If you’ve been injured at work in Florida, you already know the routine can get exhausting fast. Doctor visits. Physical therapy. Follow-ups. Pharmacy stops. And while everyone talks about medical bills and lost wages, there’s another cost that quietly adds up: the miles you’re putting on your car just to get the treatment you were told to get.
A lot of injured workers ask the same question: how much does workers comp pay for mileage, and what do you need to do to actually get reimbursed?
This blog breaks down how workers comp mileage reimbursement in Florida in 2025 works. You’ll learn what the current rate is, what trips typically qualify, how to submit your request, and what to do if the insurance company drags its feet.
Does Florida Workers’ Comp Pay You For Mileage?
Yes, Florida workers’ compensation does allow mileage reimbursement for travel related to authorized medical care.
That word “authorized” is important. Florida workers’ comp is not like regular health insurance where you can choose any provider and get reimbursed later. In most cases, the insurance carrier controls which doctors you can treat with, and they can deny payment for care they say was not authorized. The Florida Department of Financial Services explains that mileage reimbursement is available for travel related to receiving authorized medical care, and that forms are provided to submit it.
So yes, mileage reimbursement exists. But you still have to follow the system and submit it properly.
How Much Does Workers Comp Pay For Mileage In Florida In 2025?
As of the most recent guidance from the Florida Department of Financial Services, mileage reimbursement is 44.5 cents ($.445) per mile.
For example, if you drive 30 miles round trip to an authorized doctor:
- 30 miles x $0.445 = $13.35
Now imagine you’re doing therapy twice a week, plus periodic doctor visits. Over a few months, reimbursement can become meaningful, especially if you are missing work or dealing with reduced income.
What Medical Trips Usually Qualify For Mileage Reimbursement?
In Florida, mileage reimbursement is tied to authorized medical care.
In many claims, that typically includes trips to:
- Your authorized treating doctor
- Authorized specialists (when properly referred or approved)
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Diagnostic testing that is authorized (MRI, X-rays, EMG, and similar)
- Pharmacy trips tied to authorized prescriptions (this often comes up and it can matter)
If you’re unsure whether a provider is authorized, do not guess. Ask the adjuster in writing. That small step can save you a lot of frustration later.
Why “Authorized” Matters So Much In Florida Workers’ Comp
Here’s one of the most common misunderstandings I see: an injured worker thinks, “I’m hurt, so I’ll just go to the doctor I trust.”
It’s understandable why people do it. You want help and you want answers.
But in Florida, it’s your insurance company who selects your treating physician, not you. If treatment is not authorized, it can create fights over payment. DFS is clear that unauthorized treatment generally will not be paid.
And when the carrier disputes the treatment, mileage reimbursement often becomes collateral damage. They may refuse to reimburse travel because they claim the appointment was not authorized.
So if you want mileage reimbursement, the safest approach is this: treat with authorized providers and keep a clean paper trail.
How To Get Paid: Submitting A Florida Workers’ Comp Mileage Request
Mileage reimbursement is not automatic. You typically have to submit it.
Generally, mileage reimbursement forms will be mailed to you, and you can submit mileage reimbursements as treatment occurs, periodically, or at the end of treatment.
That sounds simple, but the details matter. Here’s what I recommend for most injured workers.
Keep A Mileage Log
Do not rely on memory. Keep a running list of:
- Date of the appointment
- Provider or facility name
- Address or location
- Purpose of trip (doctor, PT, test, pharmacy)
- Round trip miles
Submit Your Mileage Regularly
Yes, you can submit your mileage reports at the end of your claim. However, this creates problems:
- Your log gets messy and easier to dispute
- Paperwork gets lost
- You’re floating costs for months
- The carrier may claim they “never got it”
Submitting monthly is a good habit for many cases. If you’re being treated heavily, you might submit every few weeks.
Keep Proof Of Submission
Keep proof of anything you submit, even if it feels redundant.
Save a copy for your records and keep something that shows it was sent or received. If the carrier later says it was never received, your proof matters.
What If The Insurance Company Does Not Pay Your Mileage?
If you submit mileage and the carrier delays or ignores it, you are not the only one. Sometimes it’s an administrative delay. Sometimes it’s disorganization. And sometimes it’s a quiet strategy: delay long enough and some people give up.
If you are not getting paid, here are reasonable next steps:
- Follow up in writing and attach your prior submission
- Ask if they need anything else to process it
- Confirm they agree the provider was authorized
- If they deny it, ask them to explain the reason in writing
If you get repeated excuses or silence, that is often a sign that the claim needs more attention than just mileage. Mileage issues can be a symptom of broader problems, like treatment authorization disputes, delays in approving care, or mishandling of benefits.
Common Mistakes That Cost Injured Workers Mileage Reimbursement
Mileage reimbursement should be straightforward, but I see the same issues come up again and again.
1. Treating With An Unauthorized Provider
This is the biggest one. Florida workers’ comp is strict about authorization, and the carrier may refuse to pay for care they claim was not authorized.
If you are not sure, ask before you go.
2. Waiting Too Long To Track Or Submit
The longer you wait, the more likely it is that:
- Your notes are incomplete
- The carrier disputes a trip
- You lose the form or your records
3. Assuming The Adjuster Will Handle It Automatically
Many injured workers assume the carrier will reimburse mileage without being asked. DFS specifically notes that forms are mailed and you may submit mileage as treatment occurs, periodically, or at the end.
That tells you something important: reimbursement is part of the process, but it still requires you to submit it.
4. Not Keeping Copies
If there’s a dispute, your documentation gives you leverage. Without it, you are stuck arguing from memory.
5. Not Providing Accurate Mileage
This one is more serious than people realize. Mileage forms often include a fraud warning at the bottom. Even if they did not, you are still making a representation to an insurance company to get workers’ comp benefits paid.
If you submit mileage that is not accurate, even if it feels “close enough,” the insurance company can argue you made a false, incomplete, or misleading statement in an attempt to obtain benefits. If a Judge of Compensation Claims agrees, that can be treated as fraud or misrepresentation. It can be a third-degree felony and it can become a basis to deny all benefits you would otherwise be entitled to in your case.
Bottom line: Be precise. Use a consistent route, document your appointments, and keep clean records. If you are getting pushback on mileage, or you are worried a mistake could cost you your benefits, this is the kind of issue it is worth getting legal guidance on early.
Need Help Getting Your Benefits Paid The Right Way?
If your mileage reimbursement is being delayed or denied, it may be a warning sign that the insurance company is not handling your claim the way they should.
If you’ve been injured at work in Florida and you want clarity on what you’re entitled to and what to do next, call the Law Office of Brian D. Tadros to schedule your free consultation. We practice only workers’ compensation law, and you will always speak to an attorney, not a paralegal or case worker.
