Commercial Trucking Insurance — Florida
Semi Truck Insurance
18-Wheeler & Tractor-Trailer Coverage
Semi trucks and 18-wheelers operating in Florida face some of the highest insurance requirements in the country. Florida's dense highway network — I-95, I-75, I-4, and the Florida Turnpike — carries enormous freight volume, and the liability exposure on a loaded 80,000-lb tractor-trailer is substantial. Whether you're an owner-operator running your own authority or a small fleet, Bright Coast Insurance works with carriers that specialize in Florida tractor-trailer coverage.
Estimated Annual Cost
$12,000 – $22,000
per year, per truck
Semi truck insurance in Florida averages $12,000–$22,000/year for owner-operators with their own authority. Leased owner-operators (operating under a carrier's authority) pay less — typically $3,000–$8,000/year for bobtail and occupational accident coverage. Rates vary significantly by commodity, radius, and driver history.
FMCSA Minimum Liability
$750,000
combined single limit (CSL)
FMCSA requires $750,000 primary liability for non-hazardous dry freight. Hazardous materials require $1,000,000–$5,000,000 depending on the commodity. Florida also requires a BMC-91X filing (MCS-90 endorsement) for all interstate carriers.
Coverage
What Does Your Policy Cover?
Every policy is tailored to your truck type, operating radius, and cargo requirements.
Florida Market
Florida is the third-largest trucking state in the US by registered carriers. The Port of Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Tampa Bay generate significant drayage and intermodal freight movement, making South Florida one of the most active semi truck insurance markets in the country.
Workers' Comp for Your Drivers
NCCI Class Code 7229
Long-distance semi truck drivers fall under NCCI Class Code 7229 (Trucking: Long Distance Hauling). The Florida rate for Code 7229 is approximately $7.18 per $100 of payroll, reflecting the elevated injury risk of long-haul operations.
View Class Code 7229 — Florida RatesFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does semi truck insurance cost in Florida?
Semi truck insurance in Florida costs $12,000–$22,000/year for owner-operators running their own authority with a clean record. New authorities pay the most — often $18,000–$25,000/year for the first two years. Leased owner-operators operating under a carrier's authority typically pay $3,000–$8,000/year for bobtail and occupational accident coverage. Factors that affect your rate include your driving record, years in business, commodity hauled, operating radius, and whether you have a new or established authority.
What is bobtail insurance and do I need it?
Bobtail insurance (also called non-trucking liability) covers your tractor when you're driving without a trailer — for example, after dropping a load and before picking up the next one. Your primary trucking policy only covers you when you're under dispatch. Bobtail coverage fills the gap when you're operating the truck for personal use or between loads. Most leased owner-operators are required by their motor carrier to carry bobtail coverage.
What is the MCS-90 endorsement and is it required in Florida?
The MCS-90 endorsement is a federally mandated endorsement attached to the primary liability policy of all interstate motor carriers. It guarantees that the insurer will pay claims up to the minimum federal liability limits even if the carrier would otherwise be excluded from coverage. All Florida carriers operating in interstate commerce must have the MCS-90 (also filed as BMC-91X with FMCSA). It is not required for intrastate-only operations.
Can I get semi truck insurance with one truck and a new authority?
Yes. Bright Coast Insurance works with specialty carriers that write single-truck new authority policies in Florida. Expect to pay $18,000–$25,000/year for the first 1–2 years. After establishing a loss history, your rates will drop significantly at renewal. We can also help you with the FMCSA registration process, BMC-91X filing, and cargo coverage requirements.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Speak with a Florida trucking insurance specialist today. We cover all commercial truck types throughout Florida.