Florida Workers' Compensation Laws

For occupational diseases, the limitations period runs from the date the employee knew or should have known the disability was related to employment.

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.

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.