Compare workers' compensation insurance rates for your Fort Lauderdale business from Florida's top carriers. 2026 Florida rates are down 6.9% on average — get expert class code review, Pay As You Go options, and same-day certificates of insurance.
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Last updated · Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, NCCI, and the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation
Fort Lauderdale workers' comp: quick facts for 2026
Fort Lauderdale, known as the yachting capital of the world, anchors Broward County's economy of marine services, Port Everglades shipping and cruise operations, tourism and hospitality, and a large residential and commercial construction market.
The marine industry is a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale. Boat yards, yacht maintenance companies, marinas and marine contractors employ thousands of skilled workers — and some of that work can fall under federal maritime coverage rules rather than standard state workers' comp.
Broward's tourism and hospitality sector, from beachfront hotels to restaurants along Las Olas, rates under restaurant and hotel codes, while the county's dense suburbs support a steady flow of roofing, plumbing, electrical and remodeling contractors.
These are 2026 NCCI Florida manual rates per $100 of payroll for class codes common among Fort Lauderdale employers. They apply statewide; your final premium also reflects your experience mod and any carrier credits.
| NCCI Code | Industry | Rate per $100 | Premium on $100K payroll* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9082 | Restaurant / Food Service | $1.16 | $1,320 |
| 5183 | Plumbing | $2.74 | $2,900 |
| 5190 | Electrical Wiring | $2.97 | $3,130 |
| 5551 | Roofing — All Kinds | $8.24 | $8,400 |
| 9014 | Janitorial / Cleaning Services | $3.21 | $3,370 |
| 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.
Florida's workers' compensation law (Chapter 440, Florida Statutes) applies the same way in Fort Lauderdale as everywhere else in the state. Construction businesses need coverage with one or more employees, and corporate officers and LLC members count. Non-construction businesses need coverage with four or more employees, full or part time. Agricultural employers need coverage with six or more regular employees or twelve or more seasonal workers.
Eligible business owners can reduce cost with an exemption. Up to three officers or LLC members of a construction company who each own at least 10% can file a construction exemption for $50, and non-construction officers can elect exemption through the Division of Corporations. Exemptions only cover the owners. Any employees still require a policy.
Because Florida carriers must start from the same manual rates, savings come from getting the details right: accurate class codes for every employee, a lower experience mod through safety programs and prompt claim reporting, the 5% Drug-Free Workplace credit under F.S. 440.102, certificates of insurance from every subcontractor, and Pay As You Go billing that matches premium to real payroll. A specialist can review all of these when quoting your Fort Lauderdale policy.
Florida uses the same NCCI base rates statewide, so a Fort Lauderdale business pays the same manual rate as a business anywhere else in Florida for the same class code. Premium is (annual payroll ÷ $100) × class code rate × experience mod, plus a $160 expense constant. For example, a Fort Lauderdale plumbing company (class 5183, Plumbing, $2.74 per $100) with $200,000 in payroll would pay about $5,640 a year before experience mod and credits. 2026 rates in Florida decreased 6.9% on average.
Yes, for most employers. Florida law applies the same requirements in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County as everywhere in the state: construction businesses need coverage with 1 or more employees (including officers and LLC members), non-construction businesses with 4 or more employees, and agricultural businesses with 6 or more regular employees or 12 or more seasonal workers.
Yes. Under Florida Statute 440.103, building departments in Broward County and across Florida must receive proof of workers' compensation coverage or a valid Certificate of Election to be Exempt before issuing a building permit to a contractor.
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.
Not always. Employees who repair or build vessels, or work on docks and piers over navigable water, can fall under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Marine businesses typically need a USL&H endorsement or a separate maritime policy in addition to Florida workers' comp.
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