Florida Landscaping Workers' Comp Insurance

Workers' Compensation for Florida Landscaping & Lawn Care

Last updated October 30, 2026 · Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, NCCI, and the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation

Landscaping and lawn maintenance are usually written under class 0042, Landscape Gardening. The main risks are mower and trimmer injuries, heat illness, and vehicle and trailer accidents moving crews between properties.

Florida's growing season never really stops, so landscaping companies often keep crews year-round, with extra workers in the rainy summer months. HOAs, condo associations and commercial property managers usually require a certificate of insurance before you start.

Tree trimming and removal is classed separately (0106) and rated much higher, because of falls and chainsaw injuries. After hurricanes, many landscapers take on storm cleanup and tree work, and that payroll should be reported in the right class.

What to Know About Landscaping Workers' Comp in Florida

• When landscaping is construction. Routine lawn and landscape maintenance is generally non-construction, which means coverage is required with 4 or more employees. Hardscaping, retaining walls and some irrigation work can fall under construction classes, which require coverage with 1 employee.
• Storm cleanup and tree work. Tree trimming and removal (0106) has its own, higher rate. If you add storm work after a hurricane, tell your carrier so the payroll is classed correctly.
• Seasonal and part-time workers. Part-time and seasonal workers count toward the 4-employee threshold, the same as full-time employees.
• Heat illness. Heat-related illness is a serious risk for Florida crews. Water, shade and rest-break policies help prevent claims.

2026 Florida Class Codes and Rates for Landscaping & Lawn Care

These are the NCCI class codes most often used for landscaping & lawn care in Florida. Rates shown are 2026 Florida manual rates per $100 of payroll and apply statewide. "Quoted" means the rate for that code is provided with your quote. The right code depends on the work each employee actually does.

* Includes the $160 expense constant, at a 1.0 experience mod, before Drug-Free Workplace (5%) or other credits. See the full Florida rate table.

Who Needs Landscaping Workers' Comp in Florida?

Usually yes. Non-construction businesses need coverage with 4 or more employees, counting part-time workers. If the business also performs construction work, Florida's construction rule applies and coverage is required with just 1 employee. Officers and LLC members count toward the threshold unless they have filed an exemption.

For 2026, included officers are rated on a minimum payroll of $33,800 each for construction businesses and $67,600 each for non-construction businesses. Operating without required coverage can lead to a Stop-Work Order and penalties based on the premium you should have paid.

How to Lower Landscaping Workers' Comp Costs in Florida

Landscaping companies save by keeping tree-work payroll separate from maintenance, keeping office and sales staff in 8810 and 8742, earning the 5% Drug-Free Workplace credit, and using Pay As You Go billing for seasonal crews. Because every Florida carrier starts from the same manual rates, a specialist who knows your industry can make a real difference in how your policy is classified, credited and audited.