Question: What classification codes and workers’ compensation rates apply to employees in landscaping businesses?

In Florida, there are three classification codes that could apply to landscaping businesses depending on the type of landscaping work that is done. You can read more about these Florida workers’ compensation codes below:

0042 - This classification code is applied to businesses that are primarily engaged in installing landscapes. The classification includes planning, clearing, grading and planting necessary for landscaping operations. It also includes the installation of sod. The clearing and grading done by these insureds is of the fine type necessary for finishing operations and does not result in changes to the contour of the land. This classification cannot be used in Florida along with the class code 9102 unless the operations are conducted as a separate and distinct business. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 10.67 and in 2008 it is now 8.70 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

9102 - This classification code is assigned to insureds engaged in the lawn maintenance business. Code 9102 is also applied to all employees engaged in the operation of public parks. For landscapers, the essential difference between the application of Code 0042 and Code 9102 is that Code 0042 applies to work involving new landscaping installations whereas Code 9102 applies to work involving the maintenance of existing landscaping and/or lawn maintenance. Insureds that perform maintenance of lawns, grounds, and gardens include work that may involve lawn mowing, raking, application of liquid or granular fertilizer, spraying and trimming of shrubs or small trees from the ground, and thatching or aerating. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 5.84 and in 2008 it is now 4.86 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

0106 - This classification code is applied to employees and businesses that prune and trim trees from above the ground. This code is applicable by job site to tree pruning contracts requiring any above-ground level work and it also applies to the whole contract including, but not limited to, chipping and cleanup activities regardless of whether or not a separate contract is written for tree pruning or lawn maintenance and another contract is written for chipping or cleanup. Incidental tree removal on a developed site conducted in connection with tree pruning, spraying, and repairing operations is also assigned to Code 0106. This classification includes risks contracting exclusively to remove immediate tree hazards due to natural catastrophes. Tree hazard cleanup may involve removing dead trees; trees or branches that are leaning on trees, power lines, or other structures; trees with broken or cracked stems; or large, dead or broken limbs that are still attached to a tree. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 21.23 and in 2008 it is now 15.96 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

5183 - This classification code is applied to employees and businesses that are engaged in plumbing work that is otherwise unclassified by the Basic Manual. For landscaperes, this code is used for installation of underground lawn sprinkler systems. Trenching work performed by the same contractor engaged in the installation of underground pipes for sprinkler systems is assigned to this classification since trenching work is an integral part of the underground sprinkler installation work. Such operations may be performed using either a vibrating plow or a pipe pulling machine, which knives the ground to a depth of 12 to 18 inches and to a width comparable to that of the piping being used. The piping is then automatically inserted into the ground. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 8.13 and in 2008 it is now 6.75 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

The employees and operations of most landscaping businesses are classified into the codes listed above. Depending on the nature of work performed, other classification codes may apply to the business. If you would like more information about these classifications or information on how your own employees should be classified, please do not hesitate to contact our office or request a workers’ compensation quote online.

Question: What types of businesses are classified as in the construction industry for the purpose of Florida workers’ compensation insurance?

We often receive this question. In the definition of businesses required to carry Florida workers’ compensation insurance, there is a distinction in the requirement for workers’ compensation insurance between businesses in construction and those that are not. For administration purposes the definition of “construction industry” in the Florida Statutes means those employers whose operations include and/or are best described by the classifications codes listed below. The descriptions for classifications are included in the workers compensation rating manual approved for use in Florida. Please note that these employers shall be considered in the “construction industry” whether or not they are currently engaged in any of the operations described by the applicable classifications and the classifications also contemplate employers that may potentially engage in such operations. The classification codes listed below should serve only as a guideline to provide direction for properly assigning employers to the “construction industry” and the Department of Labor and Employment Security is responsible for making all determinations of compliance with Florida statutes by individual employers whether or not in the classifications below:

