According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the economy of the Sunshine State ranks fourth in the nation. While Florida's GDP contracted 2.8% in 2020, it contracted less than the U.S. economy as a whole, which contracted 3.4% in 2020.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses are an integral part of Florida's economic landscape, comprising 99.8% of all Florida companies and employing 3.6 million workers — more than 41% of the state's workforce.
According to SBA data, the top six industries for small business employment in Florida are as follows:
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If an employee is injured on the job, workers' compensation insurance can pay medical expenses, recovery costs, and a percentage of the employee's lost wages. It can also cover burial expenses and family benefits in the event of an employee's death on the job.
By regulating this insurance coverage, Florida regulators create an incentive for businesses to keep their employees safe and lower the likelihood of business owners being sued. Consequently, your small business insurance can:
Workers' compensation laws vary from state to state, and Florida is no exception. However, some general principles govern the operation of the process.
If an employee gets hurt on the job, it is likely that workers' comp insurance will be required to cover the associated expenses. Expenses may include:
Following a work-related injury or sickness, the employee may file a claim against the workers' compensation insurance coverage of the company. If accepted by the insurance provider, the
employee could receive funds for medical expenditures and a payment plan for disability.
There are a variety of additional policies you should consider if you own a small business, including:
| General Liability Insurance | In contrast to workers' comp policy, general liability insurance covers the medical expenses of injured customers. If their property is harmed on your property, you may be responsible for the replacement costs. |
| Professional Liability Insurance/Errors and Omissions | Professional liability insurance protects a small business against allegations of negligence, missed deadlines, libel, etc. |
| Business Owners Policy | A business owners policy (BOP) is an affordable package for small business owners that incorporates general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance. |
| Commercial Property Insurance | If your business has a physical location, you should acquire this coverage in the event that your property is destroyed by weather, fire, or other natural catastrophes. |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Consider purchasing commercial auto insurance if you or your workers drive a vehicle for work (or if you operate an auto-related business) to cover your vehicle. |
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies by state. In Florida, estimated employer rates for workers' compensation are $1.24 per $100 payroll. Your cost is determined by several variables, including:
Work-related injuries can occur in the blink of an eye. And they can have severe effects on your health and way of life. In a perfect world, workers' compensation benefits reduce the stress associated with a workplace injury. Unfortunately, the process of applying for benefits can be confusing and difficult.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that during the most recent reporting year in the United States, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses. When examining Florida's fatality statistics for that year, the leading causes were:
In Florida, the most fatalities occurred in the private construction sector. Transportation and material-moving jobs were also among the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Some important figures include:
Below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding worker’s compensation in Florida:
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has declared that the maximum weekly compensation rate for work-related injuries and illnesses happening on or after January 1, 2022 will be $1,099.00.
In general, businesses with fewer than four employees are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Employers with four or more employees, whether part-time or full-time, are required to carry workers' compensation insurance covering all employees.
These benefits are relatively simple to calculate. Determine two-thirds of your average gross weekly pay for the 13 weeks preceding your injury. In Florida, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary disability is $971.
Annually review your workers' compensation coverage. Contact your insurance agency to monitor your worker's comp insurance expenses. Inquire if your business can access group involvement and ratings through associations or state programs. Document your risk management initiatives and keep your insurance provider and agent informed.
