Workers' comp rates in Florida depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Florida
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Florida.
Get matched to top Florida workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: December 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Florida Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Florida?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Florida. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $74
- The Hartford: $75
- Simply Business: $77
- Coverdash: $79
- biBerk: $81
Is workers' comp insurance required in Florida?
Florida mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with four or more employees, including part-time workers. Construction companies need coverage with just one employee. Exemptions include sole proprietors, partnerships and corporate officers owning 10% or more. Non-compliance results in stop-work orders and penalties up to $1,000 per day.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Florida?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Florida average around $40 per employee per month for a two-person business. However, your actual premium depends heavily on your specific industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 monthly per employee, while high-risk industries, like roofing, face costs of approximately $453 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Florida?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Florida by:
- Purchasing from private insurance companies licensed to sell coverage in the state
- Obtaining coverage through assigned risk pools if standard insurers decline your application
- Self-insuring if your business meets Florida's strict financial and operational requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Florida workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers’ compensation in Florida covers:
• Medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
• Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
• Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
• Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Florida
NEXT leads our research for workers' comp insurance in Florida, delivering top-tier customer support and comprehensive coverage options that protect businesses thoroughly. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as strong second choices, both offering reliable protection for small business owners throughout the state.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.58 | $74 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.50 | $75 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $77 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $79 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.41 | $81 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.41 | $88 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | $77 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $77 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $76 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $92 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to Top Workers' Comp Insurers in Florida
Select your industry and state to get a customized Florida workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN FLORIDA
Explore the best business insurance providers in Florida through our guides:
Best Florida Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
We've analyzed the top workers' compensation providers in the Sunshine State to help you make an informed decision.
>>Back to top
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Florida
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$74Based on average costs across Florida businessesWorkers' Comp Claims Processing Score
3.9/5 (4th)Rating from verified customer surveysWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Best Florida Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$75Typical monthly cost for The Hartford workers' compensation coverageWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Likelihood of customers recommending The Hartford to others
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Florida
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in florida at just $74 monthly ($891 annually), which saves you $5 each month compared to the state's average rate of $80. That's about 6% less than what most businesses pay for coverage. The Hartford follows closely as the second cheapest option at $75 per month, while Thimble rounds out the top 3 most budget-friendly choices at $76 monthly. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $74 | $891 |
| The Hartford | $75 | $899 |
| Thimble | $76 | $914 |
| Progressive Commercial | $77 | $919 |
| Simply Business | $77 | $927 |
| Hiscox | $77 | $930 |
| Coverdash | $79 | $943 |
| biBERK | $81 | $970 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $1,054 |
| Chubb | $92 | $1,100 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp in Florida by Industry
Thimble offers the most affordable workers' compensation rates, starting at just $108 per month for excavation businesses. Thimble leads pricing across seven industries, including wholesale, excavation and automotive sectors. The Hartford ranks second for affordability, offering the best rates in 26 industries like auto repair, wedding planning and welding.
