Workers Comp Requirements
Lee County, Florida
Lee County, home to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs, is one of Florida's fastest-growing construction markets. The county's rapid residential and commercial development creates high demand for contractors — and strict enforcement of workers comp requirements.
Workers Comp Requirements in Lee County
All construction industry employers with 1 or more employees must carry workers comp
Corporate officers in construction may file an exemption (max 3 per company)
Roofing contractors cannot exempt corporate officers — all must be covered
Sole proprietors in construction are not required to cover themselves but must carry a ghost policy to get a COI
Lee County requires proof of workers comp for all contractor license applications and renewals
General contractors must verify workers comp coverage for all subcontractors before work begins
Stop-Work Order Enforcement in Lee County
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) actively enforces workers comp compliance in Lee County. Stop-work orders are issued on the spot for violations. Penalties start at $1,000 per day and can reach double the premium that should have been paid.
Workers Comp Carriers Active in Lee County
Bright Coast Insurance works with all major carriers writing workers comp in Lee County. We shop your policy across multiple markets to find the best rate for your trade and claims history.
* Carrier availability and rates vary by trade, payroll, and claims history. Contact us for a current market comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is workers comp required for contractors in Lee County, Florida?
Yes. All construction industry employers in Lee County with one or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. This includes general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades. The Florida Department of Financial Services enforces this requirement and issues stop-work orders for violations.
What is the penalty for not having workers comp in Lee County?
The penalty for operating without required workers comp coverage in Lee County is a stop-work order and a fine of at least $1,000 per day of non-compliance, or double the premium that should have been paid — whichever is greater. The DFS Division of Workers' Compensation conducts random job site inspections throughout Lee County.
Can a sole proprietor in Lee County get a workers comp exemption?
Sole proprietors in the construction industry in Lee County are not required to cover themselves under workers comp. However, they must carry a ghost policy (a policy with an owner exclusion) to obtain a certificate of insurance, which is required to get a contractor's license and work for general contractors.
Which insurance carriers offer workers comp in Lee County?
Several carriers actively write workers comp in Lee County, including Employers Holdings, AmTrust, FCCI Insurance, Frank Winston Crum (a PEO option), and Zenith Insurance. Rates vary by trade and claims history. An independent agent like Bright Coast Insurance can shop multiple carriers to find the best rate.
Workers Comp by Nearby County
Get Workers Comp Coverage in Lee County
Bright Coast Insurance serves contractors throughout Lee County and all of Southwest Florida. We shop multiple carriers and issue COIs within 24–48 hours.