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General contractor insurance in Florida
Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for general contractors in Florida.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps general contractors find construction insurance that matches your unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.
What are the most common policies for general contractors in Florida?
General contractors may need different types of insurance depending on the work they do and their client contracts. These policies are the most popular for general contractors in Florida, and often provide the best coverage for their insurance needs.
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic risks, such as a client who trips over your toolbox and suffers an injury. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner's policy.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Product liability insurance
Business owner's policy
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property coverage at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for general contractors.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that injure clients
- Client property damage
- Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance
Florida requires workers’ comp for general contracting businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers the cost of injuries and property damage in accidents involving a general contractor’s vehicle. It can also pay for repairs to vehicles damaged by weather or vandalism.
BEST FOR
- Legal costs from an auto accident
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Contractor's tools and equipment insurance
This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a contractor’s saws, nail guns, hammers, and other tools if they're lost, stolen, or damaged.
BEST FOR
- Equipment less than five years old
- Mobile equipment and tools
- Small tools
Professional liability insurance
This policy is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O). It covers legal fees when a general contractor is sued over a mistake, such as using the wrong materials.
BEST FOR
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to complete a project
- Work mistakes and oversights
Contractor surety bonds
A bond guarantees reimbursement for the client if a general contractor fails to fulfill the terms of a contract or adhere to building codes. Common bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.
BEST FOR
- Compliance with laws
- Incomplete jobs
- Breach of contract
Builder's risk insurance
This policy covers structures in progress and materials, often paying for damage caused by fire, vandalization, and non-severe weather events.
BEST FOR
- New construction
- Building renovation
- Worksite theft and vandalism
Contractors pollution liability insurance
Contractors pollution liability covers costs related to pollution, such as a lawsuit alleging harm caused from exposure to silica dust on a construction job site. It's sometimes referred to as environmental insurance.
BEST FOR
- Pollution events
- Spills during transport
- Lawsuits over contaminants
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
What insurance is required for general contractors in Florida?
General contractors in Florida must carry the following insurance coverage to comply with county or state laws:
General liability insurance
General liability insurance is the foundation of a general contractor’s protection. It covers legal fees related to accidents that damage a client's property or cause a bodily injury, along with libel and other advertising injuries.
Commercial landlords, clients, and lenders in Miami, Orlando, and other locations may ask to see a certificate of insurance proving you have this liability coverage. This policy might also be required to sign a commercial lease or meet the terms of a client's contract.
General contractors working at a job site will often choose to add any subcontractors they hire as an additional insured to their insurance policy, in the event that any accidental damage is caused to the client's property.
Adding commercial umbrella insurance can boost the coverage limits on commercial general liability insurance and other policies.
Workers' compensation insurance
If you own a construction or home improvement business in Florida with one or more employees, your business is required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Workers' compensation insurance covers medical care and disability benefits when an employee is injured on the job or develops an occupational illness. It's a key policy for the construction industry and related professions, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
Sole proprietors may not need workers' comp for their Florida general contractor license, but it's still a good idea to carry this coverage. Personal health insurance doesn't cover work-related personal injuries, so it can save you from out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance protects business vehicles owned by your general contracting company. It covers property damage and medical bills in an accident, along with vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.
Florida's requirements for auto liability insurance coverage are:
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
- $10,000 personal injury protection
Personal, rented, and leased vehicles driven for work purposes should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA), as personal auto policies usually exclude business use.
Surety bonds
Licensure and contract requirements in Florida sometimes include a surety bond, depending on the type of work you do.
A surety bond guarantees reimbursement for the client if a general contractor fails to fulfill the terms of a contract or adhere to building codes. Common types of surety bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.
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How much does insurance cost for general contactors in Florida?
General contractors in Florida who buy policies from Insureon pay an average of:
General liability: $104 per month
Workers' compensation: $532 per month
Commercial auto: $351 per month
Several factors affect the cost of general contractor insurance, including:
- Type of building construction, such as townhouses, multifamily homes, or offices
- Business property and equipment
- Business income and size
- Years of work experience
- Policy limits and deductibles
When do you need a general contractor business license in Florida?
In Florida, general contractors must be registered and licensed to work. Depending on the license class, your requirements for obtaining the license might vary.
There are two main classes of contractor licenses in Florida, which determine where in the state that a licensee can operate:
- Certified license: Allows contractors to work throughout the entire state of Florida.
- Registered license: Enables contractors to work within specific local jurisdictions.
Common licensure requirements from the Board include:
- Must be at least 18-years old
- Have a scanned electronic fingerprint
- Have a credit score of at least 660, or proof of a surety bond
- Provide proof of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation coverage
- Paying the appropriate licensing fee
- Pass the Florida State Construction Examination
View details on the the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
How do I get Florida contractors insurance?
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps general contractors in Florida save time and money shopping for contracting and construction business insurance. Start an online application to get free quotes from top-rated U.S. insurance companies.
To make the application go quicker, have this information ready:
- Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees
- Current and projected revenue
- Business partnerships
- Insurance history and prior claims
- Commercial lease insurance requirements
A licensed insurance agent can answer your questions and help you find the right, most affordable coverage for your Florida business. Small business owners can get their certificate of insurance shortly after they apply for quotes and pay for a policy.
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