Through its workers’ compensation laws, the state of Florida aims to provide employees with financial relief if they are injured at work. Requirements vary between industries. For example, construction companies of any size must have workers’ compensation insurance. Non-construction companies with four or more employees must also carry workers’ compensation insurance. In some cases, officers of a corporation can exempt themselves from workers’ compensation coverage.
Construction and Non-Construction Application Requirements
Before applying for an exemption, you must know whether your business is classified as construction or non-construction. If you work for a construction corporation or LLC, the Florida Department of State must list you as an officer of the corporation. The company must also be registered with the Division of Corporations. To qualify, you must have at least 10% ownership of the company. The application fee is $50. No more than three officers may be exempt from workers’ compensation. You must not be associated with an ACTIVE Stop Work Order, an Order of Penalty Assessment, or Working in Violation.
If you’re seeking exemption as the officer of a non-construction company, most of the requirements are identical. You must meet the same ownership and Department of State regulations. However, there is no application fee for a non-construction officer applying for workers’ compensation exemption. No more than 10 officers of a corporation or LLC may receive exemptions. You may not be associated with SWO, OPA, or WIV.
How to File an Exemption
The exemption application process is straightforward. After ensuring that you meet the requirements, you can fill out the form online. The form includes sections on company details, corporation license numbers, and your company affiliations. After paying the fee and submitting the application, you can print your Certificate of Election to Be Exempt from Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida can assist during the application and renewal process.
Benefits of Workers’ Compensation Exemptions
Workers’ compensation is an essential benefit for employees, but many officers find that they do not need the same protection. Those who work in administrative or management roles might have a lower risk of on-the-job injury, making workers’ compensation an unnecessary benefit. Insurance providers calculate a company’s total payroll when setting insurance premiums. By removing their salary from a premium calculation, an officer can reduce their company’s insurance expenses. Exemptions make it easier for companies to meet Florida’s workers’ compensation requirements and maintain a reasonable profit margin.
Let Us Take Care of the Legal Aspects of Workers’ Compensation
If you’re interested in saving money on your company’s workers’ compensation expenses, an exemption is a convenient option. It’s important to comply with all workers’ compensation regulations and laws to avoid costly fines and lawsuits. If you want to make sure that your company is in line with state workers’ compensation laws, contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. at 561-687-5660.
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