Can You Work Part-Time and Still Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?

May 19, 2025

At Miami Lawyers 360, we are a dedicated team of experienced attorneys committed to helping injured workers in Miami and across Florida. Our team is a selection of attorneys, case managers, and professionals that all bring a unique set of skills to our clients and are committed to providing outstanding results, personalized attention, and uncompromising integrity. We understand the challenges faced by injured workers and are here to guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.

Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for employees who are injured on the job, offering financial and medical support to help them recover. If you work part-time in Florida, you may wonder how workers’ compensation benefits apply to your situation. Understanding your rights under Florida workers’ compensation law can help ensure you get the support you need if you’re injured while working part-time.

In this blog, we will explore how part-time workers in Florida can receive workers’ compensation benefits and the factors that impact eligibility, and working with an experienced Miami workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured while on the job. It is designed to protect both workers and employers by offering compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of fault.

Purpose of Workers’ Compensation

The main purpose of workers’ compensation in Florida is to ensure that employees, including part-time workers across cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, receive benefits if they are injured at work. These benefits help cover medical expenses and provide wage replacement if the worker is unable to work due to the injury.

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation

In Florida, most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including both full-time and part-time workers. Eligibility depends on the nature of the injury and the type of employment. Employees in cities like Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach are also covered under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws if they meet the necessary criteria.

How Workers’ Compensation Works

When a worker is injured on the job, they must report the injury to their employer as soon as possible. The employer then files a claim with the insurance company. If the claim is approved, the employee will receive benefits that cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages.

Types of Benefits

Florida workers’ compensation offers several types of benefits to injured workers:

Medical Benefits: Coverage for the cost of medical treatment required to recover from a work injury.
Wage Loss Benefits: A percentage of the worker’s lost wages, which may be lower for part-time workers compared to full-time employees.
Disability Benefits: Compensation for permanent disability or partial disability caused by the injury.
Death Benefits: Benefits paid to the dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related injury or illness.

Importance for Florida Workers

Workers’ compensation plays a critical role in safeguarding the financial security of employees, whether in large cities like Jacksonville or smaller communities in central and southeast Florida. It helps workers recover without the burden of financial strain while they recover from their injuries.

Part-Time Employment and Workers’ Compensation in Florida

Part-time workers in Florida are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits just like full-time employees. This section explains the conditions under which part-time employees can receive these benefits.

Eligibility for Part-Time Workers

In Florida, part-time workers are eligible for workers’ compensation as long as they are employed by a company that carries workers’ compensation insurance. This includes workers in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. The key factor for eligibility is the nature of the job and the injury, not the number of hours worked.

How Benefits Are Calculated for Part-Time Workers

For part-time workers, workers’ compensation benefits are typically based on their average weekly wages. Since part-time employees earn less than full-time workers, their benefits may be lower. However, the Florida system ensures that part-time employees still receive compensation for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages due to the injury.

Returning to Work Part-Time After an Injury

If a part-time employee returns to work after an injury, they may continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits will be adjusted based on their new wages, which could be lower if the worker returns to part-time hours. Florida law allows for partial wage loss benefits in such cases.

Reporting Injuries and Filing a Claim

Part-time employees should report work-related injuries as soon as possible to their employer. This is critical for filing a timely workers’ compensation claim. In Florida, the law requires workers to report injuries within 30 days of occurrence. Failure to report the injury within this time frame may result in the denial of the claim.

Common Challenges for Part-Time Workers

Part-time workers may face some challenges when claiming workers’ compensation, especially if their work hours are inconsistent. Florida law requires that wages be calculated based on the actual earnings of the worker, which can sometimes be difficult for employees with irregular schedules. Additionally, proving the injury occurred during work hours may be more complicated for part-time workers.

What Happens if You Work Part-Time After a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you return to work part-time after filing a workers’ compensation claim, your benefits may change. This section explains how working part-time affects your ongoing workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.

Impact on Wage Loss Benefits

When a part-time worker returns to work after an injury, their wage loss benefits may be adjusted. These benefits are based on the difference between the wages they were earning before the injury and what they earn while working part-time. Florida law provides compensation for partial wage loss, but the amount will depend on the worker’s current earnings.

Reporting Changes in Employment Status

It is important for employees to report any changes in their employment status to the workers’ compensation insurer. If a worker switches from full-time to part-time work, the insurance company needs this information to adjust their benefits accordingly. Failure to report changes could result in a reduction or suspension of benefits.

Continuing Medical Benefits

Part-time workers who return to work may continue to receive medical benefits for their injury if necessary. Florida workers’ compensation covers medical treatment related to the injury, even if the worker returns to part-time employment. However, workers must follow the appropriate medical treatment plan as outlined by their doctors and insurance provider.

Effect on Total Disability Benefits

If a part-time worker is classified as totally disabled, returning to part-time work may affect their disability benefits. In Florida, total disability benefits are designed for workers who are unable to perform any work at all. If the worker can perform part-time work, their disability status may be reevaluated, and benefits may be reduced accordingly.

Special Considerations for Part-Time Workers in Florida

Florida workers may face challenges if they return to work part-time after a claim. For example, part-time workers with irregular hours or fluctuating earnings may find it harder to calculate their benefits accurately. It’s crucial for workers in cities like Tampa or Jacksonville to understand how their return to part-time work will impact both their wages and workers’ compensation benefits.

Key Factors that Impact Eligibility for Part-Time Workers

Several factors affect the eligibility of part-time workers for workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. This section highlights the most important considerations that can influence eligibility.

Length of Employment

In Florida, part-time workers must meet a minimum employment duration to qualify for workers’ compensation. While the exact duration can vary, workers generally must have worked for their employer for at least a few weeks to be eligible. This rule applies to part-time employees across Florida, including cities like Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.

Type of Injury

The type of injury plays a key role in determining eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Florida law covers both physical and occupational injuries that occur during work hours. Part-time workers, whether in Southeast Florida or Southwest Florida, must prove that their injury is work-related to qualify for benefits.

Proof of Injury

Part-time workers must provide clear evidence that their injury occurred while working. This includes reporting the injury promptly to the employer and seeking medical attention. Florida law requires workers to report injuries within 30 days of the incident, and failure to do so can jeopardize the eligibility for benefits.

Average Weekly Wage

Florida workers’ compensation benefits are calculated based on a worker’s average weekly wage. For part-time workers, this wage is usually lower than that of full-time employees. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation will use the worker’s actual earnings to determine the benefit amount, so part-time workers may receive a reduced benefit compared to full-time employees.

Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage

Part-time workers must be employed by a company that carries workers’ compensation insurance. If the employer does not have the required coverage, part-time workers will not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This is true for part-time workers in all regions of Florida, including cities like Tampa, Jacksonville, and Cocoa Beach.

Reporting Injuries on Time

In Florida, part-time workers must report any work-related injuries within 30 days. If a part-time worker delays reporting their injury, they risk losing eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. This rule applies to workers across Florida, including those in both large cities and smaller communities.

Contact an Experienced Miami Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!

If you’re a part-time worker in Florida and have been injured on the job, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how workers’ compensation can support your recovery. Our team at Miami Lawyers 360 is ready to help you navigate the claims process, address any challenges, and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.