• 0042 Landscape Gardening and Drivers
• 0050 Farm Machinery Operation – By Contractor and Drivers
• 1322 Oil or Gas Well: Cleaning or Swabbing of Old Wells Having Previously Produced Gas or Oil – By Contractor – No Drilling – and Drivers
• 3365 Welding or Cutting NOC and Drivers
• 3719 Oil Still Erection or Repair
• 3724 Machinery or Equipment Erection or Repair NOC and Drivers
• 3726 Boiler Installation or Repair – Steam
• 5020 Ceiling Installation – Suspended Acoustical Grid Type
• 5022 Masonry NOC
• 5037 Painting: Metal Structures – Over Two Stories in Height – and Drivers
• 5040 Iron or Steel: Erection – Frame Structures
• 5057 Iron or Steel: Erection NOC
• 5059 Iron or Steel: Erection – Frame Structures Not Over Two Stories in Height
• 5069 Iron or Steel: Erection – Construction of Dwellings Not Over Two Stories in Height
• 5102 Door, Door Frame or Sash Erection – Metal or Metal Covered
• 5146 Furniture or Fixtures Installation – Portable – NOC
• 5160 Elevator Erection or Repair
• 5183 Plumbing NOC and Drivers
• 5188 Automatic Sprinkler Installation and Drivers
• 5190 Electrical Wiring – Within Buildings and Drivers
• 5213 Concrete Construction NOC
• 5215 Concrete Work – Incidental to the Construction of Private Residence
• 5221 Concrete or Cement Work – Floors, Driveways, Yards, and Sidewalks – and Drivers
• 5222 Concrete Construction in Connection with Bridges or Culverts
• 5223 Swimming Pool Construction – Not Iron or Steel – and Drivers
• 5348 Stone, Mosaic or Terrazzo or Ceramic Tile Work – Inside
• 5402 Hothouse Erection – All Operations
• 5403 Carpentry NOC
• 5437 Carpentry – Installation of Cabinet Work or Interior Trim
• 5443 Lathing and Drivers
• 5445 Wallboard Installation Within Buildings and Drivers
• 5462 Glazier – Away From Shop and Drivers
• 5472 Asbestos Contractor – Pipe and Boiler Work Exclusively and Drivers
• 5473 Asbestos Contractor – NOC and Drivers
• 5474 Painting or Paperhanging NOC and Shop Operations, Drivers
• 5478 Carpet, Linoleum, Vinyl, Asphalt, or Rubber Floor Tile Installation
• 5479 Insulation Work NOC and Drivers
• 5480 Plastering NOC and Drivers
• 5491 Paperhanging and Drivers
• 5506 Street or Road Construction: Paving or Repaving and Drivers
• 5507 Street or Road Construction: Subsurface Work and Drivers
• 5508 Street or Road Construction: Rock Excavation and Drivers
• 5509 Street or Road Maintenance: County or State Department – and Drivers
• 5536 Heating and Air Conditioning Duct Work – Shop and Outside – and Drivers
• 5538 Sheet Metal Work – Shop and Outside – NOC and Drivers
• 5551 Roofing – All Kinds and Yard Employees, Drivers
• 5606 Contractor – Executive Supervisor or Construction Superintendent
• 5610 Cleaner – Debris Removal
• 5613 Cleaner – Debris Removal – Temporary Labor Service
• 5645 Carpentry – Detached One or Two Family Dwellings
• 5651 Carpentry – Dwellings – Three Stories or Less
• 5703 Building Raising or Moving and Drivers
• 5705 Salvage Operation – No Wrecking or Any Structural Operations
• 6003 Pile Driving
• 6005 Jetty or Breakwater Construction – All Operations to Completion and Drivers
• 6017 Dam or Lock Construction: Concrete Work – All Operations
• 6018 Dam or Lock Construction: Earth Moving or Placing – All Operations
• 6045 Levee Construction – All Operations to Completion and Drivers
• 6204 Drilling NOC and Drivers
• 6206 Oil or Gas Well: Cementing and Drivers
• 6213 Oil or Gas Well: Specialty Tool Operation NOC – By Contractor – All Employees and Drivers
• 6214 Oil or Gas Well: Perforating of Casing – All Employees and Drivers
• 6216 Oil or Gas Lease Work NOC – By Contractor and Drivers
• 6217 Excavation and Drivers
• 6229 Irrigation or Draining System Construction and Drivers
• 6233 Oil or Gas Pipeline Construction and Drivers
• 6235 Oil or Gas Well: Drilling or Redrilling and Drivers
• 6236 Oil or Gas Well: Installation or Recovery of Casing and Drivers
• 6237 Oil or Gas Well: Instrument Logging or Survey Work and Drivers
• 6251 Tunneling – Not Pneumatic – All Operations
• 6252 Shaft Sinking – All Operations
• 6260 Tunneling – Pneumatic – All Operations
• 6306 Sewer Construction – All Operations and Drivers
• 6319 Gas Main or Connection Construction and Drivers
• 6325 Conduit Construction – For Cable or Wires – and Drivers
• 6400 Fence Erection – Metal
• 7538 Electric Light or Power Line Construction and Drivers
• 7601 Telephone, Telegraph or Fire Alarm Construction and Drivers
• 7605 Burglar Alarm Installation or Repair and Drivers
• 7611 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation – Contractors, Underground and Drivers
• 7612 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation – Contractors, Overhead, and Drivers
• 7613 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation – Contractors, Service Lines and Connections and Drivers
• 7855 Railroad Construction: Laying or Relaying of Tracks or Maintenance of Way by Contractor – No Work on Elevated Railroads – and Drivers
• 8227 Construction or Erection – Permanent Yard
• 9534 Mobile Crane and Hoisting Service Contractors – NOC – All Operations – Including Yard Employees and Drivers
• 9554 Sign Installation, Maintenance, Repair, Removal, or Replacement NOC & Drivers

