Certificate of Insurance
for General Contractors
Everything Florida general contractors need to know about COI requirements, coverage limits, endorsements, and how to get a certificate fast.
What's on a Florida Contractor COI?
A standard ACORD 25 certificate of insurance includes your policy details for each coverage line. Florida contractors typically need to show the following on their COI:
COI Requirements for General Contractors in Florida
Required — must cover all subs without their own coverage
$1M / $2M minimum; large projects often require $5M+
GCs must collect and verify COIs from every subcontractor before work begins.
COI Requirements by Florida County
County-specific requirements for contractor certificates of insurance in Florida.
Miami-Dade County
Workers comp required for all construction; GL $1M min; licensed contractors must maintain COI on file with county
Broward County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M standard; additional insured required for county projects
Palm Beach County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; waiver of subrogation required for county contracts
Hillsborough County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; county projects require $5M umbrella
Lee County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; Lee County requires COI on file for all licensed contractors
Collier County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; Collier County projects often require $5M aggregate
Sarasota County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; Sarasota County requires additional insured endorsement for public works
Charlotte County
Workers comp required; GL $1M / $2M; Charlotte County follows standard Florida contractor requirements
What Is a Workers Comp Certificate of Insurance?
A workers comp certificate of insurance is a one-page ACORD 25 document that proves a contractor carries active workers' compensation coverage. General contractors, property owners, and Florida licensing boards require it before allowing work to begin on any project.
What a WC Certificate Shows
- Carrier name and NAIC number
- Policy number
- Effective and expiration dates
- Employer's liability limits (typically $100K / $500K / $100K)
- States where coverage applies
Who Requests a WC Certificate
- General contractors before a sub starts work
- Property owners and developers
- Florida DBPR for contractor licensing
- County building departments
- OCIP / CCIP program administrators
COI FAQs — General Contractors
What insurance does a Florida general contractor need on their COI?
Florida general contractors typically need workers comp (must cover all employees and any subs without their own coverage), general liability at $1M / $2M minimum (often $5M+ for large projects), commercial auto, and sometimes a commercial umbrella. GCs must also collect and verify COIs from every subcontractor.
What is a GC's obligation if a subcontractor doesn't have workers comp in Florida?
Under Florida's statutory employer doctrine, a general contractor may be liable for workers comp benefits for an uninsured subcontractor's employees. This is why Florida GCs require COIs from every sub before work begins. If a sub's coverage lapses mid-project, the GC must stop that sub's work until coverage is reinstated.
What GL limits do Florida general contractors need?
Standard GL limits for Florida GCs are $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Large commercial projects, government contracts, and developer-required projects often require $5M or more. A commercial umbrella policy is the most cost-effective way to reach higher limits.
How quickly can a Florida general contractor get a COI?
Bright Coast Insurance can typically bind GC coverage and issue a COI within 24–48 hours. For urgent bid deadlines or project start dates, call us directly — we can often expedite same-day.
What is a certificate of insurance (COI) in Florida?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that summarizes your insurance coverage — policy numbers, coverage types, limits, and effective dates. In Florida, contractors are required to provide COIs to general contractors, property owners, and licensing boards before starting work. A COI is not a policy; it is evidence that a policy exists.
What insurance is required on a Florida COI for contractors?
Most Florida general contractors and job sites require workers compensation insurance and general liability insurance at minimum. Commercial auto is often required if you use vehicles on the job. Some projects require additional insured endorsements, umbrella/excess liability, or specific coverage limits (e.g., $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate).
How quickly can I get a COI in Florida?
With Bright Coast Insurance, most COIs are issued within 24–48 hours of binding coverage. For existing clients, we can issue a COI the same day via email. Rush COIs for urgent job starts are available — call us directly.
Need a COI Today?
Bright Coast Insurance issues certificates of insurance within 24–48 hours for new clients. Existing clients get same-day COIs on request.