WC Insurance in the state of FL

[arbor01]

I posted this question in another thread and directed it to Rocky but really any of the arborists from Fl can answer. Im interested in knowing how some of the small companies that are not incorporated here in our state, that have previously used the WC exempt waiver feel about and are dealing with the new laws disallowing that exemption. In the other thread ,Rocky stated he would ask his liability provider about the change when he needed to re-up. Unfortunately I believe this means that he and any other Fl arborists in the same situation would be opperating outside the law. Although these new laws dont affect me, I must say I disagree with thim as they put undo stress on small one man shows that are trying to operate in our state. I realize that the waiver does not offer any protecton for the client if the contractor were to get injured on the job, and that these waivers are only protecting the WC agency, but if that is so wrong why doesnt the WC agency disallow waivers altogether and provide a means in which a self employed person, or small family owened company can have WC coverage. Also ,how is this handled in other states.

 

[kowens]

employee leaseing BUT you do have a min.

 

[arbor01]

I also understand that state licensure of arborists is being discussed and I believe that it will require proof of liability insurance as well as WC. Maybe that will force a revamp of "The System". I know many of the smaller companies that go the way of leasing and I hear its costly. Most Ive talked with are paying way above the average for their WC.

 

[arbor01]

Not just an occupational license but actually licensure of the arborist profession, like they are proposing in NJ, and already have in MD,CT,LA, with a test of ones knowledge and such. Why shame on me anyway? Im just posting here like everyone else. Or did I miss something somewhere? Is it because Im new I have to pay you my dues or something. Perhaps Ive made a mistake in posting here. I thought this site was for everyones enjoyment. Guess not.

 

[Lumberjack]

Don't take it personally. Rocky is against WC and most gov programs. Just read his signature .


Don't worry it aint personal.

Carl

 

[arbor01]

Carl,
Thanks,I guess I should just consider the source. Some folks carry a chip on their shoulder and they cant help but be offensive to any and all they interact with. If Rocky could only read my post with an open mind he would see Im on his side. I too have had a bad taste left in my mouth by the same "SYSTEM" he dislikes so much. He unfortunately dosent understand that as of the beginning of 2004 he is not covered by his WC exemption therefore dosent comply with his counties business licensure requirments either. Oh well, cant be buds with everyone.

 

[treeman82]

Up here, if you are a 1 man show then you do not need WC. If you have any employees besides yourself, then you need WC on every one of them. If you want to hire a subcontractor, even if you are a 1 man show, you need WC. Apparently on a lot of jobs, people are asking that even the president of the company is covered by WC.

I heard that down in Jersey, you are not required to carry comp unless you have 4 or more employees.

 

[Lumberjack]

Aw rocky's ok. He is pretty cool, but slighty outspoken to say the least.

Don't ignore him yet.


Carl

 

[ORclimber]

Sole proprieters, corporate officers, and employees who are immediate family are excempt from WC in Oregon.

 

[monkeypuzzle]

I re-nude my WC exemption on 10-17-2003, expiration is 10-16-2005.

Some of the smart folks working in the WC office tell me that i'm not in the contruction Ind. They tell me that i'm in NON- constuction. They gave me a ''risk code'' number. That ''risk code'' number turns out to really be a NON-cont. number.

According to the Exempt appl. here in front of me I gave the state a free 50$ because if I'm NON Cont. there is NO FEE REQUIRED

Also was told that I being sole-prop. didn't need to think about WC untill I have 4 or more Employees.

Who knows, I don't. WC is a scam.

 

[Ax-man]

This is interesting, what happens when some one gets injured in these 4 or less companies, that are exempt from WC. Who pays in a situation like this???

Here in Ill. you are required to carry WC even for a .50 ( part-time) guy. The only other way around this is to play the sub-contractor game. Which is grey area unless the sub has ins. and you are not running the show.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

How can one self insure? Unless he has millions of dollars in the bank, there is no way he can gaurantee he'll have the resources to pay medical expenses and disability costs.
What a non-millionare without WC (or some kind of disability insurance) is really doing, is being insured first by the customer's homeowner's insurance and possibly the homeowner, and after that, by taxpayers.

WC protects the assets and income of the worker, and the assets of the customer.

In Wisconsin, a sole propritor can't get WC on himself, he must incorperate and then the corporation gets WC for him.

For what you get with WC, it is a very good value, especially in our very high risk field. Look how much good health insurance costs.

 

[begleytree]

Law here in Ohio says any buisness having one or more employees including the owner, must have WC. So if you are a sole prop, you must have WC.
I don't see the problem, for the price it is very good health insurance. In order to get any permits around here to work in the various cities, you must show proof of WC, along with liability insurance. Without it you're out of luck, and waiting to get caught. I personally call the police now anytime I see a 'pickup' guy out trimming, if he has a permit, great, but they never do.
Why should I have to pay that overhead, while someone elso does the same work without WC and insurance?
-Ralph

 

[mikecross23]

Here in Tallahassee the WC office told me that a sole proprietor in Florida can no longer be WC exempt. However the loop hole is that a Corporation or a Limited Liability Company working as a sole proprietor can be WC exempt. I met w/ an attorney last week to make sure I have things straight and I will be forming an L.L.C. in order to jump through their hoops and still be legit.

Rocky J,
You might want to give them a call and check. If you want the # PM me and I'll get it for you.

To form a Limited Liability Co. will cost btwn $125-$160. There are $35 of optional fees for certified copies etc.,etc. My attorney told me that forming an LLC would be more beneficial than Incorporating for many reasons that went over my head. The process seems fairly painless and the fees won't make or break anyone.

If any of you Fla. boys need help or phone #'s just send me a private message and I'll try and point ya'll in the right direction.

-Mike-

 

[xander9727]

In Ohio unless you're in a group rate WC is very expensive for our industry. My last payment I received a 95% discount for being in a group plan (Home Builder Association, they have the cheapest membership with the reduction I need) and 1% more from the state. I paid $124 for six months. Before I was in a group rate I was paying more than $3000 every six months. If anyone is paying the full rate PM me and I'll tell you how to go about getting in a group. Your a fool if you don't have WC as an employer, especially if your a sole prop. If some knuckle head hurts himself and wants to sue you, WC pays the bill. If they need 3 years of physical therapy WC pays that bill too. Insurance is a necessary evil, believe me I've learned this the hard way.

 

[ClimbMIT]

In Ohio unless you're in a group rate WC is very expensive for our industry. My last payment I received a 95% discount for being in a group plan (Home Builder Association, they have the cheapest membership with the reduction I need) and 1% more from the state. I paid $124 for six months. Before I was in a group rate I was paying more than $3000 every six months. If anyone is paying the full rate PM me and I'll tell you how to go about getting in a group. Your a fool if you don't have WC as an employer, especially if your a sole prop. If some knuckle head hurts himself and wants to sue you, WC pays the bill. If they need 3 years of physical therapy WC pays that bill too. Insurance is a necessary evil, believe me I've learned this the hard way.

Please PM any info to me I am very interested in learning about this.