Question: What classification codes are eligible for the FCCPAP credit?

The Florida Contracting Classification Premium Adjustment Program (FCCPAP) is applicable to qualifying employers engaged in contracting operations. Those operations are defined by businesses that have employees in the contracting classification codes listed below:

• 0042
• 0050
• 1322
• 3365
• 3719
• 3724
• 3726
• 5020
• 5022
• 5037
• 5040
• 5057
• 5059
• 5069
• 5102
• 5146
• 5160
• 5183
• 5188
• 5190
• 5213
• 5215
• 5221
• 5222
• 5223
• 5348
• 5402
• 5403
• 5437
• 5443
• 5445
• 5462
• 5472
• 5473
• 5474
• 5478
• 5479
• 5480
• 5491
• 5506
• 5507
• 5508
• 5509
• 5537
• 5538
• 5551
• 5606
• 5610
• 5613
• 5645
• 5651
• 5703
• 5705
• 6004
• 6006F
• 6017
• 6018
• 6045
• 6204
• 6206
• 6213
• 6214
• 6216
• 6217
• 6229
• 6233
• 6235
• 6236
• 6237
• 6251
• 6252
• 6260
• 6306
• 6319
• 6325
• 6400
• 7538
• 7601
• 7605
• 7611
• 7612
• 7613
• 7855
• 8227
• 9534
• 9554

If your business has employees on your workers’ compensation policy that are in any of these classification codes, please feel free to contact our office for information setting up your FCCPAP credit. We look forward to working with your business to ensure that you are not overpaying on your workers’ compensation premium. Click here for more information about the Florida Contracting Classification Premium Adjustment Program.

Question: What is the current workers’ compensation rate in Florida for clerical employees?

It depends on the classification code for the employees. Most clerical employees fall into the 8810 class code, but there are a few other classifications for clerical employees:

8803 - This classification code is assigned to traveling clerical-type employees of risks engaged in the business of providing accounting, auditing, office systemization, computer programming or related clerical services for their clients. Employees assigned to Code 8803 will be performing clerical work when they arrive at a client’s location but because of the combined exposure of traveling and clerical work, Code 8803 is assigned to their payrolls instead of other available clerical classifications. As Code 8803’s phraseology does not include “Clerical,” any non-traveling clerical office employees of risks providing the services described above for their clients are properly assigned to the appropriate clerical classification provided that these employees meet Basic Manual requirements for assignment of their payroll to the appropriate clerical class. This classification does not apply to traveling clerical employees of business concerns such as banks, manufacturers, chain stores, restaurants, hotels, gasoline stations, etc., who perform clerical duties at their temporary location. These traveling clerical employees, sometimes referred to as “internal auditors,” may travel to various branches and remain at these branches for a period of several days or weeks, auditing or monitoring procedures at these locations. These employees are not classified to Code 8803 because their employers are not in the business of providing auditing or accounting services for others; they are assigned to the appropriate clerical classification. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 0.24 and in 2008 it is now 0.23 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

8820 - This classification code is all-inclusive for employees of attorneys or law offices. The employee exposure is principally inside office work; however, the scope includes outside exposure of trial attorneys and attorneys, paralegals and other employees involved in investigative work. In addition, insureds engaged in the business of providing court reporters who take depositions in law offices or other comparable locations and record legal proceedings have been assigned to Code 8820. The code is designed to be used for all employees of a business engaged in the above legal operations and this classification is not to be used with any other classification code unless the operations subject to Code 8820 are conducted as a separate and distinct business. Because of this, this classification is not intended to apply to “in-house” attorneys employed by business organizations. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 0.36 and in 2008 it is now 0.29 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

