FL S0986

Allows corporate officers in construction to elect workers' compensation exemption by electronically submitting a notice to the department that lists name, date of birth, driver license number, licenses held, and corporate registration information (removes requirement to list federal tax identification number on notice).

Permits first-time violators of coverage requirements to receive a credit for initial workers' compensation premium payments applied toward penalties, if documentation and proof of payment are provided within 28 days, and reduces final penalty by 25 percent for compliant employers with no prior violations.

Changes imputed weekly payroll calculation for penalty purposes from 2 times to 1.5 times the statewide average weekly wage when employers fail to provide business records.

Eliminates certification requirement for expert medical advisors selected by judges of compensation claims; allows parties to agree on an advisor or permits judges to select from certified list or appoint any qualified health care provider if certified specialist unavailable.

Deletes the requirement for employers to notify the department within 24 hours of injuries resulting in death and removes the preferred worker program and associated notification fees that supplemented the Special Disability Trust Fund.