General Liability Insurance for Florida Contractors: What to Ask

Minimum Coverage Requirements for Licensed Contractors

Active Florida contractors licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board must maintain specific minimum amounts of public liability and property damage insurance. General and building contractors must carry at least $300,000 in liability coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage. All other contractor categories must maintain at least $100,000 in liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage, or amounts set by board rule.

These requirements appear in the board's licensure applications and FAQs on the official DBPR site. Licensees attest to having this coverage as a condition of initial licensure and renewal under s. 489.115(5)(a), F.S.. Homeowners should confirm the contractor holds an active license in the correct category before discussing insurance details. Use the DBPR license search to verify status.

Verifying License Status Before Insurance Discussions

Before requesting insurance documents, verify that the contractor holds a current, active license in the appropriate category for your project. Florida law ties insurance obligations directly to licensure status. An unlicensed individual cannot lawfully meet the state's insurance standards for contracting work.

Use these steps to check:

1. Visit the official DBPR license search at myfloridalicense.com.
2. Enter the contractor's name or license number.
3. Confirm the license is active, matches the work category (such as general, building, residential, or specialty), and shows no disciplinary actions.
4. Note the qualifying business name if the work involves a company.

This check protects you from individuals who may not carry required coverage or who operate outside legal requirements. Look for the license type and scope description on the search results page. For example, a general contractor license allows broad work, while a residential contractor license limits scope to certain residential projects. Confirm the status shows "Active" and review any notes on complaints or actions.

Requesting a Certificate of Insurance

Ask every contractor for a current certificate of insurance that lists the required liability and property damage limits. The certificate should name your project or property as the certificate holder when possible and show the policy effective dates.

Request the certificate directly from the contractor's insurance producer or carrier. Florida law requires insurers to verify certificates upon request for contractors, per s. 624.447, F.S..

Review the document for these details:

1. Policy number and insurer contact information.
2. Coverage types and limits matching or exceeding state minimums.
3. Expiration date that covers the entire project timeline.
4. Any exclusions that could affect your job, such as completed operations coverage.

Look for the certificate holder section to confirm your address or project appears. Check that the policy period overlaps all planned work dates, including any potential delays common in Florida due to weather.

Detailed Checklist for Reviewing the Certificate of Insurance

Use this checklist when examining the certificate:

• Insurer name, address, and phone number listed clearly.
• Policy number matches what the contractor provided.
• General liability limit meets or exceeds the category minimum ($300,000 for general or building contractors).
• Property damage limit meets or exceeds the category minimum ($50,000 for general or building contractors).
• Effective and expiration dates cover the full project schedule plus a buffer.
• Certificate holder field includes your name and property address.
• No obvious exclusions noted for residential work or Florida-specific risks.
• Additional insured endorsement mentioned if requested.
• Description of operations references your specific project or address.

Print or save a digital copy of every certificate received. Compare multiple versions if the contractor updates the document during the project. Red flags include mismatched policy numbers, limits below the required amounts for the license category, or expiration dates before the expected completion date.

Verifying Coverage with the Insurer

Do not rely solely on the certificate provided by the contractor. Contact the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and the limits apply to your project. Ask the insurer to send you a copy or confirmation directly.

This step helps protect against lapsed or misrepresented policies. Keep records of all communications and the certificate for your files. Call the insurer using the contact information on the certificate. Provide the policy number and ask for verbal or written confirmation of the coverage details and effective dates.

Document the date, time, and name of the representative you speak with. Request that confirmation be emailed or mailed to you for your records. Ask specifically whether the policy includes coverage for the type of work (for example, roofing or electrical) and whether your property is listed as an additional insured.

Workers' Compensation Coverage Requirements

Contractors must also maintain workers' compensation coverage or an exemption. For construction industry employers with one or more employees, coverage is required under Chapter 440, F.S. Homeowners can check subcontractor status through the Division of Workers' Compensation resources.

Construction trades in Florida generally require coverage when one or more employees (including certain owners) are involved. Contractors must ensure subcontractors carry proper coverage before work begins on your project. If a subcontractor lacks coverage, the general contractor may become responsible for benefits in case of injury.

Ask for proof such as a certificate of insurance for workers' compensation or a valid exemption certificate. Exemptions are available for qualifying business owners who meet ownership and other criteria through the Division of Workers' Compensation. Eligible applicants for exemptions typically include corporate officers or LLC members with at least 10 percent ownership, subject to limits on the number per entity.

Questions to Ask About Workers' Compensation and Exemptions

• Does your policy cover all employees and subcontractors on this job?
• Can you provide a current certificate of workers' compensation insurance?
• If claiming an exemption, can you show the official exemption certificate from the Division of Workers' Compensation?
• How do you verify coverage for any subcontractors you hire?
• Can you provide a screen print or confirmation from the Division of Workers' Compensation Proof of Coverage database?

These questions help confirm compliance before work starts. Contractors should obtain documentation from subcontractors such as the information page of their policy or a database confirmation prior to the start of work.

Additional Questions to Ask Contractors

• Does your policy include completed operations coverage for work after the job finishes?
• Are there any deductibles or exclusions relevant to residential work in Florida?
• Can you provide proof of workers' compensation coverage or a valid exemption for yourself and any subcontractors?
• Will you name me as an additional insured on the policy for this project?
• What is your process for confirming insurance on any subcontractors or suppliers?

Practical Steps for Homeowners: Full Process Checklist

Follow these steps in order:

1. Search and confirm the contractor's active license on the DBPR site.
2. Request a current certificate of insurance meeting minimum limits.
3. Review the certificate using the detailed checklist above.
4. Contact the insurer directly for verification.
5. Request proof of workers' compensation or exemption documentation.
6. Ask about additional insured status and completed operations coverage.
7. Include insurance requirements in the written contract.
8. Keep copies of all documents for the project duration and several years afterward.

Add a step to request confirmation from the Division of Workers' Compensation resources when subcontractors are involved on larger projects.

Why Insurance Matters for Homeowners

Proper general liability insurance protects both the contractor and you if property damage or injury occurs during the project. Without adequate coverage, you could face unexpected costs or delays.

Always obtain written contracts that reference the insurance requirements. Retain copies of all certificates and verification records throughout the project and for several years afterward.

Florida Home Network maintains a directory of licensed pros drawn from state records. Find a licensed pro to start your search with verified businesses. Florida Home Network lists 98,541 businesses built from DBPR license and Sunbiz records as of October 15, 2026.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Accepting an expired certificate or one with insufficient limits.
• Skipping verification calls to the insurer.
• Hiring unlicensed individuals who cannot meet insurance standards.
• Failing to check coverage for subcontractors on larger jobs.
• Overlooking workers' compensation documentation for all parties on the project.
• Ignoring whether the certificate names your property specifically or lists relevant additional insured status.

Review every document carefully and ask clarifying questions before work begins. This process supports smoother projects and clearer expectations.

For the most current details, always check the official DBPR and DFS websites directly, as requirements can be updated by rule or statute.