State appeal sends worker comp rates soaring

Just when they thought they had dodged a bullet, it looks like Florida businesses will be hit with a major increase in workers compensation rates after all. Worker compensation rates in Florida are rising 14.5 percent after a pair of Florida Supreme Court rulings, one striking down caps on attorney fees.

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier (ALT-myer,) is appealing a circuit court ruling that blocked the increase. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Bill Herrle says insurance companies will try to cash in when lawmakers overhaul the system next session.

“The insurance industry will find a way, through the Office of Insurance Regulation, to catch up on these rates, and then it’s going to hit the business community with very much a harder thump.”

The state’s appeal clears the way for the hikes to take effect December 1st unless another court intervenes. Insurance companies demanded the rate increases after the Florida Supreme Court struck a cap on attorney fees and other employer friendly reforms.

This story originally appeared on WFSU, here.