How Much Does Workers' Comp Cost in Florida?
2026 Florida workers' comp rates by trade. See what contractors in your industry actually pay — and how to lower your premium.
2026 Florida Workers' Comp Rates by Trade
Rates shown are FWCJUA 2026 base rates per $100 of payroll before experience modification. Your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on your EMR and carrier.
| Trade | Class Code | Rate per $100 Payroll | Typical Annual Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing Contractors | 5551 | $6.00–$9.50 per $100 payroll | $8,000–$25,000 for a small roofing crew | Details |
| General Contractors | 5403 | $3.50–$6.00 per $100 payroll | $5,000–$18,000 for a small GC | Details |
| HVAC Contractors | 5537 | $2.50–$4.50 per $100 payroll | $3,500–$12,000 for a small HVAC company | Details |
| Electrical Contractors | 5190 | $2.50–$4.50 per $100 payroll | $3,500–$12,000 for a small electrical company | Details |
| Plumbing Contractors | 5183 | $2.25–$4.00 per $100 payroll | $3,000–$10,000 for a small plumbing company | Details |
| Framing Contractors | 5403 | $3.50–$6.50 per $100 payroll | $5,500–$16,000 for a small framing crew | Details |
| Concrete Contractors | 5213 | $4.50–$7.00 per $100 payroll | $6,500–$18,000 for a small concrete crew | Details |
| Masonry Contractors | 5022 | $4.50–$7.00 per $100 payroll | $6,500–$18,000 for a small masonry crew | Details |
Source: FWCJUA 2026 manual rates. Actual premiums vary by carrier, EMR, and payroll classification.
How Florida Workers' Comp Premium Is Calculated
Florida workers' comp premium is calculated using a straightforward formula: divide your annual payroll by 100, multiply by your class code rate, then multiply by your experience modification rate (EMR). Your EMR reflects your claims history compared to the industry average — a 1.0 is average, below 1.0 saves money, above 1.0 costs more.
Premium Formula
(Payroll ÷ 100) × Rate × EMR
Example: $200,000 payroll × $6.75 rate × 1.0 EMR = $13,500
- Payroll is the primary driver — more workers = higher premium
- Class code rate is set by NCCI/FWCJUA based on injury risk
- EMR can reduce or increase your premium by 25–50%
- Pay-as-you-go billing bases premium on actual payroll each period
Get Your Exact Rate
Every contractor's premium is different. Call us for a precise quote based on your actual payroll, class codes, and experience mod.
Also available:
Experience Mod CalculatorWorkers' Comp Cost by Trade
Select your trade for detailed rate information, class codes, and cost-saving tips:
Roofing Contractors
$6.00–$9.50 per $100 payroll
Code 5551
General Contractors
$3.50–$6.00 per $100 payroll
Code 5403
HVAC Contractors
$2.50–$4.50 per $100 payroll
Code 5537
Electrical Contractors
$2.50–$4.50 per $100 payroll
Code 5190
Plumbing Contractors
$2.25–$4.00 per $100 payroll
Code 5183
Framing Contractors
$3.50–$6.50 per $100 payroll
Code 5403
Concrete Contractors
$4.50–$7.00 per $100 payroll
Code 5213
Masonry Contractors
$4.50–$7.00 per $100 payroll
Code 5022
Workers' Comp Cost by City in Florida
Florida workers' comp rates are statewide, but local market conditions and carrier availability can affect your actual premium. Find city-specific information:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does workers' comp cost in Florida?
Florida workers' comp rates vary by trade. Roofing contractors pay the most at $6.00–$9.50 per $100 of payroll, while plumbing and electrical contractors pay $2.25–$4.50 per $100. Your actual premium depends on your payroll, experience modification rate (EMR), and the specific class codes that apply to your employees.
What is the cheapest workers' comp trade in Florida?
Among common construction trades, plumbing ($2.25–$4.00/100) and electrical ($2.50–$4.50/100) contractors have the lowest workers' comp rates in Florida. Office and clerical workers (class code 8810) have the lowest rate of all at under $0.50 per $100 of payroll.
Why is Florida workers' comp so expensive for roofers?
Florida roofing workers' comp is the most expensive in the state for two reasons: (1) roofing has the highest injury and fatality rate of any construction trade due to fall hazards, and (2) Florida law prohibits roofing contractors from exempting corporate officers, meaning all workers including owners must be covered. This mandatory coverage requirement combined with high injury rates drives up rates.
How is Florida workers' comp premium calculated?
Florida workers' comp premium = (Payroll ÷ 100) × Class Code Rate × Experience Mod. For example, a roofing contractor with $200,000 payroll, a 5551 rate of $6.752, and an EMR of 1.0 would have a base premium of $13,504. A good EMR of 0.80 would reduce that to $10,803.
Can I get workers' comp with no down payment in Florida?
Yes. Pay-as-you-go workers' comp programs calculate your premium based on actual payroll each pay period, eliminating large upfront deposits. Bright Coast Insurance offers pay-as-you-go options for most Florida construction trades. This is especially useful for contractors whose payroll fluctuates with project volume.
Get Your Florida Workers' Comp Quote Today
Same-day quotes for all Florida construction trades. Bilingual agents available.