Workers' Comp for Florida Contractors: Protect Your Crew and Your License

In Florida's construction trades, workers' compensation isn't optional, and the wrong policy can cost you far more than a premium. At Schneider & Associates Insurance Agencies in Jonesville, we're a family-owned agency that caters to small businesses, and we write workers' comp for Florida contractors through carriers including Travelers.

Whether you run a two-person plumbing outfit or an HVAC company with several service vans, the right workers' comp policy protects your employees, keeps you on job sites and keeps the state off your back.

Same rates everywhere, so choose the better service

Here's something many contractors don't know: Florida's workers' comp rates are set at the state level. The rate for your trade is the same no matter which insurance company writes your policy, so switching agencies to chase a lower price won't change it.

What does change is the service you get. As a family-owned agency built around small businesses, we offer:

• Real people, not call centers: you'll talk to someone who knows your business by name.
• Walk-ins welcome: stop by our Jonesville office anytime, no appointment needed.
• Fast certificates: we turn around certificates of insurance quickly so you can get on the job.
• Help at audit time: we walk you through your year-end payroll audit so there are no surprises.
• Claims support: if an employee gets hurt, we help you report it and stay on top of the claim.

Florida's workers' comp rules are stricter for contractors

Most Florida businesses don't need workers' comp until they have four employees. Construction is different: if you have even one employee, Florida law requires you to carry it.

• Owners count. In construction, owners and corporate officers count as employees unless they file for an exemption with the state.
• Exemptions are limited. Some corporate officers and LLC members can exempt themselves, but the exemption covers only that person, not anyone else who works for you.
• Contractors are on the hook for uninsured subs. If a subcontractor doesn't carry workers' comp, the contractor who hired them can be held responsible for injuries to that sub's workers. That's why general contractors ask for your certificate before you start.
• Enforcement is real. The state's Division of Workers' Compensation inspects job sites and can issue stop-work orders and steep penalties to businesses without coverage.

If you're relying on an exemption today but have started hiring helpers or 1099 workers, it's time to talk to us.

Trades we're writing workers' comp for in Florida

We're actively quoting workers' compensation for these Florida contractors:

• HVAC contractors: installation, service and repair
• Plumbers: residential and commercial service
• Electricians: electrical wiring within buildings
• Sheet metal contractors: ductwork and other sheet metal work
• Glaziers: glass and window installation
• Countertop installers: kitchen and bath countertop installation
• Concrete contractors: driveways, sidewalks and parking areas
• Landscapers: landscape gardening and lawn care crews
• Power washers: ground-level pressure washing of homes, driveways and commercial buildings

In a different trade? As an independent agency, we have access to several workers' comp carriers. Call us, and we'll look for the right market for your business.

What workers' comp covers

Trade work is physical. Falls from ladders, cuts from sheet metal, electrical shocks, back strains from hauling equipment and heat illness in Florida summers are all everyday risks. Workers' comp pays for:

• Medical care: doctor visits, hospital bills, surgery and physical therapy for work-related injuries and illnesses
• Lost wages: a portion of an employee's pay while they recover
• Long-term injuries: benefits for permanent impairments
• Death benefits: support for the family if a worker dies from a job-related injury
• Employer's liability: protects your business if an injured employee sues you

Without coverage, you could pay all of these costs out of pocket.

How to keep your premium in check

Because the state sets the rates, the biggest savings come from how your policy is set up and managed. Your premium is based mostly on your payroll, the type of work your employees do and your claims history. Here's how we help you keep costs down:

• Classify your employees correctly. Office staff and estimators are rated much lower than field crews. Making sure everyone is in the right class can lower your premium.
• Estimate payroll accurately. Your policy is audited at year-end. A realistic estimate helps you avoid a surprise bill.
• Invest in safety. Written safety programs and drug-free workplace programs may qualify you for premium credits in Florida.
• Report injuries promptly. Fast reporting gets employees back to work sooner and keeps claim costs, and your future rates, lower.
• Ask about pay-as-you-go billing. Some carriers base your payments on actual payroll, which helps cash flow and reduces audit surprises.

Get a workers' comp quote

We can quote your workers' comp alongside your general liability, commercial auto and equipment coverage, so your whole business is handled in one place. The rate is the same everywhere, but the service isn't. We're family owned, we specialize in small businesses, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Call us at (352) 333-3775, request a quote online, or stop by our office at 285 NW 138th Terrace, Suite 100, Newberry, FL 32669. Have your estimated annual payroll by job type, number of employees, years in business and any recent claims history ready.

Coverage availability and eligibility vary by carrier and business type and are subject to underwriting approval. This article is general information, not legal advice; contact the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation for questions about your specific requirements.