Florida guide
How to verify a Florida subcontractor’s workers’ comp or exemption
To verify a Florida sub, ask for a certificate showing a workers’ comp policy or a valid exemption certificate, then confirm either one on the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation databases. An exemption covers only the named officer. If the sub has other employees and no policy, treat it as an uninsured gap.
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Policy, exemption or nothing
| What the sub shows | What it means | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate with a workers’ comp policy | Employees are covered while the policy is in force | Confirm in the Proof of Coverage database. Check the dates cover the job. |
| Exemption certificate, no other employees | The named officers are exempt, which can be compliant | Verify the exemption, check it names the right person, and note its dates. |
| Exemption certificate, but a crew | The exemption does not cover the crew | Require coverage for the crew. Treat as a gap until fixed. |
| Nothing | No proof of coverage | Do not mobilize. See the statutory employer guide. |
Steps
- Request the certificate or exemption certificate before the first day on site.
- Search the DWC Proof of Coverage database by name or FEIN, and the exemption search for exemptions.
- Match names, FEIN and dates to the certificate.
- Record who checked, when, and what they found.
- Set a reminder before the earliest expiry.
Not legal or insurance advice. Statutes change and contracts differ. Verify against the primary source (linked or named) and talk to your broker or attorney before relying on this.
Sources: DWC Proof of Coverage database · Florida DWC construction exemptions · Fla. Stat. 440.103. Statutes change; confirm the current text.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Florida subcontractor legally have no workers’ comp policy?
Only in limited cases: construction officers can elect an exemption for themselves, and other employees still need coverage. Whether a given sub qualifies depends on their facts.
Do building permits require workers’ comp proof in Florida?
Yes. Under Fla. Stat. 440.103, an employer must show proof of coverage or a valid exemption when applying for a building permit.
How do I search for a Florida workers comp exemption?
Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation runs a public proof-of-coverage search. Check what it shows for the sub, and ask the sub for the exemption certificate itself.
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