If you’ve been injured on the job in Florida, there is a very good chance that your life does not just revolve around recovering physically, but also around getting to and from various medical appointments, sometimes more often than you originally expected. Between doctor visits, therapy sessions, diagnostic testing, and even pharmacy trips, your schedule can quickly start to feel like it revolves around travel, and, as you may have already realized, those miles can begin to add up faster than you might think. Fortunately, in 2026, Florida passed a law that reimburses individuals who’ve been injured on the job for these miles. Continue reading and reach out to a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm to learn more about mileage reimbursement in FL and take advantage of our free calculator to determine how much you may be owed.

What travel expenses qualify for reimbursement under Florida workers’ comp?

When it comes to mileage reimbursement, the most important concept to understand is authorization. Simply put, in most Florida workers’ compensation cases, the insurance carrier has control over which doctors and providers you are permitted to see, and, in turn, reimbursement is generally tied directly to that approved treatment. In many cases, this means that you may be reimbursed for travel to:

• Authorized doctor appointments related to your work injury
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions that are part of your treatment plan
• Diagnostic testing, such as MRIs or X-rays, scheduled through approved providers
• Trips to the pharmacy to obtain medications connected to your claim

However, there are also situations where reimbursement is denied, even when the trip may have felt necessary at the time. For example, this can occur when:

• You visit a provider who was not approved by the insurance carrier
• The purpose of the trip is not clearly tied to your work-related injury
• There is little or no documentation showing that the visit actually took place

How much is mileage reimbursement in Florida for 2026?

Another point that tends to cause confusion is the mileage reimbursement rate itself. Many people assume that the rate used for workers’ compensation claims is the same as the IRS mileage rate, though that is not the case. As of March 2026, Florida workers’ compensation mileage reimbursement is commonly calculated at:

• $0.445 per mile for approved medical travel

While this may not seem like a significant amount at first glance, it is important to remember that these trips are often recurring. Over the course of several weeks or months, especially if you are attending regular therapy or follow-up appointments, the total reimbursement can become far more substantial than expected.

For this reason, even smaller trips should be tracked carefully, as overlooking them can result in money that is simply never recovered.

What information should you track for every medical trip?

If there is one thing that tends to make or break a mileage reimbursement request, it is the quality of your records. Without a clear and consistent log, even legitimate travel may be questioned or denied. Generally speaking, for each trip, you should make sure to record the following:

• The date of your travel, which should match your appointment or visit
• The location you traveled to, including the provider’s name and city
• The purpose of the trip, whether it was a doctor visit, therapy session, or pharmacy pickup
• Your starting point and return location, which is typically your home
• The total round-trip mileage, as reimbursement is usually based on the full distance traveled
• Proof that the visit occurred, such as receipts, appointment summaries, or confirmations
• Any additional notes, especially if something about the trip was out of the ordinary

Some individuals prefer to track mileage using their odometer, while others rely on mapping tools to estimate distance. Either method can work.

How do you properly submit a mileage reimbursement request?

Tracking your mileage is only part of the process. In order to actually receive reimbursement, you must also submit your request in a way that the insurance carrier can review and process without unnecessary delay. In many cases, a straightforward approach tends to be the most effective. This typically includes the following:

• Gathering your mileage entries over a set period, such as weekly or monthly
• Transferring that information onto the form required by the insurance carrier or the state
• Attaching any supporting documentation, particularly for pharmacy-related trips
• Submitting the request in writing, often by email, while keeping a copy for your own records
• Keeping track of when you submitted the request and whether any response was received

Why are mileage reimbursement requests denied?

In many situations, a denial does not necessarily mean that you were not entitled to reimbursement, but rather that something in the process raised a concern for the insurance carrier. Some of the most common reasons for denial are as follows:

• The provider was not authorized under your workers’ compensation claim
• Important details were missing from your mileage log
• The mileage calculation was incorrect, such as listing one-way travel instead of round-trip
• There was no clear connection between the trip and your approved treatment

What should you do if your mileage reimbursement is delayed or denied?

If your mileage reimbursement request is delayed or denied, the first step is usually to seek clarification. In many cases, you can request that the insurance carrier provide a written explanation outlining the reason for the decision.

From there, you can determine whether the issue is something that can be corrected, such as missing documentation, or whether it involves a dispute over authorization or eligibility.

If the issue is not resolved, you may need to take further action through Florida’s workers’ compensation system, which can involve filing a formal claim or requesting a review. Here, it is often beneficial to understand that mileage reimbursement is tied to your overall workers’ compensation benefits, and unresolved issues may affect more than just travel expenses.

Contact The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore

Of course, mileage reimbursement won’t fully offset the total physical, emotional, and financial cost of your injury; however, it can help put a bit more back in your pocket. If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a seasoned Florida workers’ compensation lawyer, please don’t hesitate to contact The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore today.