8861 - This classification code is assigned to employees of institutions that provide charitable, welfare, or social services to mentally, physically, or emotionally challenged persons, troubled youth, children in crisis, abused persons, persons with financial and employment hardships, and other related people in need. Charitable, welfare, or social service organizations may offer these individuals sleeping accommodations, meals, on-site counseling, case management or client assessments, education, and/or habilitative and vocational training and employment. This classifcation is used for the clerical employees and includes administrators, counselors, executive directors, resource and referral specialists, and case managers who coordinate the services of a variety of organizations in the interest of an individual or family, volunteer coordinators, outside welfare workers, classroom teachers who teach or demonstrate in a classroom environment, and medical professionals such as physicians and nurses. Professional employees who drive clients to appointments less than 20% of the total time can be assigned to Code 8861. Otherwise, they must be assigned to Code 9110 if over 20% of their time is spent driving. The Florida rate for the 9110 classification in 2007 was 6.60 and in 2008 it is now 5.89, while the Florida rate for the 8861 classification in 2007 was 1.56 and in 2008 it is now 1.53 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

8871 - This classification code is assigned to telecommuter employees, which are those that perform clerical duties in a residence office and meet other conditions described in this classification. For purposes of Code 8871, a residence office is a clerical work area located within the home of the clerical employee and it must be separate and distinct from the location of the employer. In the event an employer operates a business from a residence and the employer has clerical staff at the employer’s business location residence, these clerical employees are classified to the 8810 classification listed below. The Florida rate for the 8871 classification in 2007 was 0.63 and in 2008 it is now 0.55 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

8810 - This classification code is assigned to clerical employees that are not otherwise classified in the Scopes Basic Manual. The duties of a clerical office employee include creation or maintenance of financial or other employer records, handling correspondence, computer composition, technical drafting, and telephone duties, including sales by phone. The clerical office classification continues to apply to a qualified clerical office employee who performs a duty outside of a qualified clerical office area when that duty does not involve direct supervision or physical labor and is directly related to that employee’s duties in the office. These duties do not exclude depositing funds at the bank, purchasing office supplies, and pickup or delivery of mail, provided they are incidental and directly related to that employee’s duties in the office. However, for purposes of this rule, the definition of clerical duties excludes outside sales or outside representatives; any work exposed to the operative hazards of the business; and any work, such as a stock or tally clerk, which is necessary, incidental, or related to any operations of the business other than a clerical office. Other employments or operations assigned by analogy to Code 8810 include bank tellers; telephone answering services; designers, proofreaders, and editors of newspaper publishers or magazine printers; employees performing computerized photographic composition or automated platemaking, which is used in the graphic arts industry as well as specialists engaged in such operations; drafting personnel of consulting engineering firms; clubs employing only clerical employees; horse and dog racetrack pari-mutuel clerks and cashiers; bus terminal ticket sellers; airline or helicopter ticket sellers and information clerks away from airport or heliport locations; and employees of highway toll roads confined to keeping books and records. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 0.48 and in 2008 it is now 0.37 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

there are a couple of other related classification codes such as 7403 for air traffic controllers, 8814 for clerical railroad employees, 8832 for physicians and their clerical employees, 8800 for clerical mailing and addressing employees, and 8901 for clerical employees at telephone comanies. If you would like more information about any of these classifications or information on how your own employees should be classified for Florida workers’ compensation insurance, please do not hesitate to contact our office or request a workers’ compensation quote online.

Question: How is workers’ compensation premium calculated?

The premium paid for a workers’ compensation policy is based off of the employee payroll of the insured’s business. As discussed on the workers’ compensation policy page, there are a few steps in calculating the final premium:

1. First, the manual premium is calculated by multiplying the total remuneration (in $100 units) in each classification code by the current rate established by the state government for that class code. Any policy endorsements, such as waivers of subrogation, will be added to the manual premium. If there is a change in policy limits, then this effect in the premium is also added.

2. After the manual premium is computated, it is then mulitiplied by the experience modification rate. This has a tremendous effect on the overall workers’ compensation premium and it is important for business owners to understand their experience modifier and keep it as low as possible.

