How much of your wages will workers’ comp cover in Florida? Florida workers’ compensation benefits can be confusing. It is quite common for employees to be unsure of the steps they need to take to secure benefits after being hurt on the job. How much does workers’ comp pay in Florida? What if you cannot go back to work? If you are injured on the job, you’ll want to know how much does workers’ comp pay in Florida?
At Ara Work Injury Law, our workers’ compensation attorney can answer any of the questions you have. Here’s a look at what you can expect from this process.
Understanding Workers’ Comp Benefits in Florida
A person hurt at work while engaging in work-related activities may be eligible for workers’ compensation. This means workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses and related costs. It also means you can receive workers’ comp wage replacement. This wage replacement remains in place as you recover.
How Much Of Your Wages Will Workers’ Comp Cover?
Florida workers’ compensation benefits are very specific. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) will apply to most people, especially at first. This pays you at a rate of 66.67% of your average weekly wage( AWW). You do not receive the full amount of your wages but about 2/3 of that amount. Note that payments are subject to the state’s maximum compensation rate, which is the most you can receive in a year. This rate changes annually.
Calculating Your Average Weekly Wage
To determine what your AWW is, you will need to look at what you earned over the last 13 weeks prior to your injury. This figure includes:
- Your standard wages
- Overtime paid during that time
- Bonuses received during that time
- Any additional compensation paid to you during that time
To calculate this value yourself, add up all of your earnings for the previous 13 weeks and then divide that figure by 13. This will give you the average rate.
State Maximum and Minimum Benefits
The next factor to consider is the cap – the most you can receive. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation adjusts this figure each year. This is the most you can receive each week in payments. In 2025, this wage was capped at $1,295 per week. If your AWW is higher than this, you may receive lower benefits due to the average weekly wage workers’ comp in Florida.
Types of Workers’ Comp Disability Benefits
Workers’ comp wage replacement also relates to the type of coverage you are receiving. Over time, you may not be able to go back to work, or in some situations, you can work but only for a few hours. Consider the following:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD is the most common option. It covers the time you miss at work while you recover. This value is 66.67% of your AWW. It will continue until you receive your maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI occurs when your doctor believes you are not likely to see significant improvement beyond where you are right now. For example, if you have a back injury that has healed but will continue to have some ongoing pain that will not improve, you have reached your MMI.
- Temporary Party Disability (TPD): In this situation, you are hurt, and you can work, but you cannot work your standard hours. You need to work less due to your injury. This allows you to receive partial wage replacement for up to 66.67% of the wages you are missing (it does not cover your full wages).
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Some people are unable to return to work. If you cannot return to work at all, you may qualify for long-term benefits, which will continue until there is improvement or you reach your Social Security retirement age.
When Do Benefits Start and End?
Another core factor to consider relates to when benefits start. If you have a minor injury that causes you to miss work for just a day or so, you may not receive any benefits at that point. Rather, to receive benefits, you must have missed 7 days of work. Then, your benefits begin on the 8th day.
However, if you are out of work for more than 21 days, you will receive compensation for the first seven days you missed work as well. You should not go back to work before your doctor recommends that you do.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
Unfortunately, there are many situations in which Florida workers’ compensation benefits are denied, and this can be very frustrating. However, that does not mean you cannot obtain benefits. Rather, work with a worker’s compensation attorney to determine what the cause of the denial was and what you can do to reverse it. Some of the most common reasons for denial include:
- Pre-existing conditions: You have an injury and documented medical care for it prior to the accident at work. This does not mean you cannot obtain benefits, but it may reduce the coverage you receive if you cannot demonstrate the injury and losses from new damage.
- Missed deadlines: It is critical to act quickly to file for workers’ compensation. Most importantly, reach out to an attorney for immediate help if you have extensive injuries and are likely to miss more than a week of work. Also, note that you must tell your employer about your injury – and do so as soon as possible.
- Employer disputes: Your employer may dispute why the accident occurred, perhaps stating you were acting recklessly, or they may state the injury did not happen at work or during the normal course of business.
You have the right to appeal a denied claim. Appealing gives you an opportunity to correct whatever information may be missing or inaccurate on your claim. There are numerous steps to this process, though, and you will need to meet all of them. As a result, it is best for you to work with a workers’ compensation attorney to handle the appeal process.
Call A Florida Workers’ Compensation Injury Attorney for Help Today
At Ara Work Injury Law, we provide our clients with exceptional support for even the most challenging of claims. Call us at 561.934.3272 | 561.9343.ARA if you’ve been injured in a Florida work-related accident.
