Understanding Florida's 2017 Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule

Key Differences in the 2017 Florida Fee Schedule

The 2017 fee schedule introduced revised rates for medical services, legal fees, and indemnity calculations, reflecting inflation adjustments and new statutory caps. Notably, the maximum weekly indemnity increased from $1,150 to $1,200, and the per‑visit physical therapy fee rose by 4%. These changes affect claim cost projections and compliance reporting for Florida employers.

Structure of the Schedule

Florida's schedule groups fees into three main categories: medical treatment, indemnity benefits, and administrative/legal costs. Each category lists specific service codes, the allowable amount per service, and any applicable caps or mileage adjustments. The schedule is published by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and is referenced in the Workers' Compensation Claims Reporting System.

Medical Treatment Fees

Medical fees are the most frequently disputed items. The schedule lists a per‑visit fee for each provider type (physician, chiropractor, physical therapist) and a separate allowance for procedures such as X‑rays, MRIs, and lab work. For 2017, the physician office visit fee was set at $150, while a physical therapy session was capped at $85. Services performed outside of Florida must be billed at the in‑state rate unless a reciprocal agreement exists.

Indemnity Benefit Calculations

Indemnity benefits are calculated on a percentage of the employee's average weekly wage (AWW). The 2017 schedule retains the 66.67% rate for temporary total disability but updates the AWW determination method to use the most recent quarterly earnings report. The schedule also clarifies the "maximum weekly benefit" cap, now $1,200, and outlines how partial wage offsets are applied when employees receive workers' comp and other income.

Administrative and Legal Fees

Legal fees for claim representation are limited to 10% of the total indemnity award, a ceiling unchanged from prior years but emphasized in the 2017 notes to curb excessive billing. Administrative fees, such as claims processing and reporting, are fixed at $25 per claim per quarter. These fees are payable by the employer's insurance carrier, not the injured worker.

Comparative Table of Major Fee Changes

Practical Implications for Employers

Employers should audit existing claim records to ensure fees align with the 2017 schedule, especially for long‑standing claims that may have been billed under prior rates. Adjusting payroll systems to reflect the updated AWW calculation method can prevent underpayment penalties. Additionally, reviewing contracts with medical providers can help negotiate rates that stay within the schedule limits.

How to Access the Full Schedule

The complete 2017 fee schedule is available on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website as a downloadable PDF. Employers and insurers can also request a printed copy through the Department of Financial Services. Keeping the schedule on hand simplifies compliance audits and supports accurate claim adjudication.