Ghost Policy for Framers / Framing Contractors
Florida Workers Comp
As a framers / framing contractors in Florida, you need a workers comp certificate of insurance to get licensed and work for general contractors — even if you have no employees. A ghost policy gives you exactly that.
What Is a Workers Comp Ghost Policy?
A ghost policy is a workers compensation insurance policy for a Florida sole proprietor or owner-operator who has no employees. The business owner files an exclusion from coverage (using Florida Form DWC-251), which means the policy technically covers no one — hence the name "ghost."
The policy exists for one purpose: to generate a certificate of insurance (COI). Florida contractors need a COI to obtain or renew their contractor's license, work on job sites managed by general contractors, and bid on commercial or government projects.
Without a ghost policy, a sole proprietor cannot get a COI, which effectively locks them out of most commercial work in Florida.
Ghost Policy IS Right For You If:
- • You are a sole proprietor or single-member LLC
- • You have no employees (you do all the work yourself)
- • You need a COI to get licensed or work for a GC
- • You occasionally use subcontractors (not employees)
- • You want the lowest possible workers comp cost
Ghost Policy is NOT Right For You If:
- • You have any W-2 employees
- • You use workers who are not licensed/insured subs
- • You want personal coverage for your own injuries
- • You are growing and plan to hire soon
- • Your GC requires coverage for all workers on site
Ghost Policy for Framers / Framing Contractors in Florida
Framing contractors are classified under residential or commercial codes. Ghost policies are widely available.
The NCCI class code for framers / framing contractors in Florida is 5645, with a base rate of approximately ~$12–$16 per $100 of payroll. For a ghost policy with no payroll, you pay the carrier's minimum premium — typically $800–$1,500 per year.
Bright Coast Insurance works with multiple carriers that offer ghost policies for framers / framing contractors. We can typically bind coverage and issue a COI within 24–48 hours.
How to Get a Ghost Policy in Florida
Contact Bright Coast Insurance
Call us or submit a quote request. We'll confirm your trade, business structure, and licensing requirements.
Complete the Application
We'll gather basic business information and file the owner exclusion form (DWC-251) with the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation.
Receive Your COI
Once bound, we issue your certificate of insurance — typically within 24–48 hours. We can send it directly to your GC or licensing board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ghost policy for workers comp in Florida?
A ghost policy (also called a sole proprietor workers comp policy) is a workers compensation policy that covers a business owner who has no employees. The owner is excluded from coverage, so the policy has no payroll and costs very little — typically $800–$1,500 per year. It exists solely to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) that satisfies contractor licensing and job site requirements.
Who needs a ghost policy in Florida?
Florida sole proprietors and single-member LLCs in the construction industry often need a ghost policy to obtain a contractor's license, bid on jobs, or work on job sites that require proof of workers comp coverage. Without a ghost policy, you cannot get a COI, which means you cannot work for most general contractors or government projects.
Is a ghost policy legal in Florida?
Yes. Ghost policies are legal in Florida and widely used by sole proprietors and owner-operators in the construction trades. The business owner files an exclusion form (DWC-251) with the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation, which removes them from coverage. The policy is then technically a zero-payroll policy that satisfies the legal requirement to carry workers comp.
How much does a ghost policy cost in Florida?
Florida ghost policies typically cost between $800 and $1,500 per year, depending on the trade and carrier. High-risk trades like roofing may cost more. The premium is low because there is no payroll — the owner is excluded from coverage. Some carriers charge a flat minimum premium regardless of trade.
What is the difference between a ghost policy and a regular workers comp policy?
A regular workers comp policy covers employees and the business owner (if included) for work-related injuries. A ghost policy covers no one — the owner is excluded, and there are no employees. The ghost policy exists only to satisfy certificate of insurance requirements. If you hire employees, you must convert to a standard policy immediately.
Can I add employees to a ghost policy in Florida?
No. If you hire employees — even one — you must notify your carrier immediately and convert to a standard workers comp policy. Continuing to operate under a ghost policy with employees is insurance fraud and violates Florida Statute 440. The carrier will conduct an audit and you may face policy cancellation, fines, and personal liability for any employee injuries.
Which Florida carriers offer ghost policies?
Several carriers offer ghost policies in Florida, including Employers Holdings, AmTrust, and select specialty markets. Availability depends on your trade. Roofing contractors may have fewer options due to the high-risk classification. An independent agent can shop multiple carriers to find the best rate for your trade.
Get Your Ghost Policy COI Today
Most ghost policies bind within 24–48 hours. Call Bright Coast Insurance or request a quote online.