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 | 2026 FWCJUA Rate (per $100 payroll) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing Contractors | 5551 | $6.752 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
| General Contractors | 5403 | $4.364 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026, code 5403) | Details |
| HVAC Contractors | 5537 | $2.995 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
| Electrical Contractors | 5190 | $2.969 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
| Plumbing Contractors | 5183 | $2.737 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
| Framing Contractors | 5645 | $7.689 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026, code 5645) | Details |
| Concrete Contractors | 5213 | $5.184 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
| Masonry Contractors | 5022 | $5.220 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026) | Details |
Source: FWCJUA 2026 manual rates. Actual premiums vary by carrier, EMR, and payroll classification. See every class on the Florida workers' comp rates by class code page.
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 (roofing, 5551): $200,000 payroll × $6.752 rate × 1.0 EMR = $13,504
- Payroll is the primary driver — more workers = higher premium
- Class code rate is set by 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
$6.752 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
Code 5551
General Contractors
$4.364 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026, code 5403)
Code 5403
HVAC Contractors
$2.995 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
Code 5537
Electrical Contractors
$2.969 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
Code 5190
Plumbing Contractors
$2.737 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
Code 5183
Framing Contractors
$7.689 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026, code 5645)
Code 5645
Concrete Contractors
$5.184 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
Code 5213
Masonry Contractors
$5.220 per $100 payroll (FWCJUA 2026)
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 $6.752 per $100 of payroll, while plumbing (class 5183) is $2.737 per $100 of payroll (minimum premium $2,623) and electrical (class 5190) is $2.969 per $100 (minimum premium $2,831). These are FWCJUA 2026 rates effective 1/1/2026 (fwcjua.com/rates); the FWCJUA is Florida's assigned-risk plan, and voluntary-market carrier quotes vary. 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 (5183, $2.737 per $100) and electrical (5190, $2.969 per $100) contractors have (FWCJUA 2026 assigned-risk rates; carrier quotes vary) the lowest workers' comp rates in Florida. Office and clerical workers (class code 8810) have the lowest rate of all at about $0.11 per $100 (FWCJUA 2026: 0.105).
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.