Government and reference links
Where to file, verify and read the law
The agencies and authorities involved in a Florida stop-work order case. We file exemptions and handle Department contact for clients; these links are for employers who want to see the source.
Before you contact the Department yourself
Anything you say or send to the Bureau of Compliance becomes part of the file. If you have been served, let counsel make the contact. The consultation is free: reach us here.
Florida Division of Workers' Compensation
- Division of Workers' Compensation (DFS)
The Division that issues stop-work orders and penalty orders, under the Chief Financial Officer.
- Bureau of Compliance
Investigators, stop-work orders, penalty calculations and payment agreements. Headquarters: 1579 Summit Lake Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32317.
- Apply for or renew an exemption
The online Notice of Election to be Exempt, the required tutorial, and certificate printing.
- Proof of coverage and exemption search
Verify any policy or exemption certificate before you rely on it.
- Stop-work orders in effect (public database)
Section 440.107(7)(a) requires orders to be posted for at least five years.
- Statewide average weekly wage and maximum compensation rate
The figure used for imputed payroll (× 1.5). $1,357.95 for 2026.
Law and rules
- Chapter 440, Florida Statutes (Workers' Compensation)
The whole chapter, from the Legislature's Online Sunshine.
- Section 440.107: Department powers to enforce compliance
Stop-work orders, penalties, imputation, credits, successor liability, DBPR referral.
- Section 440.105: Prohibited activities and penalties
The criminal provisions, including failing to secure coverage and violating an order.
- Section 440.02: Definitions
Employee, employer, employment, construction industry, independent contractor.
- Section 440.05: Exemptions
Election to be exempt, requirements, fees, validity.
- Section 440.10: Liability for compensation; contractors and subcontractors
Statutory employer rule, evidence of coverage, Florida policy requirement.
- Rule Chapter 69L-6, F.A.C. (Workers' Compensation Compliance)
Record maintenance (69L-6.015), construction class codes (69L-6.021), conditional release (69L-6.025), penalty worksheet (69L-6.027), imputation (69L-6.028), subcontractor evidence (69L-6.032).
- Chapter 120, Florida Statutes (Administrative Procedure Act)
The petition and hearing process for contesting orders.
Other agencies
- Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH)
Where contested stop-work order and penalty cases are heard.
- Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Receives the mandatory referral under s. 440.107(14) for licensed contractors; license verification.
- Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS)
The Department's criminal investigators for workers' compensation fraud.
- Sunbiz (Division of Corporations)
Officer listings that exemptions depend on; keep the annual report current.
- NCCI
Classification codes and the Florida rate filings used in the penalty calculation.
- Florida Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association (FWCJUA)
Coverage of last resort for employers who cannot obtain a policy in the voluntary market.