Contractors Slam New Workers' Comp Law

ORLANDO-Florida is trying harder to protect workers on commercial and residential construction projects but the new law, which started July 1, doesn’t go far enough, Mark P. Wylie, president/CEO, Central Florida chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., tells GlobeSt.com.

The new law eliminates workers’ compensation insurance payment exemptions for corporate officers, partners, sole proprietors and independent contractors but doesn’t affect residential homebuilders. Monthly premiums per worker are an estimated $150.

“The only exemptions removed were in commercial (non-residential) construction over $250,000,” Wylie says. “This segment of the business is not experiencing the abuse mentioned, as it is more highly regulated and has a higher demand for skills and manpower.”