Workers Comp Class Code 5445 — Wallboard Installation — Drywall
Florida NCCI Workers Comp Classification
FL NCCI Rate
$4.53
per $100 of payroll
Same-Day COI
Available
through PEO program
For code 5445, a worker earning $800/week costs just $36.21/week in workers comp through our PEO program.
FL NCCI Rate
$4.53/$100
per $100 payroll
Risk Level
High
NCCI classification
Same-Day COI
Available
through PEO program
Approval Time
24–48 hrs
most industries
What Is Workers Comp Class Code 5445?
NCCI class code 5445 covers Wallboard Installation — Drywall in Florida. This classification is used by workers' compensation carriers to determine premium rates based on the relative injury risk of workers in this occupation. The Florida NCCI rate for code 5445 is $4.53 per $100 of payroll, placing it in the high-risk tier.
Covers workers installing drywall (sheetrock) in residential and commercial buildings. Drywall hangers lift heavy 4x8 and 4x12 sheets overhead all day, often on stilts or scaffolding. Back injuries and shoulder injuries are extremely common. This is one of the most physically demanding trades in construction.
Because code 5445 is a construction classification, Florida law requires workers' compensation coverage from the first employee. Construction employers cannot use the 4-employee threshold that applies to non-construction businesses.
What Does This Rate Mean in Real Dollars?
At $8.12 per $100, a drywall hanger earning $800/week costs about $64.96/week in workers comp. Drywall crews often have 6-10 workers on a commercial job — that's $390-$650/week in comp cost. PEO lets you pay that weekly based on actual payroll, not a projected annual estimate.
Rate History — Code 5445
5-Year Rate Trend
Code 5445 — Florida NCCI rates
Source: Florida NCCI rate filings 2020–2024
Florida NCCI rates for code 5445 have decreased from $9.30 to $8.12 over the past 5 years — a positive trend for employers.
Why PEO Makes Sense for Code 5445
No deposit. No audit. Same-day COI.
Drywall contractors are frequently hit with audit surprises because their payroll fluctuates dramatically — a big commercial job might double your crew for 2 months. Traditional policies estimate your payroll and charge you the difference at audit. PEO eliminates audits entirely because you pay based on actual weekly payroll.
No Deposit
Pay as you go each week
No Audit
Premium based on actual payroll
Same-Day COI
Instant certificate issuance
📋 Real-World Example
A drywall contractor in Palm Beach County has 8 workers on a commercial office build-out. A worker falls off 24-inch stilts and breaks his ankle. Surgery, cast, and 10 weeks of lost wages total $52,000. Workers comp covers it. The contractor's PEO policy was in place before the first sheet went up.
Common Job Titles Under Code 5445
Top Workers Comp Risks for Code 5445
The NCCI rate for this classification reflects the frequency and severity of workers' compensation claims historically filed by workers in this occupation. The primary risks include:
Florida Workers Comp Requirements for Code 5445
Florida Statute Chapter 440 governs workers' compensation requirements. For construction employers classified under code 5445, coverage is required with 1 or more employees — including the business owner unless a valid exemption is on file with the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation.
The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation conducts random job site inspections and can issue an immediate stop-work order if coverage is not current. The penalty is equal to twice the amount of premium that should have been paid, plus $1,000 per day per employee while uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions — Code 5445
What is the workers comp rate for class code 5445 in Florida?
The Florida NCCI rate for class code 5445 (Wallboard Installation — Drywall) is $4.53 per $100 of payroll. For a business with $150,000 in annual payroll, the estimated annual workers comp cost is $6,789.
Can I get same-day workers comp coverage for class code 5445?
Yes. Through Comp Ninjas's PEO program, most businesses classified under code 5445 can be approved and receive a Certificate of Insurance (COI) within 24–48 hours. Same-day COI issuance is available in most cases once your application is complete.
Is class code 5445 considered high-risk in Florida?
Code 5445 is classified as high-risk based on its NCCI rate of $4.53 per $100 of payroll. This rate is above 5%, which means standard carriers may decline coverage or require large deposits. Our PEO program specializes in covering high-risk classifications that standard carriers decline.
What is the difference between a PEO and a traditional workers comp policy for code 5445?
A traditional policy for code 5445 requires an upfront deposit (typically 25–35% of annual premium), a year-end audit, and a minimum payroll requirement. Our PEO pay-as-you-go program calculates premium on actual payroll each cycle — no deposit, no audit, no minimum. For a business with $150,000 in annual payroll under code 5445, the annual cost would be approximately $6,789.
How do I switch to a PEO program if I already have a workers comp policy for code 5445?
You can switch at any time — you don't need to wait for your current policy to expire. We handle the transition and coordinate with your current carrier to avoid any coverage gaps. Most clients are enrolled and covered within 24–48 hours of submitting their application.
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