| Ad Agency | Progressive Commercial | $16 | $191 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $20 | $245 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $115 | $1,385 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $638 |
| Auto Repair | The Hartford | $154 | $1,852 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $39 | $474 |
| Barber | Progressive Commercial | $14 | $170 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $176 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $474 |
| Cannabis | NEXT Insurance | $84 | $1,002 |
| Catering | Nationwide | $88 | $1,060 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $567 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $48 | $577 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $24 | $288 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $28 | $337 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $183 | $2,198 |
| Consulting | The Hartford | $30 | $357 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $226 | $2,714 |
| Contractor | The Hartford | $161 | $1,934 |
| Dental | Simply Business | $12 | $139 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $14 | $162 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $170 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $326 |
| Dog Grooming | Progressive Commercial | $64 | $773 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $57 | $688 |
| Ecommerce | Progressive Commercial | $21 | $258 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $39 | $463 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $61 | $738 |
| Excavation | Thimble | $108 | $1,290 |
| Food | The Hartford | $41 | $489 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | $27 | $319 |
| Food Truck | Progressive Commercial | $46 | $548 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | $91 | $1,098 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $561 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $10 | $118 |
| HVAC | Simply Business | $63 | $756 |
| Hospitality | Nationwide | $84 | $1,005 |
| Janitorial | The Hartford | $49 | $588 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $140 | $1,686 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | $30 | $359 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $38 | $450 |
| Lawyers | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $641 |
| Marine | Progressive Commercial | $149 | $1,787 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | $57 | $685 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $171 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $139 | $1,663 |
| Mortgage Broker | Thimble | $14 | $167 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $263 | $3,154 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $374 |
| Pest Control | Nationwide | $84 | $1,004 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $434 |
| Personal Training | Thimble | $25 | $296 |
| Photography | The Hartford | $17 | $206 |
| Pet | Thimble | $31 | $366 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | $6 | $78 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $63 | $760 |
| Physical Therapy | Chubb | $9 | $102 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $63 | $752 |
| Pressure Washing | NEXT Insurance | $85 | $1,020 |
| Real Estate | Simply Business | $30 | $361 |
| Roofing | NEXT Insurance | $835 | $10,022 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $409 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $516 |
| Security | The Hartford | $51 | $615 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $209 |
| Software | The Hartford | $26 | $316 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $72 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $323 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $155 |
| Travel | Nationwide | $8 | $102 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $226 | $2,715 |
| Trucking | Thimble | $271 | $3,247 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $221 | $2,651 |
| Veterinary | The Hartford | $19 | $233 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $10 | $120 |
| Welding | Progressive Commercial | $118 | $1,422 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $29 | $344 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $210 | $2,516 |
| Wholesale | Thimble | $40 | $482 |
| Wholesale | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $482 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Florida?
Florida businesses pay an average of $80 monthly ($955 annually) for workers' comp insurance cost, running $6 above the national average. Industry costs vary, from $17 monthly ($9 per employee) for ad agencies to $226 monthly ($113 per employee) for window cleaning services.
| Accountants | $22 | $267 |
| Ad Agency | $17 | $207 |
| Auto Repair | $165 | $1,983 |
| Automotive | $127 | $1,518 |
| Bakery | $58 | $696 |
| Barber | $15 | $182 |
| Beauty Salon | $16 | $190 |
| Bounce House | $43 | $519 |
| Candle | $43 | $517 |
| Cannabis | $91 | $1,087 |
| Catering | $80 | $957 |
| Cleaning | $52 | $627 |
| Coffee Shop | $51 | $612 |
| Computer Programming | $30 | $364 |
| Computer Repair | $26 | $312 |
| Construction | $197 | $2,366 |
| Consulting | $33 | $394 |
| Contractor | $177 | $2,129 |
| Courier | $245 | $2,935 |
| DJ | $15 | $183 |
| Daycare | $15 | $174 |
| Dental | $12 | $147 |
| Dog Grooming | $70 | $838 |
| Drone | $29 | $348 |
| Ecommerce | $23 | $281 |
| Electrical | $62 | $744 |
| Engineering | $42 | $498 |
| Excavation | $116 | $1,388 |
| Florist | $66 | $794 |
| Food | $45 | $541 |
| Food Truck | $49 | $592 |
| Funeral Home | $29 | $347 |
| Gardening | $51 | $606 |
| HVAC | $68 | $814 |
| Handyman | $101 | $1,214 |
| Home-based | $11 | $129 |
| Hospitality | $75 | $904 |
| Janitorial | $53 | $632 |
| Jewelry | $32 | $387 |
| Junk Removal | $151 | $1,809 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $41 | $487 |
| Lawyers | $57 | $690 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $763 |
| Marine | $163 | $1,958 |
| Massage | $16 | $189 |
| Mortgage Broker | $15 | $180 |
| Moving | $282 | $3,388 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $412 |
| Painting | $152 | $1,822 |
| Party Rental | $40 | $475 |
| Personal Training | $27 | $323 |
| Pest Control | $76 | $911 |
| Pet | $33 | $399 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $83 |
| Photography | $18 | $220 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $88 |
| Plumbing | $69 | $834 |
| Pressure Washing | $91 | $1,091 |
| Real Estate | $32 | $384 |
| Restaurant | $68 | $813 |
| Retail | $38 | $456 |
| Roofing | $906 | $10,875 |
| Security | $57 | $678 |
| Snack Bars | $47 | $561 |
| Software | $29 | $343 |
| Spa/Wellness | $19 | $225 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $77 |
| Startup | $14 | $169 |
| Tech/IT | $29 | $352 |
| Transportation | $249 | $2,987 |
| Travel | $8 | $92 |
| Tree Service | $238 | $2,861 |
| Trucking | $291 | $3,490 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $130 |
| Veterinary | $21 | $254 |
| Wedding Planning | $31 | $371 |
| Welding | $126 | $1,517 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $514 |
| Window Cleaning | $226 | $2,717 |
Florida Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Florida:
WCIRB Independent System
Florida operates through the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB), with roughly 700 unique industry classifications and an "open" rating system where insurers set their own rates, unlike most states using National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). This creates more rate variation between carriers and bases workers' comp pricing solely on Florida's unique loss experience rather than national data.
