Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation runs a deadline-heavy system — 30-day employee reporting, 7-day carrier reporting, and searchable public coverage data. Here’s the map.

Official Florida resources

• FL Division of Workers’ Compensation — the state agency (CFO)
• Verify an employer’s coverage — Florida’s public proof-of-coverage database
• Official forms — the Division’s forms library
• Employer guidance — coverage requirements and exemptions

Key employer forms

Florida’s First Report of Injury or Illness (DFS-F2-DWC-1) goes to your carrier, which must file with the Division within 7 days of your notice. Florida’s other signature document is the exemption certificate — corporate officers (and construction owners under strict limits) can elect exemption, and the state’s database makes both coverage and exemptions publicly searchable.

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care through your carrier’s authorized provider network
2. Report the injury to your carrier within 7 days of your knowledge — the carrier reports to the state
3. Give the employee the carrier’s claim information and document the incident
4. Check contractors’ coverage and exemptions in the state database before they set foot on a job
5. Watch construction-class rules — Florida’s exemption limits and payroll rules are enforced aggressively

Deadlines that matter

Employees must report injuries within 30 days; employers report to their carrier within 7 days of knowledge; and the statute of limitations on claims is generally two years from the injury date.

For rate context, see Florida workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Florida coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Florida forms FAQs

How do I verify workers’ comp coverage or an exemption in Florida?

Use the Division’s public Proof of Coverage database (dwcdataportal.fldfs.com) — it shows current coverage and officer exemptions by business or individual name.

Who is required to carry workers’ comp in Florida?

Non-construction businesses with four or more employees, construction businesses with one or more (including owners unless validly exempted), and agricultural employers past statutory thresholds. Exemption rules are strict and enforced.

How fast must a Florida injury be reported?

Employees report to the employer within 30 days; the employer reports to its carrier within 7 days of knowledge, and the carrier files with the state.