Do Painters Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in FL?

Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws are relatively straightforward. However, it can get a bit confusing when it comes to painters. If you’re a painter or own a painting business in Florida, you need to learn whether you’re required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance.

If you’re a painter in the construction industry or own a painting company comprised of more than four employees, you must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage in Florida. Otherwise, you’re not required to. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get coverage. Workers’ Compensation insurance can protect Florida painters and companies in the event of a work-related injury. To lower the cost of premiums, Florida business owners can file for a personal exemption and partner with an experienced broker.

Our brokers can pair painters in Florida with affordable, comprehensive coverage that will protect their businesses if an employee is injured at work. To learn more about how the Florida Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers can help you, call today at (561) 990-3022.

Do All Painters Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in FL?

Workers’ Compensation insurance is a safety net for employers and employees in all types of industries. As a Florida painter, you may wonder where you fit into the Workers’ Compensation discussion and if you’re required to carry coverage. The answer may be yes, depending on the specific type of work you do and the number of workers employed by your painting business.

Generally, Workers’ Compensation insurance requirements boil down to two things: industry and number of employees. Florida businesses in certain industries, like construction, must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, regardless of how many people they employ. Painting, in some capacities, is considered part of the construction industry. For example, if your job as a painter entails painting metal structures over two stories in height, that’s considered construction work in Florida. That means, even if your painting business is comprised of one person, you will have to have Workers’ Compensation insurance.

However, other painters are only required to carry coverage if they employ a certain number of workers in Florida. For example, if your work is outside the construction scope, yet you employ over four people, you will have to purchase Workers’ Compensation insurance in Florida.

If you’re an independent contractor or a sole proprietor, you’re automatically excluded from Workers’ Compensation requirements as long as your painting work is not considered construction. This can be a difficult line to toe as if you’re required to have coverage and don’t, you can face serious fines in Florida. Because of that, it’s always wise to consult an experienced Florida Workers’ Compensation insurance broker for painters to clarify your coverage requirements.

Should I Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance as a Painter in FL?

If you’re a painter in Florida who is not required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance by law, you may be wondering why you should opt to purchase it. While that’s an understandable question, it is generally better to have coverage just in case of a work-related injury.

Injuries can happen anywhere, at any time. While painting may initially appear safe, painters can sustain serious injuries. The following are common work-related injuries sustained by painters in Florida:

  • Falls
  • Neck injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Toxic exposure

If you’re a painter yourself or employ painters, having Workers’ Compensation insurance can protect you in the event of a work-related injury. Instead of having to foot the bill for an employee’s medical expenses and lost wages, your insurance plan can cover the cost.

Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws automatically exclude sole proprietors outside the construction industry from coverage requirements. That said, independent painters can still opt-in to the system, so they’re protected from covering their medical bills in the event of a work-related injury. This is crucial, especially for small businesses in Florida.

The bottom line is that finding coverage from a reliable Florida Workers’ Compensation insurance broker is beneficial, even if having insurance isn’t mandated for you. Painters can sustain serious injuries at work, which can get expensive quickly. To keep your peace of mind, you should get covered as a painter in Florida.

How Can Painters in FL Find Affordable Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

While having Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage can help Florida painters in the long run, it may be difficult to see the benefits when faced with high premiums. To get coverage that will protect your painting business at an affordable price, turn to an insurance broker you can trust.

There are several ways Florida painters can find more affordable Workers’ Compensation insurance. The first is by filing for an exemption. Certain LLC members and corporation owners can file for a personal exemption, excluding them from their painting company’s Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage. This reduces the number of employees on the payroll and can lower the cost of your insurance premiums. There are fees associated with filing for a Workers’ Compensation insurance exemption in Florida and other requirements.

The next thing you can do as a Florida painter is a partner with a reliable broker. An experienced Florida Workers’ Compensation insurance broker can quickly help your painting business find affordable coverage. Our brokers work with insurance companies that require no audits, contracts, or deposits. Finding affordable coverage can be difficult depending on a painter’s specific line of work and their history of work-related injuries. If your painting business is considered part of a construction company, that task can become even more challenging in Florida. Instead of wasting your valuable time searching for inexpensive coverage, you can send a broker your painting business’ information and expect to receive a quote quickly.

Our Brokers Can Find Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Painters in FL

If you’re a painter in Florida, getting Workers’ Compensation insurance is a good idea. To learn more about how the Florida Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers can help you, call today at (561) 990-3022.