Workers' comp exemption filing that keeps contractors on the job.

Eligibility varies by state. In most states, sole proprietors, general and limited partners, LLC members, and corporate officers in construction can file for an exemption. Some states limit exemptions to certain industries or business structures. We determine your eligibility based on your state, business type, and role in the company before filing.

For you personally, yes — a filed exemption means your state acknowledges that you are excluded from WC coverage. But your employees still need workers' comp unless they also qualify for exemptions. And some general contractors require subcontractors to either carry WC or hold a valid exemption — the certificate proves you're not an uncovered worker.

In Florida, qualifying construction contractors file a Certificate of Election to be Exempt through the Florida Division of Financial Services (DFS) online portal. The certificate is issued electronically, costs $50, and must be renewed every two years. We handle the application, submission, and tracking so your certificate arrives without the common DFS portal errors.

Arizona sole proprietors and partners are not required to cover themselves under workers' compensation — but they must meet Arizona Industrial Commission (ICA) requirements to claim exempt status at audit. LLC members and corporate officers have additional tests. We guide you through the AZ process so your exemption holds when an inspector or general contractor asks for proof.

No. Texas is the only state where workers' compensation is optional for most private employers. However, Texas contractors must still navigate independent contractor classification rules, non-subscriber liability, subcontractor coverage requirements, and state agency job requirements. We advise Texas contractors on the non-subscriber framework and occupational accident alternatives.

A Texas non-subscriber is an employer who chooses not to carry workers' compensation insurance. Non-subscribers lose some legal protections — employees can sue for negligence without the standard WC defenses — but can design their own benefit plans. We help Texas contractors understand non-subscriber risks and choose between WC, occupational accident coverage, or structured self-insured plans.

Florida WC exemptions are valid for two years from the date of issuance. After that, the certificate expires and must be renewed through DFS to remain valid. We track your expiration date and alert you in advance so a lapsed certificate never gets you pulled from a job or a contract.

No. A WC exemption means you are excluded from workers' compensation coverage — it does not provide any injury benefits. If you're injured while working, you have no WC claim to file. Many contractors who file exemptions choose occupational accident insurance as an alternative — it provides medical and disability benefits at a much lower cost than a full WC policy.

In many states, yes. LLC members who actively work in the business can elect to exclude themselves from workers' compensation. The rules vary — some states cap the number of LLC members who can be excluded, others require a minimum ownership percentage, and others have active-work tests. We identify the right election form for your state and LLC structure.

Yes, in most states. Officers of S-corps and C-corps can file a notice of election to be exempt from workers' compensation. The election must be filed with the state and sometimes also with your insurance carrier. We handle the paperwork so the exclusion is enforceable at audit and claim time.

If your exemption expires and you haven't renewed it, you are technically treated as a covered employee under your own business — which means you may be required to carry WC on yourself. More practically, a general contractor or job site inspector may pull you from the job until you can produce a valid certificate. We prevent lapses by tracking your renewal date.

Often yes. General contractors are frequently required to either verify that subcontractors carry workers' comp or confirm they hold a valid state exemption. Without one or the other, the GC may be liable for injuries to the uninsured subcontractor. A valid exemption certificate is the document that proves you're legally excluded — not just uninsured.

Occupational accident insurance is a private injury policy — not WC — that provides medical and disability payments if you're injured while working. It costs much less than a standard WC policy and is often the right choice for contractors who qualify for a WC exemption but want some injury protection. We can place occupational accident coverage alongside your exemption filing.

You can file an exemption for yourself as an owner — but your employees still require workers' compensation coverage unless they also individually qualify for exemptions. The exemption is an owner election, not a business-wide opt-out. We handle the owner exemption and, if needed, place a WC policy for your crew separately.

The Florida DFS charges a $50 application fee per exemption. Our service fee for preparing, submitting, and tracking your FL exemption is separate — but the state filing itself is $50. For renewal filings, the same $50 applies every two years. We'll tell you the total cost up front before you commit to anything.

It depends on your state and business structure. For a Florida exemption, you typically need your contractor license number, Federal EIN, and business registration. For LLC and corporate officer exemptions, state agencies often want operating agreements or articles of incorporation showing your ownership percentage. We tell you exactly what your state requires before we start.

Yes — and for sole proprietors in many states, an exemption is the fastest and most cost-effective path. If you have no employees and work independently, you often have no legal obligation to carry workers' comp, but a formal exemption certificate is what proves that to general contractors and inspectors. We file it for you.

In Florida, exemptions filed through the DFS portal are typically issued within 1–3 business days. In Arizona and other states, processing times vary. We file the same day we have your information and track status until your certificate is issued. For urgent situations — like a job starting tomorrow — call us at 844-967-5247.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency advises on WC exemption eligibility in all 50 states and files exemptions in every state that offers a formal certificate or election process — Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more. Call us for your specific state and we'll tell you exactly what's available.