Short answer: Florida's workers' comp rule depends on your industry. Construction employers need coverage with one or more employees, and most other employers at four or more. Every registered vehicle needs $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Florida Statute §627.7415 adds higher combined minimums for commercial vehicles of 26,000 lbs or more, starting at $50,000 per occurrence.
This guide is general information for Florida employers and business owners. It isn't legal advice. Agency rules change, so confirm with the agencies linked below.
1. Workers' compensation
Construction: one or more employees. Non-construction: four or more. Farms have separate thresholds. Details: is workers comp required in Florida.
2. Vehicles
Per FLHSMV, vehicles with four or more wheels need $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL. Florida doesn't require bodily injury liability for most private passenger vehicles, but contracts often do. See commercial auto insurance.
3. Heavy commercial vehicles
Under Fla. Stat. §627.7415, commercial motor vehicles must carry these combined bodily injury and property damage minimums:
- $50,000 per occurrence at 26,000 to under 35,000 lbs,
- $100,000 at 35,000 to under 44,000 lbs, and
- $300,000 at 44,000 lbs or more.
Vehicles subject to federal 49 CFR 387 must meet the federal levels.
State unemployment insurance
Unemployment insurance is the other employer coverage Florida makes mandatory. Per the U.S. Department of Labor's Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, January 2026, Florida employers are covered once you meet the coverage test of 20 weeks or $1,500 in any quarter. The 2026 taxable wage base is $7,000 per employee. Experience-rated employers pay 0.10% to 5.40%, and new employers start at a base rate of 2.70% (higher rates can apply by industry). Register with the state's unemployment tax agency when you hire.
Beyond the mandates
Most other coverage, like general liability, property, professional liability and cyber, comes from contracts, leases and lenders rather than Florida law. See small business insurance by industry or home-based business insurance. For-hire interstate carriers also face federal minimums under 49 CFR 387.9, starting at $750,000.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
When does a Florida business need workers' comp?
Construction at one employee, most other industries at four.
What insurance does a Florida commercial truck need?
Combined minimums start at $50,000 at 26,000 lbs and rise with weight under §627.7415, on top of PIP and PDL.
Do Florida employers have to pay for unemployment insurance?
Yes, once covered. The 2026 taxable wage base is $7,000, and new employers start at 2.70%.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.