What are my obligations as an employer in Florida in regards to workers' compensation insurance?
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As an employer in Florida, you are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance for your employees. This insurance provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Failure to carry workers' compensation insurance can result in severe legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and lawsuits. Additionally, if an employee is injured on the job and you do not have workers' compensation insurance, you may be held personally liable for their medical expenses and lost wages.
There are a few specific obligations you must fulfill as an employer in regards to workers' compensation insurance in Florida:
- Purchase Insurance: You must purchase workers' compensation insurance from a licensed insurance carrier authorized to do business in Florida.
- Notify Employees: You must notify your employees about their rights and responsibilities under Florida's workers' compensation laws. You can do this by displaying the "Workers' Compensation Notice to Employees" poster in a prominent location at the workplace.
- Report Injuries: You must report all workplace injuries to your workers' compensation insurance carrier and the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation within 7 days of the incident. Failure to report the injury promptly may result in penalties and fines.
- Provide Medical Care: You must provide medical care to injured employees by providing them with a list of authorized treating physicians. The costs of the medical care will be covered by your workers' compensation insurance policy.
- Provide Wage Replacement: If an employee is unable to work as a result of a work-related injury or illness, you must provide them with wage replacement benefits through your workers' compensation insurance policy.
It is important to note that there may be limitations or exceptions to these obligations based on the specific circumstances of your business. For example, some businesses may be exempt from certain workers' compensation insurance requirements depending on the number of employees or the nature of the work being performed.
If you have questions or concerns about your obligations as an employer in regards to workers' compensation insurance in Florida, it is essential to seek out legal advice from a licensed attorney who is knowledgeable about workers' compensation laws in the state.
