Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud
The Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud investigates suspected criminal violations of Florida's Workers' Compensation laws. Workers' compensation insurance is a significant expense for Florida businesses, and fraud pushes the price even higher. Understanding the consequences of workers' compensation fraud and knowing how to report it can help reduce the cost of doing business.
The Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud is made up of 31 detectives, and four (4) supervisors assigned to squads located in Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa. In addition to these dedicated squads, six (6) squads in the Bureau of Insurance Fraud also investigate workers' compensation fraud cases in their designated areas. These squads are located in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale.
The bureau participates in joint efforts with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and multiple local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to prevent and prosecute:
- Unlicensed contractors
- Businesses employing workers without appropriate workers' compensation coverage
- Employees who file false on-the-job injuries or exaggerate their injuries
- Employees working other jobs while receiving workers' compensation benefits
During Fiscal Year 2022/2023, investigative efforts by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud resulted in 184 cases presented for prosecution, 182 arrests, and 218 successful prosecutions.