Providing a safe workplace and protecting you and your employees from potential risk of injuries on the job is important piece of the benefits you provide for your employees. It also ensures the smooth operation of your business. As an employer, compliance with Florida’s workers’ compensation laws helps you avoid fines, penalties and any civil enforcement action you may be subject to unless you have the proper coverage.
Without coverage, your business could be subject to a “Stop-Work Order”–requiring that your business cease all operations until it complies with Florida law and pays a penalty. Penalties are equal to two times the amount you would have paid in manual premium within the preceding two-year period!
Understating or concealing payroll or employee duties, as well as attempts to avoid paying less than the proper amount of premium, may also be subject to a Stop-Work Order, according to Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. It’s also important not to misclassify employees as independent contractors, as it is illegal and opens up you and