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Welcome to the Workers' Compensation Section Home Page.

Your Executive Council has created this site in an effort to encourage and facilitate communication and exchange of ideas among the members of our Section. Enjoy! The purpose of the Workers' Compensation Section is to provide an organization within The Florida Bar open to all members in good standing who have a common interest in workers' compensation law. The Section provides a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas leading to the improvement of individual trial abilities in workers' compensation cases.

Send mail with questions or comments about this web site to:

Flabarwcs@gmail.com

Please use the social media links below to stay well informed about the section's events and information regarding the practice of workers’ compensation within the state.


(Please identify yourself as a section member)

9964 Drug Impairment and Intoxication in Florida Workers’ Compensation: Navigating the Presumption and Beyond

18 November 2026 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM.

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Florida’s drug and alcohol impairment/intoxication defenses under the Workers’ Compensation Law, with a practical focus on frequent litigation issues and statutory compliance. Attendees will examine the requirements for maintaining a compliant Drug-Free Workplace Program, the evidentiary standards necessary to invoke or rebut the statutory presumption, the burdens of proof and the procedural issues that frequently arise during litigation. Through an examination of relevant statutes, case law, and real-world practice tips, participants will gain further understanding of litigation issues arising with the drug and alcohol impairment/ intoxication defenses from both the claimant and employer/carrier perspectives.

11:50 a.m. – 12:00 noon (Eastern Standard Time)
Connection Time

12:00 noon – 12:05 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Manny Franco, Esq; Tampa
Ryan Knight, Esq.; Plantation

12:05 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Drug Impairment and Intoxication in Florida Workers’ Compensation: Navigating the Presumption and Beyond
Steven McKillop, Maitland

1:15 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Questions and Answers

1:25 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks

https://member.floridabar.org/s/lt-event?id=a1RWQ00000Y4kQU2AZ

Technology in Workers' Compensation

The speakers will be covering how to use Technology in our everyday practice. This segment will cover how lawyers use technology to make our lives easier. The speakers will also address how our courts use technology to help manage the dockets and track cases. They will discuss AI and its use and concerns. and the possible impact on litigation and the practice of law.

12:00 noon – 12:05 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions

Moderator Manny Franco, Esq; Tampa

Moderator Ryan Knight, Esq.; Plantation

12:05 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Technology in Workers’ Compensation

Dawn Traverso, Esq., Plantation

Glen Wieland, Esq.; Orlando

1:15 p.m. – 1:25 p.m

Questions and Answers

1:25 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Technology in Workers’ Compensation Zoom Webinar

https://member.floridabar.org/eventAPI__router?event=a1RWQ00000XhSNp

Sponsors
Coming soon

https://member.floridabar.org/s/lt-event?id=a1RWQ00000YfDvN2AV

2027 FLORIDA BAR WORKERS ’ COMPENSATION FORUM

Download PDF

Click Here to download the Spring/Summer 2026 News & 440 Report.

440_report_spring_summer_2026

Introducing new Audio Podcast series
Episode 1 WC Section Podcast
Episode 2 – Chair Sean McCormack and Mediator Lisa Thomas

In this episode, we first chat with Sean McCormack, new Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section, who updates us on upcoming events and lends perspective as he enters the job. Next, we chat with Lisa Thomas, state mediator out of Orlando/Maitland. Lisa has taken a big role in working with our new and "emerging" section members. We talk about her background, her involvement with the section, and how we can continue to grow as a statewide practice area.

Episode 3 – Board Certification Chat with Amie DeGuzman and Ryan Knight

This is must-listen episode for anyone considering the path of board certification in Florida workers’ compensation law. Jacksonville claimant’s attorney Amie DeGuzman, and Plantation E/C attorney Ryan Knight were each recently board certified in our practice area. They talk about their experiences from the beginning, including the decision to apply, satisfying the trial requirements, and exam preparation. Amie and Ryan also give unique perspective on the process, and the effect on their practice, from each respective “side” of the litigation world.

Episode 4 WC Section Podcast
Episode 5 WC Section Podcast

Mentor/Mentee relationships

Season 2 Episode 1
Season 2 Episode 2 – Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe - State of the Practice (in 2026)

This episode features Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe discussing the current state of workers' compensation law in 2026, including practice trends, case law updates, and the impact of remote proceedings. They share insights on litigation, case law, and professional development within the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities
02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse
04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds
09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings
13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency
18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others
24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 2026
30:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers
32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions
38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements
39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Season 2 Episode 3

This episode features two leading Florida appellate attorneys, Mike Winer and Bill Rogner, sharing insights on appellate practice, oral arguments, and the evolving legal landscape. They discuss their careers, preparation strategies, and perspectives on the future of appellate law, including the impact of AI and recent court decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law
06:57 Building an Appellate Practice
10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments
13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments
18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation
20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law
20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent
21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions
22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law
24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions
29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court
33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law
35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice
Friends of 440 Scholarship Applications Now Available – Deadline February 28, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

The Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle. We ask that you share this opportunity with your clients, staff, adjusters, case managers, and anyone who may benefit from this program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2026

Apply online at: www.440scholarship.org/application

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Scholarships are available to dependents or descendants of:

  • Workers who were injured or killed on the job and received benefits under Florida Workers' Compensation Law
  • Individuals who work primarily in the operation and/or administration of Florida Workers' Compensation Law
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  • High school seniors must have a minimum 2.7 GPA to apply
  • Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in college
  • Recipients must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester to remain eligible
  • Scholarships are intended for students who lack the financial means to pursue post-secondary education

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Please forward this email to anyone in your network who may qualify or know someone who qualifies. Your assistance in spreading the word helps ensure that deserving students have access to these educational opportunities.

For questions or additional information, please visit www.440scholarship.org or email info@440scholarship.org.

Thank you for your continued support of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund!

Sincerely,

Lori Markowitz Gerson
Managing Director
Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, Inc.
www.440scholarship.org

Message From The Chair

Tracey Hyde

Tracey Hyde

Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section of The Florida Bar

It is with great humility and honor that I assume chairmanship of the workers’ compensation section beginning July 1, 2026. My entire career since September of 1994 (going on 32 years) has been devoted to workers’ compensation defense with the same firm of McConnaughhay Coonrod, where I started as a file clerk in 1991 at $5.50/hour! Had to start somewhere!

I sought Bar service as early in my career as possible, as I believe strongly in giving back. After becoming board certified in 2006, I have continuously recertified every five (5) years. I served on the workers’ compensation board certification committee from 2008 – 2014 and am serving again from 2023 – 2029. I had the honor of being chosen to set on the BLSE (Board of Legal Specialization and Education) from 2014 – 2017 as the first member of the workers’ compensation section to sit on that august body and was also awarded the honor of Board Certified Lawyer of the Year in 2017.

My goals as chair this year are to continue the efforts of my predecessors as to membership/mentorship from Sean McCormack and women in work comp started by Karen Cullen and handled beautifully by Dawn Traverso. I also want to encourage increased involvement on the Executive Committee’s efforts to promote excellence in workers’ compensation, along with a strong effort towards attaining board certification. I encourage past chairs who remain as elected members of the Executive Committee to consider taking emeritus status to open up a seat for our up-and-coming emerging leaders.

...

Read the entire Chair's Message

Upcoming CLE webinars

Written on .

Topic: Judge of Compensation Claims Town Halls
When: Time: Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please join Judges Jill Jacobs, Wilbur Anderson, Neal Pitts and Natalie Cavallaro for a Judge of Compensation Claims Town Hall presented by the Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar and the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. These Town Hall Meetings via zoom format will address procedure and practical issues pertinent to the practitioner in each OJCC District.
You are invited to a scheduled zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2777573448?omn=81386949582
Meeting ID: 277 757 3448
Topic: Judge of Compensation Claims Town Halls
When: Time: November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please join Judges Erik Grindal and Rita Young for a Judge of Compensation Claims Town Hall presented by the Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar and the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. These Town Hall Meetings via zoom format will address procedure and practical issues pertinent to the practitioner in each OJCC District.
You are invited to a scheduled zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2777573448?omn=88067302336
Meeting ID: 277 757 3448
Topic: Judge of Compensation Claims Town Halls
When: Time: January 26, 2027, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please join Judges Barbara Case, Thomas Hedler Gregory Johnsen and Kimberly Hill for a Judge of Compensation Claims Town Hall presented by the Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar and the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. These Town Hall Meetings via zoom format will address procedure and practical issues pertinent to the practitioner in each OJCC District.
You are invited to a scheduled zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2777573448?omn=81705420448
Meeting ID: 277 757 3448
Topic: Judge of Compensation Claims Town Halls
When: Time: March 11, 2027, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please join Judges Jacquelyn Newman, Jonathan Walker and John Moneyham for a Judge of Compensation Claims Town Hall presented by the Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar and the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. These Town Hall Meetings via zoom format will address procedure and practical issues pertinent to the practitioner in each OJCC District.
You are invited to a scheduled zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2777573448?omn=88005463080
Meeting ID: 277 757 3448

Upcoming Events

10 Nov 2026 Section CLE Webinars
11 Nov 2026 Section CLE Webinars TBD
18 Nov 2026 9964 Drug Impairment and Intoxication in Florida Workers’ Compensation
09 Dec 2026 Section CLE Webinars TBD
15 Jan 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Executive Council Meeting
26 Jan 2027 Section CLE Webinars
09 Feb 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Ski Retreat
07 Apr 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Educational Forum
07 Apr 2027 Executive Council Meeting
23 Jun 2027 Florida Bar Annual Convention
24 Jun 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Membership Reception

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