Florida Contractor Insurance
Florida Roofing Contractor Insurance
Roofing is one of the most expensive trades to insure in Florida. Here is what you need, what it costs, and how to keep your premiums as low as possible.
What Insurance Does a Florida Roofing Contractor Need?
The Florida CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) license requires specific minimum coverage. Most GCs and commercial property owners require higher limits.
General Liability
Covers property damage and bodily injury from your roofing work. GL audits are common — Bright Coast helps you prepare.
Workers' Compensation
Required for all employees and uninsured subcontractors. FWCJUA available for declined accounts.
Commercial Auto
Personal auto excludes business use. Required for any vehicle used to haul materials or travel to job sites.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Florida Roofers
Florida workers' compensation rates for roofing are among the highest in the state. The 2026 NCCI advisory rates for roofing-related class codes:
| Class Code | Description | 2026 Rate (per $100 payroll) | Example: $500K Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5551 | Roofing Contractors (all types) | $6.752 | $33,760 |
| 5552 | Roofing — Metal Roofs | $6.752 | $33,760 |
| 5553 | Roofing — Shingles / Composition | $6.752 | $33,760 |
| 5645 | Carpentry (residential framing) | $7.689 | $38,445 |
| 5190 | Electrical Contractors | $2.969 | $14,845 |
| 5183 | Plumbing Contractors | $2.737 | $13,685 |
* 2026 NCCI advisory rates. Actual premiums vary by experience modification factor (EMR), carrier, and policy terms. Rates shown are before EMR adjustment.
The Roofing Audit Problem — and How to Fight It
Roofing contractors are audited more aggressively than almost any other trade. Auditors frequently reclassify work to higher-rated codes, include subcontractor payroll that should be excluded, and calculate premiums on gross revenue instead of net. A $12,000–$50,000 surprise audit bill is not uncommon.
What you can do: Keep detailed records of all subcontractor certificates of insurance, separate payroll by class code, and document all materials costs separately from labor. If you receive an audit bill you believe is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does a Florida roofing contractor need?
Florida roofing contractors need at minimum: (1) General Liability insurance — required for the CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) license with minimum $300,000 per occurrence; (2) Workers' Compensation insurance — required for all roofing contractors with one or more employees, including subcontractors; (3) Commercial Auto insurance if using vehicles for work. Most GCs and property managers also require $1,000,000 GL and $1,000,000 WC limits for roofing subcontractors.
How much does roofing contractor insurance cost in Florida?
Florida roofing contractor insurance costs vary significantly by payroll, revenue, and loss history. General liability for a roofing contractor typically runs $8,000–$25,000 per year for $1M/$2M limits on $500K in revenue. Workers' compensation for roofers (class code 5551) runs approximately $6.752 per $100 of payroll at the 2026 NCCI advisory rate — meaning a contractor with $500,000 in payroll would pay approximately $33,760 per year before experience modification. Bright Coast Insurance quotes multiple carriers to find the most competitive rate.
Why is roofing insurance so expensive in Florida?
Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in Florida for two reasons: (1) fall risk — roofing has one of the highest workers' compensation claim rates of any trade, driving WC rates to among the highest in the state; (2) hurricane exposure — roofing contractors work on properties during and after hurricane season, and GL claims from improper installation or water intrusion are common. Florida's litigation environment also increases claim costs compared to other states.
Can I get roofing insurance if I've been declined?
Yes. Bright Coast Insurance works with surplus lines carriers and the Florida Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association (FWCJUA) for roofing contractors who have been declined by standard market carriers. The FWCJUA is Florida's insurer of last resort and is required by law to cover any Florida employer who meets the eligibility criteria. We also work with admitted carriers that specialize in high-risk trades.
Do I need workers' comp for my roofing subcontractors in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires roofing contractors to carry workers' compensation for all employees and subcontractors unless the subcontractor has their own WC policy. If you hire a roofing subcontractor who does not have their own WC policy, their payroll will be included in your audit and you will be charged for it. Always obtain certificates of insurance from every subcontractor before they start work.
What is an audit for roofing contractor insurance?
General liability and workers' compensation policies for roofing contractors are typically issued on an estimated payroll or revenue basis, then audited at the end of the policy year. If your actual payroll or revenue was higher than estimated, you owe additional premium. If lower, you receive a refund. Roofing contractors are audited more frequently than most trades due to the high premium volume. Bright Coast Insurance helps clients prepare for audits and dispute incorrect audit findings.
Related Coverage & Resources
Get a Florida Roofing Insurance Quote
Bright Coast Insurance quotes roofing GL and workers' comp from multiple admitted and surplus lines carriers — including hard-to-place accounts and FWCJUA applications.