Maritime Insurance
USL&H vs Workers Comp: What Florida Maritime Contractors Need to Know
Standard Florida workers comp does not cover workers injured on docks, piers, or navigable waters. If you operate towing vessels, marine construction, or offshore services in Florida, you likely need USL&H coverage — and the penalties for not having it are severe.
Side by Side
USL&H vs. Standard Workers Comp
| Factor | Standard Workers Comp | USL&H |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Florida Statutes Ch. 440 | Federal LHWCA (33 U.S.C. § 901) |
| Administering agency | Florida DFS / OJCC | U.S. Dept. of Labor (OWCP) |
| Workers covered | Land-based employees | Maritime workers on navigable waters |
| Benefit levels | Florida statutory schedule | Federal schedule (generally higher) |
| Disability benefits | 66.67% of AWW | 66.67% of AWW (federal AWW) |
| Death benefits | Florida schedule | Federal schedule |
| Employer penalty for non-compliance | State fines + stop-work order | Federal fines up to $10,000 + imprisonment |
| Who issues the policy | State-licensed carrier | Carrier authorized for federal coverage |
Who Needs It
Florida Contractors That Require USL&H Coverage
Towing & Marine Contractors
Companies operating tugboats, barges, or marine towing services in Florida waters. Crew members working on vessels or docks are covered under USL&H, not standard workers comp.
Dock & Pier Construction
Contractors building or repairing docks, piers, wharves, and marine railways. Workers injured while working on these structures over navigable water fall under federal jurisdiction.
Shipbuilding & Ship Repair
Any company involved in building, repairing, or breaking down vessels. Florida has active shipyards in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale where USL&H is required.
Offshore Service Companies
Companies providing services to offshore oil platforms, wind farms, or other offshore structures. Workers traveling to and from these structures may also be covered.
Marine Salvage
Salvage operations on navigable waters require USL&H coverage for divers, crane operators, and deck crew involved in the salvage work.
Harbor Pilots & Stevedores
Stevedores loading and unloading cargo ships, and harbor pilots guiding vessels into port, are classic USL&H-covered occupations.
Compliance
The Penalty for Not Having USL&H Coverage
Federal penalties for USL&H non-compliance are severe
Under 33 U.S.C. § 938, an employer who fails to secure USL&H coverage faces fines of up to $10,000 per violation, up to one year imprisonment, and personal liability for all benefits owed to injured workers. The federal government does not offer the same grace periods that Florida's stop-work order process provides.
Signs you may need USL&H coverage
- Your employees work on docks, piers, or wharves
- You operate or crew vessels on navigable Florida waters
- You perform construction or repair work over water
- You have employees who board vessels as part of their job
- You perform marine salvage or underwater work
- You load or unload cargo at Florida ports
- You provide services to offshore platforms or structures
- Your current workers comp policy has a maritime exclusion
Not Sure If You Need USL&H Coverage?
We specialize in maritime and marine contractor insurance in Florida. We'll review your operations and confirm exactly what coverage you need.