Failure to comply with the Workers Compensation Law is classified as which offense?

• A. A third-degree felony
• B. A second-degree felony
• C. A first-degree misdemeanor
• D. A first-degree felony

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is the specific criminal penalty assigned for failing to comply with Florida’s workers’ compensation law. When an employer knowingly or willfully fails to secure or provide required workers’ compensation coverage, the statute treats this as a crime and classifies it as a third-degree felony. That carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000. This level reflects a serious violation of mandatory coverage, but not as severe as higher felonies. A second-degree felony would imply a longer potential sentence, while a first-degree misdemeanor or a first-degree felony would be inappropriate for this particular noncompliance, given the statute’s stated classification.