Hurt At Work
Fla. Stat. 440.185 — tell the employer within 30 days, and 2 years to petition
In Florida, the employer pays compensation and furnishes benefits for an accidental compensable injury or death arising out of work performed in the course and scope of employment, established to a reasonable degree of medical certainty on objective medical findings.
The employer is advised within 30 days, or the claim can be barred. An employee who suffers a work injury advises the employer within 30 days after the injury or its initial manifestation, and failing to do so bars a petition unless an exception applies, such as a cause that could not be identified without a medical opinion, reported within 30 days of getting one.
| The step | The time the chapter sets |
|---|---|
| The stepThe carrier's first payment for total disability, or its denial | The time the chapter setsNo later than the 14th calendar day after the employer is notified, where disability runs 8 days or more |
| The stepAn installment not paid within 7 days after it is due | The time the chapter setsA penalty of 20 percent added |
| The stepA petition for benefits | The time the chapter setsWithin 2 years after the employee knew or should have known the injury was work related; a benefit payment extends it 1 year from the payment |
No employer may discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce an employee because of a valid claim for compensation or an attempt to claim it.
Sources for this section (5)
- Fla. Stat. 440.185 — Notice of injury or death; reports; penalties for violations
- Fla. Stat. 440.19 — Time for filing of petition for benefits
- Fla. Stat. 440.20 — Time for payment of compensation and medical bills; penalties for late payment
- Fla. Stat. 440.09 — Coverage
- Fla. Stat. 440.205 — Coercion of employees
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.