Hey guys. I need some help on worker's comp in FL. I thought the purpose of comp was to aid injured employees and protect employers from being sued. So, why do most commercial jobs require a service contractor to carry comp? Does it protect the business from being sued in the event the employer/employee is injured on the job? I plan to set up my business as a sole proprietorship. It will be owned/operated by only myself and do not plan to hire any employees for the time being. I called Tallahassee and they said it's required that I have it! Even with no employees! Like stated previously, I thought it's purpose is to aid injured workers and protect employers. What am I missing here? Also, how expensive is it per $100 for a roof cleaner. It just may be worth having so I can pick up some commercial jobs. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks -Clay
I'm trying to find the link to the Florida Statutes .. but I know that if you have 4 employees or less you (including yourself) can file for a WC exemption. Even though you are legally exempt, many companies still require that you have it to work on a commercial contract. It is their discretion. Also I believe that officers of a company are exempt. I'm sure AC could chime in here. He knows far more than I about FL regs.
-- Edited by Prime Choice Power Wash on Monday 2nd of August 2010 05:12:17 PM
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Prime Choice Power Wash LLC Roof Cleaning Kissimmee Florida
Thanks Prime, I was reading that earlier. Here is an excerpt:
"Non-Construction Industry: An employer in the non-construction industry, who employs four or more part or full-time employees, must obtain workers' compensation coverage."
After I had just read that section, I called Tallahassee to verify and they said it is required for a roof cleaner to carry comp...doesn't matter if there are employees or not! I believe she said that just because I used the word "roof." So, if I'm a mailbox cleaner, it's not required. Again, why do commercial jobs require comp? Thanks -Clay
its just another way for the state to make money! Plus good luck trying to get it because you dont have 4 employees and its gonna be super expensive. try this call a payroll company in your area and set up payroll with them cause it will be included, or your liability insurance company and say i plan on do 50,000 next year. its based of gross sales or gross labor wage!!!
Hey guys. I need some help on worker's comp in FL. I thought the purpose of comp was to aid injured employees and protect employers from being sued. So, why do most commercial jobs require a service contractor to carry comp? Does it protect the business from being sued in the event the employer/employee is injured on the job? I plan to set up my business as a sole proprietorship. It will be owned/operated by only myself and do not plan to hire any employees for the time being. I called Tallahassee and they said it's required that I have it! Even with no employees! Like stated previously, I thought it's purpose is to aid injured workers and protect employers. What am I missing here? Also, how expensive is it per $100 for a roof cleaner. It just may be worth having so I can pick up some commercial jobs. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks -Clay
Ya hey Griz, give me a call sometime. Ill be happy to help. I also have some options for comp that may fit the bill.
Commercial clients require comp in order to protect their business from your potential mistakes/ injuries.
Yes you may not always require it as a certain size company, but if a worker gets injured and you do not have it you will be required to after the injury. At least that is what happened in my friend Chimney sweeping business with 3 employees.
he was 11 years in business and a worker fell and was seriously injured.
180k settlement for medical and lost time after a pending law suit. 1k fine from the Department of labor licensing and regulation in MD now pays a comp rate that would have been much lower.
He is 18 years in business and just finished paying off the 180k settlement!! His comp rate is through the roof.