Florida law
Workers' Compensation Laws in Florida.
Florida's workers' compensation system is a no-fault system — you do not need to prove your employer was negligent. Coverage requirements vary: non-construction employers need 4 or more employees, while construction employers need just 1. Benefits include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability payments, and death benefits. The employer or carrier selects the treating physician, though employees may request one change.
Last verified: 2026-02-25
State law
Statute of Limitations
You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days. A formal petition for benefits must be filed within 2 years of the date of injury, or within 1 year of the last payment of compensation or last authorized medical treatment, whichever is later.
Exceptions
For occupational diseases, the limitations period runs from the date the employee knew or should have known the disability was related to employment.
State law
Filing Requirements
Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. Written notice is recommended. Your employer must provide you with an informational brochure about your rights within 3 business days.
If benefits are denied or disputed, file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC) within 2 years of the injury date.
State law
Key Florida Statutes
Non-construction/non-agricultural employers with 4 or more employees must carry coverage. Construction employers must carry coverage with just 1 employee. Agricultural employers need 6 regular employees or 12 seasonal workers.
TTD benefits pay 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, up to 104 weeks or maximum medical improvement (MMI), whichever comes first. Benefits cannot exceed the statewide average weekly wage.
The employer or carrier selects the treating physician. The employee may request a one-time change of physician, but the alternate must be authorized by the employer/carrier and practice within the same specialty.
Employers cannot discharge, threaten, intimidate, or coerce any employee for filing a valid workers' compensation claim or attempting to claim compensation.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Florida.
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