Class Code 0035
Florists – Cultivating Or Gardening
Class Code 0035 applies to florists whose primary business is cultivating, propagating or gardening flowers and ornamental plants in fields, greenhouses or nurseries. It covers hands-on production work such as seeding, potting, transplanting, pruning and harvesting. The approved pure premium is $4.363 per $100 of payroll — a baseline insurers use to estimate expected loss costs for these operations.
What Class Code 0035 Covers
This classification specifically covers operations that grow and produce flowers and ornamental plants rather than retail-only bouquet sales. Typical activities include greenhouse propagation, cutting and conditioning of cut-flowers, bulb and bedding-plant production, potted-plant cultivation, soil mixing, transplanting, irrigation setup and field harvesting. It also includes seasonal and permanent workers who handle planting, pruning, staking and packing of floral crops. Work performed in hoop houses, greenhouses, outdoor plots, cold frames and nursery benches is included. Tasks that are primarily retail sales, floral design in a shop, or delivery-only routes generally fall under different classifications.
Who It Applies To
- Greenhouse and nursery floral growers
- Field floriculture workers who plant and harvest cut flowers
- Propagation techs who start cuttings, bulbs or seedlings
- Seasonal harvest crews and packers for cut-flower operations
- Plant production supervisors and greenhouse maintenance staff
Common Job Duties
- Seed starting, transplanting and potting mixes preparation
- Pruning, deadheading, staking and training plants
- Cut-flower harvesting, conditioning and bundling
- Mixing and applying fertilizers and approved pest controls
- Operating small tractors, potting machines, conveyors and hand tools
- Irrigation installation, adjustment and routine greenhouse maintenance
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.363 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.363 per $100 of payroll represents the expected loss cost per unit of payroll for this class; multiplying payroll/100 by the pure premium yields the base expected losses. Insurers then add expense and profit loadings, and your employer-specific adjustments such as experience modification, schedule credits/debits, and deductible programs determine the final premium. Accurate payroll reporting, proper classification and strong loss control practices can materially reduce the premium you ultimately pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers must maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) applicable to floriculture operations and comply with Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention rules for outdoor and greenhouse workers. Employers using pesticides or restricted materials must meet training, PPE and posting requirements under California pesticide regulations and the federal Worker Protection Standard; keep material safety data sheets accessible and provide required respirators and eyewash where chemicals are used. Equipment safety, lockout/tagout for powered potting equipment, and proper ventilation in greenhouses are common Cal/OSHA inspection focus areas.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 0035
A PEO like Key HR can help floriculture employers control workers' comp costs through accurate payroll classification, centralized claims management and experienced return-to-work programs that reduce indemnity exposure. Key HR provides California-focused safety consulting, OSHA- and pesticide-specific training modules, and access to competitive insurance markets and group purchasing power — all of which help lower frequency and severity of claims. We also manage audits, compliance documentation and experience-mod monitoring so you can focus on operations.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 0035 apply to my floral shop that arranges and sells bouquets?
If the business primarily sells and arranges floral products in a retail storefront, it is typically classified under a retail or shop code rather than 0035. Class Code 0035 applies when the principal operation is growing, propagating or gardening flowers and ornamental plants.
How do seasonal workers affect my workers' comp cost under this class?
Premium is based on payroll, so seasonal hiring increases total payroll exposure and can raise premiums during peak periods. Seasonal claims can also impact your experience modification. Accurate payroll reporting by time period, proper training for seasonal hires and strong return-to-work practices help limit cost increases.
What are the most critical compliance steps for growers to reduce claims?
Implement a written IIPP, provide heat illness prevention and pesticide-handling training, enforce PPE use, train on safe lifting and tool use, and maintain irrigation and equipment guarding. Document training and inspections to demonstrate active loss-control efforts during audits and claims reviews.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 0035
- Classification
- Florists – Cultivating Or Gardening
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.363 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 0035?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.