2003 Legislative Reforms Impact
Florida's 2003 workers' comp reforms changed everything for small business owners. Before then, Florida had the nation's highest rates. These reforms gave state regulators power to crack down on fraud and monitor claims. The result? Rates dropped 78% to 85% cumulatively. Your business now has access to affordable coverage and multiple carrier options that didn't exist 20 years ago.
Senate Bill 362
Starting January 2025, Florida boosted what doctors get paid for treating injured workers. Physician reimbursement jumped from 110% to 175% of Medicare rates. Surgical reimbursements climbed from 140% to 210%. Insurance companies pay more per claim now, and they pass that cost to you. Your 2025 rates dropped just 1% instead of the projected 6.4% because of this change.
Construction Industry Exemption Rules
Florida construction business owners can opt out of coverage for themselves if they own at least 10% of the company. You'll pay a $50 fee, and only three officers per company can exempt themselves. This exemption removes your salary from premium calculations, potentially saving thousands annually. Just know that exempted owners get zero coverage if injured and face full personal liability.
Roofing Classification Code 5551
Roofing ranks among America's five most dangerous jobs, and your premiums reflect that risk. Florida roofers pay around 33% of payroll for coverage compared to office workers at 0.13%. Hurricane repairs and fall hazards make Florida roofing especially risky. Your industry classification code sets your base rate before any other factors come into play, making it the biggest cost driver.
Competitive Rate Environment
Florida ranks 30th nationally for workers' comp costs as of 2024, improving from 28th place in 2022. Rates dropped nine years straight, meaning you pay far less now than businesses did a decade ago. Multiple carriers compete for your business in Florida's healthy market. Fewer workplace injuries statewide help keep your premiums lower than most other states offer.
Regional Medical Cost Variations Within the State
Where you operate in Florida affects what you pay. South Florida counties like Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach have higher medical costs and more litigation than North Florida. A Miami business pays 10-20% more than the same company in rural North Florida. Even with identical claims history and payroll, your location drives a significant cost difference based on regional healthcare expenses.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Florida?
The required coverage in Florida for workers' compensation depends on your business type. Construction companies need it with one employee, including corporate officers and LLC members. Non-construction businesses need coverage with four or more employees, while agricultural businesses need it with six regular employees or 12 seasonal workers.
Your policy pays temporary disability benefits at 66.67% of wages for up to 104 weeks and covers all necessary medical treatment without dollar limits. Skip the required workers' comp coverage and you'll face stop-work orders, fines and direct liability for workplace injuries.
Florida Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Florida, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors in non-construction industries: Florida automatically excludes you from coverage and doesn't count you toward employee thresholds, though you can opt in by filing form DWC-251.
- Partners in non-construction partnerships: Florida law doesn't consider partners employees and automatically excludes them, but they can choose coverage by filing form DWC-251.
- Non-construction businesses with three or fewer employees: Florida exempts your business because you fall below the state's four-employee threshold that triggers mandatory coverage.
