What to know about hiring employees

Ok guys it is high time I put someone on the books. I am in FL and need help with what to expect from the good old government. I found this SITE but I would like to hear from the people that are doing it. I got a quote a couple of years ago on workmans comp ins. just for me and they wanted $4000 per year (yes that is 3 zeros). I simply can't afford or justify that kind of money when I only pay $480 per year on my $1million liability policy. also does anyone know what unemployment taxes cost per employee? please chime in!!

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

I got a quote a couple of years ago on workmans comp ins. just for me and they wanted $4000 per year Maybe each state is different but as the owner, I thought you didn't have to have workmans comp? Also, don't they choose the rate based on the job description? So the more machinery or potential for accidents, the higher the rate?

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Originally Posted by Steve

Maybe each state is different but as the owner, I thought you didn't have to have workmans comp?

Also, don't they choose the rate based on the job description? So the more machinery or potential for accidents, the higher the rate?

you are right Steve, as the owner I don't need it that's why I was shocked at the cost.

I heard there is a way to be exempt from it for a small business. I need to do more research.

Hoping someone here has first hand experience with this.

[Steve]

Another one of our forum members is from FL with a few employees. Chuck, screen name musician/lawnman.

I just sent him an email. I bet he has a bunch to say that could help us understand this process better.

[musician/lawnman]

ProCut,

Yeah it's insane to get your own worker's comp policy for 1 or 2 employees.
You are (I asume) workers comp exempt as an owner. You can only have an employee be exempt if they are a 10% or more owner of the company.... so you could essentially have them buy in & make them a partner (I really don't reccommend this) or do what I did....
Go check out employee leasing companies. At 1st basically had a day labor service handling my payroll & W.C. coverage. Then found that the employee leasing places had dropped alot of the minimums that they had when I started. They used to require 2-3 employees on the books or a minimum of say $600-1000 / wk in payroll & since that wasn't going to happen I had to go with the day labor thing. (I never hired day labor guys as employees). I'd hire my guys separate, have them fill out the app for the day labor service & they were then technically employeed by the service which is good because if you fire them, they need to report to the day labor place the next day for work or they "quit" their job & so... no need for unemployment insurance.
Now I use an employee leasing company. All taxes, w.c, unemployment is included.... I fill out a form online with each employees hours, the email an invoice to me, I write 1 check & pick up checks for the employees. They handle w-2's & all that. Makes my life easier.
Hope that helps!

Thanks M/L that sounds like a great plan. I will look into the leasing service.

[bnclawncare]

Originally Posted by ProCut TM

Ok guys it is high time I put someone on the books.
I am in FL and need help with what to expect from the good old government.
I found this SITE but I would like to hear from the people that are doing it.
I got a quote a couple of years ago on workmans comp ins. just for me and they wanted $4000 per year (yes that is 3 zeros). I simply can't afford or justify that kind of money when I only pay $480 per year on my $1million liability policy.
also does anyone know what unemployment taxes cost per employee?

please chime in!!

I think is based on what you make per year. For one of my new guys, its going to cost me $1100.00 per year. They based that on what I will be paying him for the year.
Also, here, my $1million liabilty is only $220.00 a year. Big difference!

BNC****
what other costs will you incur on your end besides the $1100 w.comp?
how many employees do you have?
how many hours per week will they work?

Thanks for your input, keep it coming guys. This is good stuff.

well I just shot out several e-mail to local leasing companies, I guess I'll see what they have to offer in a few days.

[Steve]

I cant wait to hear how this works out. Keep us posted on this.