Florida just made it cheaper to do right by your crew. Per the Florida OIR’s November 17, 2025 Final Order, Commissioner Mike Yaworsky approved a 6.9% statewide workers’ compensation rate decrease effective January 1, 2026 — the ninth consecutive year of declines, based on NCCI’s analysis of 2022–2023 experience data.
Who benefits most
The cut isn’t flat across the board — it’s weighted by class code. High-hazard construction classes see some of the largest reductions, with roofing (class 5551) projected down roughly 11% or more. Florida already ranks among the lowest-cost workers’ comp states in the country, and 2026 widens that advantage.
Why the rate fell
Florida’s 2022–2023 tort reforms (SB 2-A eliminated one-way attorney fees and AOB abuse) sharply reduced litigation. Insurer lawsuits fell 23.8% in the first three quarters of 2024 versus 2023, per Florida OIR data cited by the R Street Institute. Fewer disputed claims means lower loss costs — and that flows back to employers as lower rates.
What to do at your next renewal
- Confirm your class codes are correct — a misclassified payroll is the most common way contractors overpay.
- Prep for the audit before it happens: clean records of subcontractor certificates keep their payroll off your bill.
- If you took an officer exemption, make sure the math still holds under the 2026 minimums.
- Don’t just renew — re-market. A softening market is exactly when shopping pays off.
A real person should walk you through your specific numbers. Tell us about your business and we’ll pull your class codes apart line by line.
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.