Florida workers’ comp and subcontractor insurance requirements
What general contractors, property managers and other businesses hiring subcontractors in Florida need to know: who has to carry workers’ comp, when you’re on the hook for an uninsured sub, and what to collect before work starts.
Florida at a glance
| Who must carry workers’ comp | Non-construction employers with 4 or more employees. |
|---|---|
| Construction | Construction employers must carry coverage with 1 or more employees. Corporate officers of construction businesses can elect an exemption (limited to a few officers with an ownership stake) through the Division of Workers’ Compensation. |
| Where coverage comes from | Private insurers, plus self-insurance where approved |
| Regulator | Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation |
Are you liable for an uninsured sub in Florida?
A contractor is liable for workers’ comp for its subcontractors’ employees unless the subcontractor has secured coverage (Fla. Stat. § 440.10).
Separately, your own workers’ comp premium auditor may charge you for an uninsured sub’s payroll. Collecting a current certificate for every sub is the simplest protection. See workers’ comp audits and uninsured subcontractors, or estimate the cost with the workers’ comp audit calculator.
Florida-specific things to know
- Verify a construction sub’s coverage or officer exemption on the Division of Workers’ Compensation proof of coverage database.
What to collect from subcontractors in Florida
- A certificate of insurance, usually an ACORD 25, showing GL, auto, umbrella and workers’ comp.
- Exemption paperwork for sole proprietors or officers who claim they don’t need workers’ comp under Florida rules.
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements for higher-risk trades. See waiver of subrogation on workers’ comp.
- A renewal certificate before each policy expires. See COI expiration.
Common contract minimums
These aren’t set by Florida law. They’re typical subcontract requirements that you can adjust by trade and project size.
| Coverage | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured, primary and non-contributory |
| Auto liability | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1M–$5M+, by trade risk and project size |
| Workers’ comp / employers’ liability | Statutory / $500K–$1M each, waiver of subrogation |
Generate requirements by trade with the subcontractor insurance requirements generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers’ comp required in Florida?
Non-construction employers with 4 or more employees. Construction employers must carry coverage with 1 or more employees. Corporate officers of construction businesses can elect an exemption (limited to a few officers with an ownership stake) through the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Confirm details with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Is a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor in Florida?
A contractor is liable for workers’ comp for its subcontractors’ employees unless the subcontractor has secured coverage (Fla. Stat. § 440.10).
What insurance should I require from subcontractors in Florida?
State law sets workers’ comp rules; your contract sets everything else. Common minimums are general liability of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate, auto liability of $1M, workers’ comp with employers’ liability of $500K–$1M, and additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation or a licensed professional.
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