Class Code 5537: HVAC Rates and Cost Examples
NCCI Class Code 5537 HVAC — 2026 FWCJUA Rate $3.00 per $100 Payroll — Medium-Risk Construction Trade
| Company Size | Annual Payroll | Base Premium | Monthly (PEO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 techs | $100,000 | $3,000 | $250 |
| 5 techs | $250,000 | $7,500 | $625 |
| 10 techs | $500,000 | $15,000 | $1,250 |
2026 FWCJUA rates. No deposit through PEO program.
Why HVAC Contractors Choose PEO Workers' Comp
No Deposit
Traditional HVAC workers' comp policies require a deposit of 25–33% of estimated annual premium. PEO workers' comp has zero deposit — you pay with each payroll run.
Same-Day COI
Commercial property managers and GCs require a current COI before HVAC work begins. PEO enrollment takes 24–48 hours and COI issuance is immediate.
New Business Accepted
Standard carriers require 2–3 years of loss history. New HVAC companies are often declined. PEO programs accept new businesses from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCCI class code applies to HVAC contractors in Florida?
The primary class code for HVAC contractors in Florida is 5537 (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration), rated at approximately $3.00 per $100 of payroll under the 2026 FWCJUA filing. Refrigeration-focused operations may fall under 5538 at a slightly higher rate. HVAC is considered a medium-risk trade — significantly less expensive than roofing (5551 at $6.75) but more than office work.
How much does workers comp cost for an HVAC company in Florida?
Using the 2026 rate of $3.00/$100 payroll for code 5537, an HVAC company with 5 technicians earning $50,000 each ($250,000 total payroll) would have a base premium of approximately $7,500 per year. Through a PEO, there is no deposit and no annual audit. The monthly cost would be approximately $625 per month, paid with each payroll run.
Do HVAC companies need workers comp in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires workers' comp for any construction-related business (which includes HVAC) with 1 or more employees. HVAC contractors are classified as construction trades under Florida law, which means the 1-employee threshold applies — not the 4-employee threshold that applies to non-construction businesses. A sole proprietor HVAC contractor with one helper must carry workers' comp.
Can I get a same-day certificate of insurance for HVAC work?
Yes. Through Comp Ninjas' PEO program, HVAC contractors can receive a certificate of insurance the same business day they enroll. Property managers, commercial building owners, and general contractors require a current COI before allowing HVAC work to begin. PEO enrollment takes 24–48 hours and COI issuance is immediate upon policy activation.
What are the most common HVAC workers comp claims?
Common HVAC workers' comp claims include: (1) electrical burns and shocks from working on live systems; (2) falls from ladders and rooftops when accessing rooftop units; (3) back and shoulder injuries from lifting heavy equipment; (4) heat-related illness from working in attics and mechanical rooms; and (5) chemical exposure from refrigerants. Rooftop work is the highest-risk activity for HVAC technicians.