Lower Workers Compensation Rate Pleases FNGA

--In a statement to its members, Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association (FNGA) Executive Vice President Ben Bolusky, shared the good news that Florida workers compensation rates are expected to fall an average of 14% as of October 1st.

In a statement to its members, Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association (FNGA) Executive Vice President Ben Bolusky, shared the good news that Florida workers compensation rates are expected to fall an average of 14% as of October 1st. The expected rate reductions, announced by Floridas Office of Insurance Regulation, are based in large part on the reforms recently passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush.

FNGA was one of the many loud voices in the business communitys choir pushing for meaningful reforms so businesses could get some relief from the high workers comp rates," stated Bolusky.

For growers in class code 0005 (in-ground or containers larger than 15 gallons), the average rate will drop from $12.95 down to $11.14. This represents a 13.9% reduction. For growers in class code 0035 (producing plants in 15 gallon and smaller sizes), the rate will drop from $8.06 down to $6.93 -- a 14.4% reduction. The rate for landscape professionals in the 0042 code will go from $16.19 down to $13.93 or a 14% drop. Bolusky stressed that these figures are averages and individual business rates may vary based upon loss experience and other factors.

Bolusky further declared, FNGA is pleased the Legislature finally recognized that high workers compensation rates are choking Florida businesses -- including ours in the nursery and landscape industry. Even with these healthy rate reductions, Florida still has one of the highest workers comp rates in the nation. Nonetheless, FNGA believes this 14% rate cut is a good first step."

The Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association represents Florida's environmental horticulture industry, with an estimated $9.9 billion in industry-wide sales. For more information, visit the FNGA website at www.fnga.org, send an email to info@fnga.org or call 800.375.FNGA.