I am a general contractor in Florida, and I do not currently have workers’ compensation insurance…

I am a general contractor in Florida, and I do not currently have workers’ compensation insurance. I was told I can apply for an exemption from workers’ comp for me and my employees. How do I apply for this?

In Florida, all businesses in the construction industry with employees need to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. The business owners can apply for exemptions, but the employees are not permitted to exempt out of workers’ compensation coverage. The rules differ slightly depending on whether you are a Corporation, LLC, Sole Proprietor or a Partnership. You must file a Notice of Election to be exempt and pay the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation a processing fee of $50. There are different rules regarding exemptions for non-construction companies as well.