Miami workers' compensation insurance for local businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida law require workers' compensation if I only have one employee at my Miami construction site?
  Yes. Florida's Division of Workers' Compensation requires all construction employers in Miami-Dade — and statewide — to carry workers' compensation starting at one employee. There is no small-business exemption for construction class codes. Non-construction employers reach the threshold at four employees. Given Miami's active regulatory environment and the frequency of job-site inspections across Brickell, Hialeah, and other active build zones, an uninsured contractor can face stop-work orders and penalty assessments that exceed the cost of the policy itself.
• What is a ghost policy, and is it a legitimate option for sole proprietors in Miami-Dade?
  A ghost policy is a workers' compensation policy where the owner excludes themselves, resulting in minimal premium. It is used primarily to satisfy certificate-of-insurance requirements on job sites. Ghost policies are legal in Florida but cover no one — if you or a worker is injured, there is no benefit. For sole proprietors in Miami-Dade's Wynwood, Kendall, or Miami Beach submarkets who regularly hire day laborers or part-time help, relying solely on a ghost policy while employees work uninsured creates both legal exposure and serious financial risk.
• How do carrier choices affect workers' compensation costs for Miami-based hospitality and restaurant employers?
  Hospitality employers in Miami Beach and Wynwood carry class codes with above-average injury rates — slips, cuts, and heat-related incidents are common in kitchen and service environments. Different carriers apply varying experience-modification factors and loss-control requirements, which is why shopping multiple markets matters. Some carriers also impose Miami-Dade-specific surcharges tied to the county's litigation history. An independent agency like Ellie can compare voluntary-market options before any application defaults to Florida's assigned-risk pool, where pricing is typically less competitive than a clean voluntary placement.
• What does workers' compensation cover for a Miami business?
  Pays medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and protects you from related lawsuits. For Miami businesses, the exact coverage depends on the policy form, limits, deductibles, endorsements, and exclusions selected.
• Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Miami?
  Florida construction employers need coverage at one or more employees; non-construction employers at four or more, per the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation. Contractors must also verify subcontractor coverage.
• How much does workers' compensation insurance cost in Miami?
  Workers' Compensation pricing in Miami reflects the business class, size, payroll or sales, prior claims, and Florida-specific factors. Florida has no small-business exemption for construction class codes — a single employee triggers the requirement. Audits, class-code accuracy, and ghost policies are common pain points we help solve. The most accurate way to know your cost is an Instant Quote across 100+ carrier markets.
• What's different about workers' compensation insurance in Florida?
  Florida has no small-business exemption for construction class codes — a single employee triggers the requirement. Audits, class-code accuracy, and ghost policies are common pain points we help solve.
• Can Ellie Insurance Group shop workers' compensation insurance for my Miami business?
  Yes. As an independent agency we shop 100+ carrier markets for workers' compensation insurance, including admitted and specialty markets when an account does not fit a single carrier's appetite. Miami is part of our core Florida service area.