Proposed WC Rate Decrease in Florida: 6.9%
Florida is expected to lower workers’ compensation insurance rates for 2026—continuing a multi-year trend of rate reductions across the state. On September 8, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) filed a proposed 6.9% average rate decrease with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)
If approved, the new rates would take effect January 1, 2026, for both new and renewal policies.
What is in the filing?
Proposed average decrease: 6.9%
Effective date: January 1, 2026
Scope: All standard class codes and industry groups statewide
While Florida has seen larger rate reductions in past years, the proposed 6.9% decrease still reflects a healthy and stable workers’ comp environment. It’s the smallest proposed reduction in several years, signaling a possible return to more normalized, sustainable rate trends.
That’s not a slowdown; it’s a strong indication that Florida’s system is performing as expected.
What does this mean for PEOs and their clients?
For PEOs operating in Florida, this filing offers yet another opportunity to:
Deliver tangible savings to clients across key verticals such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing
Reinforce the value of the PEO model by demonstrating consistency and long-term cost stability
Continue to drive retention by showing how PEOs help shield clients from pricing volatility in standalone markets
Florida’s workers’ comp rates have declined more than 60% since 2014, making it one of the most affordable states in the country for comp coverage.
This year’s 6.9% filing keeps that momentum going, and while it may be the lowest rate of change filed in recent years, it still moves the market in a positive direction for PEOs and the businesses they support.
A smart time to reinforce value
As PEOs prepare for Q4 renewals and 2026 planning, now is the right time to:
Review risk management protocols to keep performance strong
Educate clients on how rate trends affect their long-term workforce costs
Highlight total cost of risk as a PEO-driven advantage, beyond just the base rate
Final thought
A 6.9% rate reduction may be modest compared to past years, and for PEOs, it’s a clear reminder: consistency, transparency, and risk leadership continue to be your biggest advantages, especially in markets where every rate cycle is watched closely.
