Florida Association of Self Insurance

Draft Letter to Whom it May Concern

RE:  Florida Workers’ Compensation Administrative Trust Fund

Dear:

It has come to our attention that the Governor’s proposed budget recommendation includes the sweeping of $129.5 million from the captioned trust fund.  As an employer in the State of Florida, we have contributed to the surplus accumulated in this trust fund.  The Division of Workers’ Compensation is a trust fund agency that receives little or no general revenue funding and the employers in this state support and pay for the operations of this division of State government via the Administrative Trust Fund Assessments. 

As a result of efficient management and reform of the Workers’ Compensation system, the assessment rate has been decreased from 2.75 percent to .25 over an eight year period, a 91 percent reduction in rate.  If the trust fund is swept of any surplus, an increase in the assessment is inevitable.  An increase in assessments to Florida businesses at this time will no doubt contribute to a prolonged recession and will come at a time where business owners are trying to balance their own budgets.  Please leave the Florida Workers’ Compensation Administrative Trust Fund alone.

Regards,