- Construction sole proprietors with no employees: You can file for Florida exemption if you work alone, though construction sole proprietors with employees are considered employees under state law.
- Agricultural companies with five or fewer regular employees: Florida exempts you unless you have six or more regular employees or 12 or more seasonal workers working more than 30 days in a season.
- Independent contractors: Florida law doesn't consider contractors employees, though contractors must verify coverage status under state requirements.
- Corporate officers in non-construction: Florida allows you to apply for exemption if you're listed as an officer in state records, with no fee and up to three officers eligible per company.
- Corporate officers in construction: Florida requires 10% ownership and a $50 fee, with maximum three officers per company eligible for exemption.
- LLC members in non-construction: Florida allows exemption with 10% ownership, no application fee and up to 10 members eligible.
- LLC members in construction: Florida requires 10% ownership and a $50 application fee, with only three members per company eligible for exemption.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal employees working in Florida get their benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, not Florida's state workers' comp system. FECA covers all civilian federal workers, including those in executive, legislative and judicial branches, plus federal jurors and Peace Corps volunteers. Railroad workers in Florida fall under the Federal Employers' Liability Act, while maritime and longshore workers are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers working in Florida aren't covered under state workers' comp laws because Florida doesn't classify them as employees.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Florida
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price based on your industry's specific risks.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Florida
Check whether workers' comp exemptions apply to your business structure or employee types. A sole proprietor graphic designer doesn't need coverage, but hiring one employee changes that. Florida uses NCCI classification codes to determine rates, and some workers you consider independent contractors may legally qualify as employees requiring coverage under state law.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need employee count, annual payroll and NCCI classification codes for accurate quotes. Florida uses over 600 industry classifications that match the National Council on Compensation Insurance system.
Getting your payroll or classification code wrong means surprise audit bills later, or finding out you're not covered when filing a claim. Construction businesses need extra care here since Florida requires coverage starting with just one employee.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three different insurers to compare business insurance costs accurately. Florida has more than 250 workers' compensation insurance providers licensed by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Rates vary greatly between carriers. Florida approved a 1% average rate decrease for 2025, but your actual cost depends on your specific business and claims history.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Once you have quotes, focus on insurers who understand your business risks beyond simply offering affordable business insurance rates. Construction companies should prioritize carriers specializing in high-risk industries and familiar with Florida's safety requirements over general business insurers.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Look into each insurer's track record to determine which offers the best business insurance for your needs:
- Check claim processing times, customer service ratings and complaint history with Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation.
- Verify the insurer's experience with Florida's workers' comp system and medical reimbursement requirements.
- Ask about safety programs, since implementing safety training reduces workplace injuries and costs.
- Choose carriers offering valuable extras like return-to-work programs and safety consultations.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms carefully, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions specific to Florida regulations. Choose payment options that work for your cash flow, such as pay-as-you-go workers' comp structures, which let you pay premiums based on actual payroll rather than estimates. This helps seasonal businesses avoid large upfront deposits.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Before your policy renews, look at how your business has changed. Check your employee count, review any claims you filed and see where your experience modification rate stands.
Maybe you hired three more people or moved into a bigger space. Let your insurer know about these changes so you're not underinsured or overpaying. Florida's 2025 rates reflect the eighth consecutive year of decreases, though your specific rates depend on your claims history and industry classification.
Best Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Florida's workers' comp insurance rankings. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Florida Chamber of Commerce. "National Council on Compensation Insurance Filed Proposed 2025 Workers' Comp Rates." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. "2024 Workers' Compensation Annual Report." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- Florida Workers' Advocates. "Florida Senate Bill 362." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- Insurance Journal. "Florida 'Draws a Line in the Sand,' Tightens Workers' Comp Enforcement." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- Insurance Journal. "Florida OIR Approves 1% Average Workers' Compensation Rate Decrease." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- Insurance Journal. "NCCI Calls for 6.9% Average Decrease in Florida Workers' Comp Rates." Accessed December 31, 2025.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "Summary of the Florida Workers Compensation." Accessed December 31, 2025.