Workers' Comp Insurance for Businesses With Just One Employee
Florida requires construction employers to carry workers' comp from their first hire. We get you compliant the same day — PEO-backed, pay-as-you-go, no large deposit.
Get My Free QuoteFlorida Workers' Comp Starts at Employee #1 in Construction
Florida Workers Comp for Small Contractors with 1 Employee — Construction Threshold, PEO Group Rates, Same-Day COI
Many small business owners are surprised to learn that Florida's workers' compensation requirement for construction employers kicks in at one employee — not four, not ten. The moment you hire your first worker in a construction trade, you are legally required to carry active workers' comp coverage.
The standard insurance market often makes this difficult for small contractors. Carriers frequently require minimum premiums, large deposits, or simply decline to write policies for businesses with fewer than five employees in high-risk trades.
Comp Ninjas was built for exactly this situation. Through our PEO structure, we co-employ your workforce — giving your one-person crew access to group insurance rates, same-day certificate issuance, and pay-as-you-go premiums with no large upfront deposit.
When Workers' Comp Is Required in Florida
Florida Workers Comp Employee Threshold by Industry — Construction 1+, Non-Construction 4+, Agriculture 6+
Florida Statute 440.02 — Definition of Employee and Coverage Thresholds by Industry
| Industry | Required When You Have… | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction (all trades) | 1 or more employees | Includes part-time workers and working owners |
| Non-Construction | 4 or more employees | Part-time employees count toward the threshold |
| Agriculture | 6 regular or 12 seasonal workers | Seasonal workers counted separately |
| Trucking / Transportation | 4 or more employees | Owner-operators may need separate coverage |
| Home Health / Staffing | 4 or more employees | Leased employees count toward client threshold |
Workers' Comp Built for Small Florida Businesses
PEO workers comp for 1-employee Florida contractors — no minimum payroll, no deposit, same-day certificate of insurance
$875 Setup Fee — No Large Deposit
Start coverage with a low flat setup fee. Premiums are pay-as-you-go based on actual payroll — perfect for small businesses where cash flow matters.
PEO Group Rates for Small Teams
Our PEO structure gives your 1-person crew access to the same group insurance rates that large corporations pay. Small doesn't mean expensive.
Same-Day COI
Your first employee starts Monday? We can have your Certificate of Insurance ready before the weekend is over. Same-day issuance in most cases.
Instant Compliance
Florida requires construction employers to carry workers' comp from the moment they have their first employee. We get you compliant the same day you hire.
Scales as You Grow
Add employees as your business grows — your policy scales with your payroll automatically. No need to shop for a new policy every time you hire.
All Construction Trades Welcome
Roofing, framing, concrete, electrical, plumbing, landscaping — we cover the trades that standard carriers decline for small businesses.
1-Employee Workers' Comp — Common Questions
Do I need workers' comp if I only have 1 employee in Florida?
Yes — if you are in the construction industry. Florida law requires all construction employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. This applies from the moment you hire your first worker. Non-construction businesses are required to carry coverage once they reach four employees.
How much does workers' comp cost for 1 employee?
Cost depends on your industry classification code and your employee's payroll. Through our PEO pay-as-you-go program, you start with a $875 setup fee and pay premiums based on actual wages each period — no large deposit, no end-of-year audit surprises. Contact us for a same-day quote.
Can I get workers' comp for just one part-time employee?
Yes. In Florida, part-time employees count the same as full-time employees toward the coverage threshold. If you have one part-time construction worker, you are required to carry workers' comp. Our pay-as-you-go program calculates premiums on actual hours worked, so you only pay for what you use.
What happens if I hire my first employee without workers' comp?
Operating without required workers' comp in Florida can result in a stop-work order — which halts all business operations immediately — plus fines of up to $1,000 per day. If your uninsured employee is injured, you are personally liable for all medical costs and lost wages. Don't risk it.
Can a small business with 1 employee get affordable workers' comp?
Absolutely. Through our PEO structure, even a one-employee business accesses group insurance rates. We regularly help small contractors — roofers, framers, landscapers, and more — get affordable coverage that fits a small-business budget.
How fast can I get workers' comp for my first employee?
With Comp Ninjas, most clients with one employee receive their Certificate of Insurance the same business day. We know that hiring decisions move fast — our process is built to keep up.
Ready to Get Covered?
Same-day COI. No large down payment. Bilingual support. Get your free quote in 2 minutes.