St. Petersburg workers' compensation insurance for local businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida really require workers' compensation for a one-person construction crew in St. Petersburg?
  Yes. Florida's construction class-code rules contain no small-business exemption. If you have one employee performing construction work anywhere in Pinellas County — including renovation projects in Downtown St. Pete or residential remodels in Gulfport — you are required to carry workers' compensation. Sole proprietors and officers in construction can apply for a statutory exemption for themselves, but that exemption does not extend to any employees they hire. Ellie's licensed agents can walk you through the exemption process and verify that your coverage matches your actual operations.
• What are ghost policies, and are they an issue for St. Petersburg contractors?
  A ghost policy is a workers' compensation policy issued to a sole proprietor who has taken the officer exemption, leaving no covered employees on the policy. Some St. Petersburg contractors present ghost policies to general contractors or property managers as proof of coverage, but those certificates offer no protection for workers actually on the job. Florida's Division of Workers' Compensation treats this as a coverage gap and can assess significant penalties. If you hire subcontractors for projects in Pinellas Park or along the waterfront, Ellie can help you verify that their certificates reflect genuine, active coverage.
• How are workers' compensation premiums calculated for St. Petersburg hospitality and marine businesses?
  Premiums are driven by three main inputs: the class codes assigned to each employee category, total audited payroll, and your experience modifier, which reflects your claims history over time. A Gulfport beach-bar operator and a Gateway tech firm will carry very different class codes and corresponding base rates. Marine and dock operations often fall into specialized codes that reflect elevated physical risk. Because Florida conducts payroll audits at the end of each policy term, accurate classification from day one matters — mismatches lead to unexpected premium adjustments. Use our Instant Quote to get a range based on your specific industry and workforce.
• What does workers' compensation cover for a St. Petersburg business?
  Pays medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and protects you from related lawsuits. For St. Petersburg businesses, the exact coverage depends on the policy form, limits, deductibles, endorsements, and exclusions selected.
• Who needs workers' compensation insurance in St. Petersburg?
  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 St. Petersburg?
  Workers' Compensation pricing in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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. St. Petersburg is part of our core Florida service area.