Florida law requires most employers to provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees. Specific employer coverage requirement are based on the type of industry, number of employees, and the organization of the entity.
The division's website clarifies different coverage requirements by industry.
The division's Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office (EAO) disseminates information and carries out several other duties to assist all system participants. The bureau
The Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office (EAO) helps prevent and resolve disputes between injured workers, employers, and carriers. If the insurance carrier does not provide benefits or denies a claim, the employee can contact the EAO. Employees can also file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims.
During Fiscal Year 2020-21, the Bureau of Compliance processed 99.94% of online exemption applications within 10 days of receipt, investigated 935 public referrals alleging non-compliance, and collected exemption fees totaling $5,085,873. The Bureau of Compliance's efforts resulted in 1,550 new employees being covered and the generation of $1,290,466 in insurance premiums.
During the same year, the division's Injured Worker Helpline handled 36,008 calls, with 506 disputes, and 98% of these disputes were resolved.
In Fiscal Year 2020-21, overall workers' compensation claims costs increased $14 million, totaling $120.5 million. Workers' compensation medical costs increased $6.5 million, while indemnity costs increased $7.5 million. These increases in claims costs were a direct result of COVID-19 claims. In Fiscal Year 2020-21, the division paid $10.6 million in medical costs and $8.8 million in indemnity costs, totaling $19.4 million for COVID-19 claims.
Fund | Dollars | Positions | |
---|---|---|---|
PROGRAM: WORKERS' COMPENSATION | |||
WORKERS' COMPENSATION |
32,072,625
|
281.00 |
|
TOTAL |
32,072,625 |
281.00 |
The 2022 Legislature enacted Ch. 2022-138, Laws of Florida, which includes the following changes that may impact the work of the division.
Review of Professional Employer Organizations and Workers' Compensation, Report 21-04, March 2021 |
Other Reports
Worker's Compensation Fraud Joint Report, Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud and Division of Workers' Compensation, January 2022.
Three-Member Panel Biennial Report, Three-Member Panel, February 2019.
2021 Results and Accomplishments Report, Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers' Compensation.
A complete list of the division's reports is available on its website.
Websites of Interest
Division of Workers' Compensation, Reimbursement Manuals
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
Florida Self-Insurers Guaranty Association, Inc.
National Council on Compensation Insurance
Florida Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association
Workers Compensation Research Institute
Performance Information
Division of Workers' Compensation, 1-800-742-2214 (exemption and compliance) or 1-800-342-1741 (claims).