Workers' comp for plumbing contractors
Coverage for service and new-construction plumbers, billed with payroll, plus benefits to keep your journeymen.
Your class code
Most plumbing work falls under class 5183, which covers residential and commercial plumbing installation, service, and repair. Large-scale sewer, water main, and deep excavation work can carry a different code, so tell us if your crews run that kind of job. Office staff go on a clerical code when they stay off job sites.
Florida rules for plumbing shops
Plumbing is construction under Florida's comp law, so coverage is required from your first employee. Owners count unless they file an exemption, and only up to three officers or LLC members owning at least 10% each can be exempt. Building departments check for coverage before issuing permits.
New construction and subs
Plumbers working new construction often sub out trenching or bring in help during a busy stretch. In Florida, if a sub doesn't carry comp, you're responsible for covering their workers on your job, and an auditor can add their labor to your payroll. Get a certificate or exemption from every sub before they start.
Keeping journeymen
Licensed plumbers are hard to find and easy to lose. Offering health insurance and a 401(k) through a PEO puts a small shop on the same footing as the large service companies. How benefits work.
What to have ready
- Headcount and last year's payroll, split between field and office
- Your current declarations page, if you have a policy
- Loss runs for the last 3 to 5 years
- Which subs you use, and whether they carry comp
None of it is needed to start a quote.
Questions
Does service plumbing cost less than new construction?
Both usually fall under class 5183, so the rate is generally the same. Your claims history and mod matter more.
I use subs on most jobs. Does that change my quote?
It can. Subs who carry their own comp don't add to your premium. Uninsured subs can, so we'll ask about them.
Find out what your crew would pay
Tell us your trade and headcount. We'll shop it with our PEO partners and send you a side-by-side against what you pay now, usually within one business day.