Ghost Policy for HVAC Contractors
Florida Workers Comp
As a hvac 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 HVAC Contractors in Florida
HVAC ghost policies are among the most affordable in the construction trades.
The NCCI class code for hvac contractors in Florida is 5537, with a base rate of approximately $3.00 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 hvac 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.
Ghost Policy FAQs — HVAC Contractors
What class code is used for an HVAC ghost policy in Florida?
Florida HVAC contractor ghost policies are written under NCCI class code 5537 (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning). The base rate is $3.00 per $100 of payroll — one of the most affordable rates in the construction trades. Annual ghost policy cost is typically $800–$1,200.
Do Florida HVAC contractors need a ghost policy to get licensed?
Yes. The Florida DBPR requires HVAC contractors to show proof of workers comp coverage or a valid owner exemption for license issuance and renewal. A ghost policy is the standard solution for sole proprietors who need a COI without employees.
Can an HVAC corporate officer file an exemption instead of a ghost policy?
Yes. HVAC contractors can file a corporate officer exemption (Form DWC-250-R). However, an exemption does not produce a COI. If your GC or licensing board requires a certificate of insurance, you need a ghost policy.
Why are HVAC ghost policies cheaper than roofing ghost policies in Florida?
HVAC work is classified as a lower injury risk than roofing. HVAC contractors work primarily indoors or at ground level, while roofers work at height with significantly higher fall risk. The NCCI class code rate for HVAC ($3.00 per $100) is less than half the roofing rate ($6.752 per $100), which directly translates to lower ghost policy premiums.
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.
Get Your Ghost Policy COI Today
Most ghost policies bind within 24–48 hours. Call Bright Coast Insurance or request a quote online.