Florida Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026

What to do after a Florida work injury

1. Get appropriate care. For an emergency, seek emergency help and notify the employer as soon as possible.
2. Report the injury promptly. Florida DWC says to report it to the employer as soon as possible and no later than 30 days; late reporting can jeopardize a claim.
3. Ask which medical provider is authorized. Except for emergency circumstances and legal exceptions, treatment is generally coordinated through the employer or carrier.
4. Describe the work event accurately. Record the date, time, location, people notified, symptoms, and how the injury occurred.
5. Preserve documents. Keep wage records, work restrictions, appointment notices, bills, mileage records, and all carrier correspondence.

Early claim timeline

These milestones do not mean every claim is automatically accepted or that every late action has the same consequence. Save proof of reporting and follow up if the carrier or authorized provider information is missing.

Medical care and travel

Available medical benefits can include an authorized treating physician, specialists, hospitalization, prescriptions, testing, therapy, prostheses, and other medically necessary care. Florida DWC also identifies mileage reimbursement for travel to and from an authorized doctor or pharmacy.

Confirm authorization before non-emergency treatment. Keep a dated log with the provider, purpose, origin, destination, miles, and supporting appointment or pharmacy evidence. If care is denied or delayed, request the decision and reason in writing and use official assistance promptly.

Main categories of Florida benefits

Use the Florida Benefits Chart 2026 for current figures and formulas.

Temporary wage-replacement benefits

Temporary total disability

Standard TTD is generally 66 2/3% of AWW, subject to the accident-year maximum and other rules. Florida excludes the first seven days unless disability lasts more than 21 days. Combined TTD and TPD are generally limited to 104 weeks, and TTD can end earlier at maximum medical improvement.

Certain specifically listed severe injuries may receive 80% of AWW for up to six months under separate conditions. Use the Florida TTD Calculator to compare the arithmetic without assuming eligibility.

Temporary partial disability

Section 440.15 describes TPD as 80% of the difference between 80% of AWW and post-injury earning ability, capped at 66.67% of AWW. Actual entitlement depends on medical restrictions, earning ability, work search or employment facts where relevant, and the claim record.

Average weekly wage

For many workers, AWW starts with the 13 calendar weeks before the accident week if at least 75% of customary hours were worked. Similar-employee, seasonal, full-time, part-time, under-22, and concurrent-employment provisions can change the method.

Disputes, petitions, and time limits

Disputes can concern compensability, authorized care, work restrictions, AWW, benefit rate, missed checks, mileage, maximum medical improvement, impairment, or eligibility for permanent benefits. Start by identifying the exact decision, date, reason, requested proof, and legal or medical issue.

Florida DWC’s injured-worker FAQ describes a general two-year period for filing a Petition for Benefits, but workers’ compensation limitation rules are issue-specific and can be affected by prior payments, treatment, later events, and statutory exceptions. Do not wait for a general two-year anniversary to seek advice.

• Keep the envelope and full notice for every adverse decision.
• Compare the wage statement with pay records and concurrent jobs.
• Request written authorization or denial of medical care.
• Track every missed or changed payment by benefit period.
• Contact official assistance or qualified counsel before a deadline.

Official Florida help

The Division’s Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office provides general assistance to injured workers. The published phone number is 800-342-1741. The Division can explain process and resources but does not replace individualized legal advice.