3. There are then three premium credits available to Florida businesses that are deducted from the current premium to get the modified premium for the policy. These three credits are the Safety Credit, the Drug Free Credit, and the FCCPAP.

4. There are three other adjustments made to the premium. These are the Premium Discount, Expense Constant ($200 in Florida), and the fee for terrorism. After these three adjustments have been made to the premium, the remaining figure is known as the “Total Estimated Annual Premium”. This is the premium amount that is actually billed to the employer throughout the policy year.

5. Each workers’ compensation insurance policy will be audited to determine the actual payroll during the policy period and the final adjustments will be made to the premium. If the employer has a higher remuneration than anticipated at the beginning of the year, then there will be an increase in the premium during the audit. It is important as a business to keep track of any payroll changes during the policy year to avoid this situation.

6. Some insurance carriers offer incentives to attract larger employers and keep claims down during the policy year, such as dividend plans, retrospective plans, and retention dividend plans. These are designed to return premium to employers that have controlled their losses during the policy period.

Question: What classification codes and workers’ compensation rates apply to employees at my jewelry business?

There are two classification codes that could apply to your jewelry business depending on the nature of your business. You can read more about these Florida workers’ compensation codes below:

8013 - This classification code applies to jewelry stores, whether wholesale or retail or a combination of both. These stores are principally engaged in selling precious or costume jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, watches, charms, lockets, pendants, brooches, and similar ornamental items intended for personal adornment, whether made of metals or other materials. In addition to jewelry, this classification includes the minor and incidental handling of miscellaneous non-jewelry merchandise, such as silverware, tableware, clocks, chinaware, glassware, trophies, small electrical appliances, giftware and leather goods. Risks engaged in cutting or polishing precious stones, such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, are included within the scope of this classification along with the repair or engraving of jewelry and precious stone setting when performed by a retail jewelry store for individual customers. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 0.85 and in 2008 it is now 0.79 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

3383 - This classification code is assigned to insureds engaged in the manufacture of jewelry such as rings, bracelets, earrings and other jewelry of precious metals with or without precious stones and mountings for precious stones. Precious and non-precious metals, precious and semiprecious stones, plating solutions, enamel and lacquer are received from others. The operations may include melting, pouring and rolling of the metal, or such operations may start with sheet stock. Further operations involve blanking, forming, drilling, assembling, buffing and polishing. Some articles are plated, enameled or lacquered. Stones may be set in the finished mountings. It also includes businesses engaged in the manufaturing of watch cases, gold leaf in booklets, silverware such as silver or silver-plated flat and hollowware, picture frames, ornaments and novelties, and metal musical instruments such as cornets, trombones, French horns, bass horns, and others. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 1.91 and in 2008 it is now 1.51 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

If you would like more information about either of these classifications or information on how your own employees should be classified, please do not hesitate to contact our office or request a workers’ compensation quote online.

Question: What classification codes and workers’ compensation rates apply to employees at restaurants?

There are four main classification codes used to categorize restaurant employees for workers’ compensation exposures in Florida. Caterers can be assigned to the appropriate restaurant classification based on the nature of their operations and depending on which classification they are most similar to when they serve the food at the client’s location.

9058 - This classification code is applied to all restaurant employees under the direct management of hotels, motels, motor courts and tourist courts or cabins. A restaurant that is operated by an insured who is not involved in the above-mentioned businesses is classified to the appropriate restaurant classification listed below, even if the restaurant may be located on the premises of a hotel, motel, etc. Restaurant operations are a normal adjunct to these establishments and they usually cater to the general public as well as guests of their facilities. Employees engaged in food and beverage preparation and service at apartment hotels, dude ranches and rooming or boarding houses also fall within the scope of this classification. This classification also includes musicians or entertainers, hostesses, bartenders, waiters, waitresses, cashiers, cooks, busboys, dishwashers and restaurant managers. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 3.02 and in 2008 it is now 2.60 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

9084 - This classification applies to restaurants that have more than 50% of their revenues coming from the sale of alcoholic beverages such as beer, liquor or wine. It is used for bars, discotheques, lounges, nightclubs and taverns. The payroll should include musicians or entertainers employed by these establishments when these musicians or entertainers are considered employees for workers compensation purposes. Employees of a Code 9084 risk may engage in the preparation and service of alcoholic drinks such as liquor, beer or wine intended for consumption on the premises. These employees may also prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres, light snacks and, in some cases, complete dinners. Patrons of this type of restaurant are generally expected to give wait staff a gratuity based on quality of service rendered. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 4.22 and in 2008 it is now 3.35 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

