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Workers' Comp for Framers in Florida

Code 5645 - 2026 FL filed rate: $7.69/100 - One of the highest-rate classifications in Florida.

Why Florida Framers Pay So Much for Workers' Comp

Residential framing (NCCI code 5645) carries a 2026 Florida filed rate of $7.69 per $100 of payroll - making it one of the top five highest-rate classifications in the entire state. For commercial or multi-story framing (code 5651), the rate is $4.89/100.

We understand the risks our clients in the construction industry face, particularly those in framing. At our agency, we've seen firsthand how framers are exposed to hazards on active job sites, where they work at elevation with power tools, heavy lumber, and nail guns. As a result, we're not surprised that fall hazards, struck-by injuries, and hand and foot injuries from nail guns are among the most frequent and costly workers' comp claims in Florida's construction sector, and we work to help our clients mitigate these risks.

$7.69

per $100 payroll - Code 5645

Residential Framing

$4.89

per $100 payroll - Code 5651

Commercial / 3-Story Framing

What Drives the Cost - and What You Can Do About It

At $7.69/100, a framing crew with $500,000 in annual payroll generates $38,450 in workers' comp premium at standard market rates before any experience modifier is applied. A modifier above 1.0 pushes that higher still.

At our agency, we've seen firsthand how a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) can be a game-changer for our clients in the framing industry, helping them significantly reduce their workers' compensation costs. By partnering with us, our framing contractor clients can tap into the benefits of a pooled workforce, allowing them to access group rates and robust loss control programs that might be out of reach for a standalone company - a advantage that can make all the difference in their bottom line.

Pay-as-you-go, every payroll cycle. Our PEO program collects workers' comp premium with each payroll run - no large down payment, no year-end audit, no surprise bill. If your payroll fluctuates seasonally (as most framing businesses do), you only pay for what you actually pay out.

The 1099 Subcontractor Problem for Framers

We've seen firsthand how Florida's rigorous approach to workers' comp enforcement can impact our clients in the construction industry. When our clients work with 1099 framing subcontractors who lack their own coverage or a valid exemption certificate, their carrier can add the subcontractors' payroll to their audit, potentially doubling their premium retroactively - a consequence our agency helps them navigate to avoid costly surprises.

We advise our clients to always obtain a current Certificate of Insurance or a valid Florida workers' comp exemption certificate from subcontractors before they commence work. For verification purposes, our agency recommends utilizing the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) exemption database, which is readily available for online searches.

Frequently Asked Questions - Florida Framers

Yes, officers of a framing company can apply for an exemption through the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation. However, exemptions apply only to the officers themselves - W-2 employees cannot be exempted. For LLCs, members managing the business may also qualify. The exemption is free to obtain but must be renewed annually.

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Code 5645 applies to framers working on detached one- or two-family dwellings. Code 5651 covers framing on buildings three stories or fewer (multifamily, commercial). If you do both, your payroll must be separated by classification. The rate difference is significant: 5645 is $7.69/100 vs 5651 at $4.89/100 for 2026.

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Yes. A high EMR is exactly where a PEO arrangement can make the biggest difference. Inside a PEO, your individual claims history is one factor among many - the group's overall loss ratio buffers individual spikes. We regularly work with framing contractors that the standard market won't touch at a reasonable rate.

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In Florida, the answer is almost always yes - either your subs carry their own coverage, or you carry it for them. Florida's construction workers' comp laws are strict, and inspectors actively check job sites. An uninsured framing operation risks stop-work orders, fines, and personal liability if a worker is injured.

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Most qualifying framing contractors can be enrolled and covered within 2–5 business days. If you have an urgent job requirement, some programs can move faster. Call us and we'll work to meet your timeline.

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