Failure to secure workers’ compensation coverage in accordance with Florida Law can result in both civil and criminal actions being brought by the State of Florida. The Department of Financial Services has broad powers to issue stop-work orders and assess penalties for past premiums at a rate of 1.5 times the amount that the employer would have otherwise paid for the past three year period.

In addition, the Department of Financial Services may assess against the employer a penalty of $5,000.00 for each employee that the employer represents to the Department or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier as an independent contractor but is ultimately determined not to meet the independent contractor criteria.

The attorneys at Druckman, Fee and Chait, P.A. are available for immediate consultation regarding issues which arise from failure to secure workers’ compensation coverage. If you or your company is currently under investigation by the Department of Financial Services or your workers’ compensation insurance carrier, we recommend that you seek immediate legal advice from an attorney of your choice.