Florida workers' comp · Published by Bright Coast Insurance
Workers' Comp for Florida Carpenters and Framers
Framing a house and installing trim fall under different class codes. Here's who needs coverage, what the listed rates mean, and how to handle subs.
Last checked 2026-10-31 against FL DFS, Florida Statutes and FWCJUA sources.
Your work. Your crew. A quote reviewed by a licensed agent.
The numbers behind the ring
Class code and listed rate
| Code | Description | Rate per $100 payroll | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5645 | Carpentry - Detached Dwellings | $7.689 | |
| 5437 | Carpentry - Install. Cabinet Work/Interior Trim | $4.570 |
Tap a row to load it into the explorer above.
Source: FWCJUA Current Rates — FWCJUA rate effective Jan 1, 2026. Retrieved: 2026-11-01. Not a quote.
Where carpenters & framers sit
All 9 verified Florida codes, ranked
- 5645Carpenters & framers$7.689
- 5551Roofers$6.752
- 5022Masons$5.220
- 5213Concrete contractors$5.184
- 5437Carpenters & framers$4.570
- 5474Painters$4.481
- 5221Concrete contractors$3.873
- 5190Electricians$2.969
- 5183Plumbers$2.737
How do I get covered fast?
If Florida requires coverage for your business, the simplest path is to have a policy in place before work starts. Bright Coast can quote it and explain the rules in plain language.
Source: FL DFS Division of Workers' Compensation: Coverage requirements — Checked: 2026-10-31
How the carpentry class-code rates work
Bright Coast's lookup lists these Florida class codes for carpentry: 5645 at 7.689 and 5437 at 4.570 per $100 of payroll, verified against the live FWCJUA table on October 25, 2026. These are reference rates, not quotes. Your actual premium also depends on your payroll, your experience mod and the carrier.
Code 5645 is described as CARPENTRY - DETACHED DWELLINGS. Code 5437 is described as CARPENTRY - INSTALL. CABINET WORK/INTERIOR TRIM.
Each rate is stated per $100 of payroll, so the code that matches the work matters. We don't show sample premiums, because yours depends on your own payroll, experience mod and carrier.
FWCJUA's site has a pricing tool and its rates if you want to check the table yourself.
Source: Bright Coast Florida WC class code lookup · FWCJUA published rate list · effective January 1, 2026 — Checked: 2026-10-31
Subcontractors and certificates for carpenters
Get proof of coverage from every sub before they start. DFS says contractors must make sure subcontractors have workers' comp before work begins. If a sub has none, its workers become your employees, and you pay benefits if one of them is hurt on the job. Keep a current certificate on file for each sub.
FWCJUA's site offers a Verify COI tool and a link to a proof of coverage database.
If you're a Bright Coast client, Bright Coast says you can access your certificates 24/7 through its self-service client portal.
For help, call (239) 475-0361.
Source: FL DFS Division of Workers' Compensation: Coverage requirements · FWCJUA published rate list · effective January 1, 2026 — Checked: 2026-10-31
Asked every week
Quick answers
Can an owner of a Florida carpentry company be exempt from workers' comp?
Possibly, if the business is a corporation or LLC that is active with the Florida Division of Corporations. The applicant attests to at least 10 percent ownership, pays a $50.00 fee, holds a valid driver license and cannot be tied to an active stop-work order. No more than three officers per company or affiliated group may be exempt.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for a general contractor?
Bright Coast says its clients can access certificates 24/7 through a self-service client portal. That lets you pull proof of coverage when a contractor asks for it before you start work. If you need help, call Bright Coast at (239) 475-0361 or email support@brightcoastins.com.
From our publisher
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