, corporate officers (up to 3 may exempt), agricultural employers with fewer than 6 regular or 12 seasonal workers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Stop-work order, $1,000/day penalty, double the premium that would have been owed.
Where can I buy workers comp in Florida?
Florida has a competitive workers' compensation market. You can purchase coverage from any licensed private insurance company, through an insurance agent or broker, or in some cases through a state-sponsored program. Shopping multiple carriers is recommended to find the best rate for your industry and claims history.
What is the waiting period for workers comp in Florida?
The waiting period in Florida is 7 days. This means an injured worker must wait 7 days before receiving wage replacement benefits. Medical benefits typically begin immediately. If the disability extends beyond a certain number of days (usually 14-21 depending on the state), the waiting period benefits are paid retroactively. The maximum weekly benefit in Florida is $1,099.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Florida, or browse all 50 states to compare workers' comp rates across the country. Remember that actual rates depend on your industry classification, claims history, and experience modification rate.