WHY FLORIDA WORKS NOW …
Landmark reforms to the Florida workers’ compensation system in 2003 resolved a crisis producing unaffordable rates for employers, widespread fraud and poor compliance with comp insurance requirements. Florida’s comp rates were the highest in the country and a barrier to creation of jobs and successful competition with bordering states for important new business and industry. The Florida Legislature tackled this crisis in a deliberative, broad-based package focusing on cost-drivers clearly out of line with workers’ comp systems in other states, including the abuse of hourly attorneys’ fees.
- Workplaces are safer
- On-the-job injuries have declined almost 30% in Florida over the past 5 years
- Employers have available and affordable coverage
- Rates have dropped an average 51.4 % since 2003
- Florida employers have saved an estimated $2.9 billion
- Injured workers get the medical treatment they need and return to work
- Benefit levels are comparable to other states, particularly neighboring states
- More than 80% of all work injuries are resolved without litigation
- Attorneys are still involved in over 40% of cases, no decline since 2003
WHY IT MATTERS NOW…..
The Legislature’s goal of a self-executing workers’ compensation system has been realized. We must work together to perpetuate Florida’s successful workers’ compensation system.
The Florida Supreme Court is currently deliberating what will be a landmark case and will shape if and how Florida’s current success can be sustained.
If current law is overturned, an increase in workers’ comp premiums this fall could be inevitable and could not come at a more difficult time.
Florida employers are struggling to ride out the current economic crises facing the nation and the state. We urge leaders to face any judicial decision that undermines the current system with an eye to maintaining the balance between costs and benefits for the sake of Florida’s economic viability and strengthening employers and employees alike.
Commit to Keep Florida Working
