Business groups are sounding the alarm about a proposed 17 percent hike in workers compensation insurance rates.
A consortium asked state regulators for the increase, estimating it would cost state businesses a combined 623 million dollars. Bill Herrle, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business in Florida, calls it a hidden tax.
“That’s just unsustainable for many independent business owners. So NFIB is seeking answers that we can bring before the Legislature and we are making known that this is a very dire threat to Florida’s economy.”
Workers compensation is the health insurance program that pays for on-the-job injuries. The rate request was prompted by a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling invalidating the system’s method for compensating attorneys. If Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation approves the request, the rates could take effect August 1st.
