Maritime Employers Liability Insurance Florida

Navigate Florida's complex maritime insurance landscape with a partner who understands local waters and regulations.
• Deep understanding of Florida's maritime industry and unique coastal risks
• Expert knowledge of state and federal maritime laws affecting Florida businesses
• Customized coverage for Florida's diverse maritime operations, from fishing to cruise lines
We enhance your MEL policy with value-added services tailored to Florida's maritime sector. This includes 24/7 claims support during hurricane season, specialized legal counsel familiar with Florida maritime courts, and proactive risk assessments for emerging threats in Florida waters.
• Commercial Fishing Operations: Florida's vast coastline demands robust MEL coverage for fishing crews facing daily risks at sea.
• Cruise Line Companies: With major cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, these businesses need comprehensive protection for diverse crew roles.
• Shipyards and Boat Builders: Florida's thriving boat manufacturing industry requires MEL insurance to cover workers during construction and repairs.
• Maritime Transportation Services: Companies operating in Florida's busy ports need coverage for dock workers, longshoremen, and offshore support crews.

Let our local experts analyze your current coverage and identify potential gaps or savings for your business.
Comprehensive protection for Florida's maritime employers, addressing coastal risks and complex regulatory requirements.

Maritime Employers Liability Insurance in Florida typically costs between $5,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on several factors:
Operations in high-risk areas of Florida, such as hurricane-prone regions or busy shipping lanes, may face higher premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us here.
Maritime Employers Liability Insurance in Florida is specialized coverage for businesses operating in maritime industries. It protects employers from liability claims arising from employee injuries or illnesses that occur on navigable waters or in connection with maritime activities. This insurance is crucial for Florida's extensive coastline and bustling ports, covering gaps left by standard workers' compensation policies for maritime employees.
Florida businesses involved in maritime activities need this insurance, including shipyards, marinas, fishing operations, cruise lines, and cargo handling companies. It's particularly important for employers with workers on vessels, docks, or offshore platforms. Given Florida's 1,350 miles of coastline and major ports like Miami and Jacksonville, many businesses in the state's coastal areas require this coverage to protect against unique maritime risks.
Florida law intersects with federal maritime law in complex ways. While the state's workers' compensation laws cover many land-based injuries, maritime injuries often fall under federal jurisdiction. The Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) play significant roles. Florida employers must navigate these overlapping jurisdictions, making Maritime Employers Liability Insurance crucial for comprehensive protection in the state's maritime sector.
In Florida, this insurance covers risks such as injuries from hurricanes or tropical storms, accidents during cargo loading/unloading at busy ports like Port Everglades, diving-related incidents in the Florida Keys, and injuries on fishing vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. It also covers claims related to heat exhaustion, common in Florida's climate, and accidents during vessel maintenance in the state's numerous shipyards and marinas.
Coverage needs vary based on the size and nature of maritime operations in Florida. Many businesses start with $1 million in coverage, but larger operations or those involved in high-risk activities may require $5 million or more. Factors influencing coverage amounts include the number of employees, types of vessels operated, and specific maritime activities. Florida's high-value coastal properties and potential for severe weather events often necessitate higher coverage limits.
Yes, in Florida, Maritime Employers Liability Insurance is often combined with other marine insurance policies for comprehensive coverage. It can be part of a package including Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, Hull and Machinery coverage, and Marine General Liability. For Florida businesses operating both on land and water, it's common to combine this with standard workers' compensation and general liability policies to ensure full protection across all aspects of operations.
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For over a decade, TWFG Khan Insurance Services has been the trusted partner for businesses across Texas and neighboring states. We specialize in complex insurance solutions for maritime, oil & gas, and construction industries where standard coverage isn't enough.
Don't let gaps in coverage put your business at risk. Our team of specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive protection plan that keeps your business secure and compliant.
Join the hundreds of businesses who trust us with their most critical insurance needs.