9083 - This classification code is applicable to fast food restaurants including, but not limited, to pizza parlors, sandwich shops, concession stands, and hamburger, taco or fried chicken restaurants. For purposes of this classification, fast food restaurants are defined as establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages for consumption on or off premises. Fast food restaurants offer limited menus, which usually include items such as sandwiches, side dishes such as French fries, and soft drinks. The customer will enter the restaurant, proceed to a counter and place an order. The completed order is handed to the customer, who will pay for same. The customer may then leave the restaurant with the order or seek out his/her own table. After completion of the meal, many fast food restaurant customers will clean up their own tables and deposit their litter in designated receptacles. Patrons of this type of restaurant are generally not expected to leave a gratuity. Code 9083 is not applicable to a full service restaurant that employs wait staff. It is recognized that fast food restaurants will, on an occasional or accommodation basis, provide wait service. An occasional or accommodation basis may include the offering of wait service for customers that have limited capacities to obtain their own counter service or offering wait service for groups that request this service for an occasion such as a meeting or birthday party. Caterers contemplated by Code 9083 include caterers that prepare sandwiches for box lunches and other similar services. These foods will be sent to customers or taken to various plants or office buildings for sale to employees of such concerns. The dispensing of food, drinks, candy, etc., at ballparks, race tracks, boxing arenas and theaters by independent concessionaires also is assigned to Code 9083 provided that the requirements regarding wait service are met. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 3.30 and in 2008 it is now 2.81 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

9082 - This classification code contemplates the “traditional” restaurant that provides wait service. Customers in this type of establishment may either select their own table or be escorted to a table by a restaurant employee. The customer will place an order with a member of the wait staff. This employee in turn places the order with kitchen staff, who will prepare same. The food is delivered to the customer by wait staff, who remain available to assist the customer throughout the course of the meal. Patrons of this type of restaurant are generally expected to give wait staff a gratuity based on quality of service rendered. Code 9082 operations are also designated as “not otherwise classified” (NOC). Restaurant businesses should be placed in Code 9082 only when no other classification more specifically describes the insured’s operations. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 4.25 and in 2008 it is now 3.13 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

If you would like more information about any of these classifications or information on how your own employees should be classified, please do not hesitate to contact our office or request a workers’ compensation quote online.

Question: What class code do I now use for the workers’ compensation insurance on my janitorial business?

There were two classifications used for janitorial businesses in 2007 that are no longer in use:

9000 - This classification is assigned to insureds who contract with others to provide both commercial and/or residential janitorial services excluding washing of windows. This class does not include painting, maintenance, or repair on the customers’ premises. Code 9000 is assigned to cleaning and sanitizing rest rooms and the cleaning of interior walls as well as routine dusting, vacuuming of rugs and emptying ashtrays. It can also be assigned to residential chimney cleaners and residential boiler cleaners. The rate for this classification was 6.29 per $100 of payroll in 2007. Florida no longer uses this classification code.

9001 - This classification is assigned to insureds who contract with others to provide both commercial and/or residential janitorial services including washing of windows. This class does not include painting, maintenance, or repair on the customers’ premises. Code 9001 is assigned to cleaning or sanitizing rest rooms and the cleaning or washing of interior walls as well as routine dusting, vacuuming of rugs, emptying ashtrays and window washing at the same location. The rate for this classification was 9.90 per $100 of payroll in 2007. Florida no longer uses this classification code.

In 2008, all of these businesses are being reclassified to the following class codes:

9014 - This classification code is assigned to businesses primarily engaged in providing janitorial services for others that does not include window cleaning above ground level. Janitorial services are defined as keeping a building clean by routine dusting, mopping, vacuuming, waxing, or polishing of floors, emptying of trash, cleaning or washing of interior walls, and cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing of restrooms, and/or keeping a building clean and engaging in various types of maintenance or minor repair work for upkeep of a building. These maintenance or minor repair operations may include, but are not limited to, painting, cleaning windows, changing light bulbs, assisting occupants in the placement of furniture, replacing glass panes, clearing drains, and cleaning carpets. This classification code also includes the drivers of the business. The 2008 rate for the 9014 class code is $5.17 per $100 units of remuneration.

