Florida has more registered boats than any other state, and marine workers may need federal coverage on top of a state policy. Compare carriers for marinas, boatyards, yacht services and dock builders, and find out when USL&H applies.
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Last updated · Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, NCCI, and the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation
Florida marine workers' comp: quick facts for 2026
Florida's marine industry includes marinas, boatyards, yacht repair and detailing, dock and seawall builders, and the ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Tampa. Marine workers face drowning, slips on wet docks, lifting and power-tool injuries.
Many marine workers are covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (USL&H), not just state workers' comp. USL&H generally applies to workers who load, unload, build, repair or break up vessels on navigable water or adjoining areas like piers, docks and shipyards.
A standard Florida policy doesn't include USL&H unless it has a USL&H endorsement. Benefits under the federal act are generally higher, and so is the cost.
These are the NCCI class codes most often used for marine & boat services 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.
| NCCI Code | Classification | Rate per $100 | Premium on $100K payroll* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8810 | Clerical / Office Employees | $0.17 | $330 |
* 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.
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.
Marine businesses save by classifying work accurately between state and federal exposure, keeping office payroll in 8810, using water-safety and lifting programs to protect the experience mod, and comparing carriers that specialize in marine risks. 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.
Premium is (annual payroll ÷ $100) × class code rate × experience mod, plus a $160 expense constant. The class code depends on the work your employees perform, and any federal USL&H exposure is rated separately. Rates are quoted with your application. Office-only staff may qualify for clerical class 8810 at $0.17 per $100 of payroll. 2026 Florida rates decreased 6.9% on average.
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.
When employees load, unload, build, repair or dismantle vessels on navigable water or adjoining areas like piers, docks and shipyards, they may be covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. A Florida policy needs a USL&H endorsement to cover that exposure. Some exclusions apply, including for certain recreational marina work and repair of recreational vessels under 65 feet.
No. Crew members of a vessel are generally "seamen" under the Jones Act, which isn't covered by state workers' comp or USL&H. Employers with vessel crews need maritime employer's liability coverage.
The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation can issue a Stop-Work Order that shuts down the business until coverage is obtained and a penalty is paid. The penalty is generally twice the premium the employer would have paid over the prior two years, with a $1,000 minimum, and working in violation of a Stop-Work Order adds further daily penalties. Uninsured employers can also be sued directly by injured workers.
Get a free, no-obligation workers' compensation quote for your Florida marine business today.
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