Every January, Florida contractors take a fresh look at their coverage. Crews grow, projects ramp up, and many businesses renew policies before spring hits full speed. One question always rises to the top: What does workers compensation actually cover?
If you’ve ever tried to dig through legal language or generic carrier summaries, you know it can feel anything but clear. So let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for the trades.
The Basics: What Workers Compensation Covers in Florida
Workers compensation is designed to protect your crew and your business when a work-related injury or illness happens. In Florida, coverage typically includes four main benefit categories:
1. Medical care
Covers treatment for job-related injuries and illnesses, including doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostics, medication, surgery, and follow-up appointments. There’s no deductible for the injured employee. For trades where physical work is the norm, this is the core of the policy.
2. Lost wages (Indemnity benefits)
If an employee can’t work because of the injury, workers compensation replaces a portion of their wages while they recover. Florida generally pays two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, with certain statutory caps.
3. Long-term or permanent disability benefits
If the injury results in lasting impairment or prevents someone from returning to the same type of trade work, disability benefits help support the worker long-term.
4. Death benefits
If the worst-case scenario occurs, workers compensation provides financial support to dependents and covers funeral expenses.
These benefits apply whether the incident happens on a roof, in a crawlspace, on a ladder, or in the shop. If an injury arises out of work performed for your business, workers compensation is there to respond.
What Workers Compensation Doesn’t Cover
Just as important as what’s included is what’s not. Workers compensation typically does not cover:
• Injuries that occur off the job
• Incidents caused by intoxication or drug use
• Intentional injuries
• Injuries related to horseplay or policy violations
Clear safety procedures and consistent training help avoid gray areas, which is why BrightFund invests heavily in trade-specific safety programs and resources.
Why Contractors Ask This Question Every Year
Searches for “what does workers comp cover” and “Florida workers compensation benefits” spike early in the year because:
• Businesses are onboarding new hires
• Crews are prepping for busier spring schedules
• Agents are educating clients during renewals
• Owners want to confirm they’re properly protected before taking on new jobs
Coverage clarity leads to better decisions. It also reduces headaches when a claim actually occurs.
How Claims Work for Trade Contractors
A solid claims process is just as important as the policy itself. At BrightFund, members work directly with a claims team that understands trade work and the real risks your crews face daily. When an injury happens:
- The incident is reported promptly
2. The employee receives immediate, appropriate medical care
3. BrightFund coordinates with providers and manages the claim
4. The goal is always safe recovery, return to work, and minimal disruption
Fast response and proactive support help keep costs down and outcomes better for everyone involved.
Why Member-Owned Matters
BrightFund isn’t a traditional insurance carrier. As a self-insured fund owned by Florida contractors, our priorities stay aligned with yours. Members benefit from:
• Trade-specific safety programs
• Proactive claims management
• Certificates of insurance you can access online
• The opportunity for return dividends
• Pricing and guidance built around real jobsite experience
When you understand what your coverage includes, it’s easier to protect your team, stay compliant, and keep projects moving.
Workers compensation doesn’t need to be complicated. When you break it down, it’s a straightforward system designed to take care of the people who keep Florida’s buildings, homes, and infrastructure running.
If you want a partner that understands the trades and puts your crew first, BrightFund is built for you.