9170 - This classification code is assigned to businesses primarily engaged in providing janitorial services for others including window cleaning above ground level. Janitorial services are defined as keeping a building clean by routine dusting, vacuuming rugs, and emptying ashtrays, and/or keeping a building clean and engaging in various types of maintenance or minor repair work for upkeep of a building. Stated differently, a risk qualifies as a janitorial service if the risk engages exclusively in cleaning a building or performs maintenance or minor repair operations in addition to cleaning a building. This code also includes the drivers in the business. It also includes chimney cleaners and pressure washing businesses that conduct work above ground level. The 2008 rate for the 9170 class code is also $5.17 per $100 units of remuneration.

If you would like more information about either of these classifications or information on how your own employees should be classified, please do not hesitate to contact our office or request a workers’ compensation quote online.

Question: What happened to my sheet metal classification, 5538?

Effective January 1, 2008, NCCI discontinued the use of class code 5538 for Sheet Metal Work.  These types of accounts are reassigned to two new codes:

5535 - Sheet Metal Work – Installation & Drivers (applicable to the installation of sheet metal products

3069 - Sheet Metal Product MFG. (applicable to the manufacturing of sheet metal products by installers of sheet metal products)

Both codes are rated $11.99 according to NCCI’s 1/1/08 rates.  This is a $0.69 decrease from the $12.68 rate for code 5538.

Question: What are the class codes and workers compensation rates for employees doing carpentry?

There are five classification codes used for the workers comepnsation of carpentry businesses in Florida:

2802 - This classification is applicable to businesses whose operations consist of the manufacture and/or assembly of wood products in a shop. The products manufactured typically will not require a high degree of finishing work. If an insured engages in both carpentry shop and installation/erection operations, separate classifications may apply to each type of exposure. For example, preliminary shop carpentry performed by contractors in connection with the building of private residences may be assigned to Code 2802 while the actual building of the dwelling may be assigned to a carpentry construction classification such as Code 5645. Refer to the Basic Manual for rules governing this type of situation as well as the necessary record keeping requirements.The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 11.75 and in 2008 it is now 8.15 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

5437 - This classification code is intended primarily for specialist contractors performing interior carpentry finish or trim such as the installation of paneling, molding, cornices, parquet or finished wooden flooring, mantels, staircases, cabinets and counters. This classification code is not applicable to contractors who perform other carpentry operations in addition to ones listed above at the same job or location, and if other work is done, then the entire carpentry payroll must be assigned to the applicable carpentry construction classification. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 13.01 and in 2008 it is now 10.47 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

5654 - This classification is assigned when all of the carpentry work in connection with the construction of a private residence is performed by employees of the same contractor, all work including the construction and erection of the sill, rough framework, rough floor, studs, joists, rafters, roof deck, all types of roofing materials, sidewall sheathing, siding, doors, wallboard installation, lathing, windows, stairs, finished flooring, cabinet installation, fencing, decking and all interior wood trim. Carpentry repair or remodeling of private residences is also contemplated under this classification when the work includes some framing or structural carpentry renovation of the premises that would ordinarily be assigned to Code 5645. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 27.71 and in 2008 it is now 20.04 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

5651 - This classification code is used for carpentry work on dwellings for more than 2 families where all of the carpentry work in connection with the construction of the dwelling, that also must be three stories or less, is performed by employees of the same contractor. This work in this classification includes the construction and erection of the sill, rough framework, rough floor, studs, joists, rafters, roof decks, all types of roofing materials, sidewall sheathing, siding, doors, wallboard installation, lathing, windows, stairs, finished flooring, cabinet installation, decking, fencing and all interior wood trim. Carpentry repair or remodeling of dwellings three stories or less is also contemplated under this classification.  The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 17.61 and in 2008 it is now 13.05 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

5403 - This classification code covers general carpentry work not otherwise classified in NCCI’s Scopes Basic Manual. It contemplates carpentry work of a commercial and industrial nature such as buildings or structures and the construction and repair of dwellings and other buildings that exceed three stories in height. Code 5403 includes interior or exterior framing activities that involve the use of wood and/or light-gauge steel. This code also further applies to the wrecking of wooden buildings or structures including wooden bridges. The Florida rate for this classification in 2007 was 18.25 and in 2008 it is now 14.39 dollars for every 100 dollars of remuneration.

At FloridaWC.com, we can help classify your payroll into the appropriate classification code and would like to provide your construction business with quotes on Florida workers’ compensation insurance. Please give us a call or complete our online workers’ compensation quote request form to get started.