Few things kill a Florida construction schedule faster than a state investigator posting a stop-work order on your site. Work halts immediately, and it doesn’t resume until you fix the coverage gap and pay the penalty.
What triggers a stop-work order
- No workers’ comp coverage when Florida requires it (1+ employee in construction).
- An officer exemption that doesn’t actually qualify under the rules.
- Misrepresenting payroll or employee count to lower premium.
- Subcontractors working without their own coverage — and without a valid certificate on file with you.
The subcontractor trap
Here’s the one that catches good contractors: if a sub can’t prove their own workers’ comp, Florida treats their workers as yours. Their payroll lands on your audit, and their uninsured injury becomes your claim. The fix is simple but unforgiving — collect a valid certificate of insurance from every sub, every time, before they start.
How to stay clear
- Carry the coverage Florida requires — don’t gamble on an exemption that won’t hold.
- Keep a current COI on file for every subcontractor on the job.
- Report payroll honestly and keep clean records for the audit.
- Work with an agent who issues certificates same-day so you’re never the one holding up the site.
Talk it through with a real advisor
Every business is different. Tell us about yours and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand — no pressure, no jargon.
Figures cited reflect 2025–2026 conditions from sources such as FSLSO, Florida OIR, and NCCI and may change. This is general information, not legal, tax, or coverage advice.