Updated April 2026 · Florida Plan Finder · Licensed Florida Health Insurance Producer

Florida Subcontractor Insurance Requirements: What GCs Demand in 2026

Florida general contractors and project owners routinely require subcontractors to carry specific insurance and provide certificates of insurance (COIs) before beginning work. Failing to meet these requirements costs subs the job — or worse, leaves them personally liable for claims that a proper policy would have covered. Here's exactly what Florida subcontractors need and why.

Standard GC Insurance Requirements for Subs

Florida general contractors typically require subcontractors to carry: (1) Commercial GL — minimum $1M/$2M, with the GC named as additional insured; (2) Workers compensation — per Florida law, covering all employees and some officers; (3) Commercial auto — for vehicles used on-site; (4) Umbrella/excess — $1M–$5M over primary GL, required on larger projects. The COI must be received and verified before the sub starts work. GC contracts often specify exact limits and endorsements required.

Additional Insured Requirements

Most GC contracts require subcontractors to name the general contractor as an 'additional insured' on the sub's GL policy. Additional insured status means the GC is covered under the sub's GL policy for claims arising from the sub's work. There are two forms: 'ongoing operations' (covering while work is in progress) and 'completed operations' (covering after the job is done). Completed operations AI is increasingly required and extends protection for years after project completion — ensure your GL policy includes both.

Workers Comp for Construction Subs in Florida

Florida's construction workers comp rules are strict. Under §440.02, any person working on a construction project is presumed to be an employee unless they have a valid workers comp exemption certificate (available only to corporate officers, LLC members, and sole proprietors in certain circumstances). GCs who hire uninsured subs assume the workers comp liability for those subs' workers. Maintain a current workers comp policy — or a valid exemption certificate — and ensure your COI is current before any project start.

Certificate of Insurance Management

A Certificate of Insurance (COI — typically an ACORD 25) is a snapshot of your coverage at a point in time. It does not guarantee coverage beyond the listed dates and is not legally binding on the insurer. GCs often require: (1) 30-day notice of cancellation endorsement; (2) The GC's name and address on the certificate; (3) Policy numbers and limits visible on the face. Maintain an updated COI and promptly notify your broker when coverage changes, so COIs in circulation don't become inaccurate.

Waiver of Subrogation

Many GC contracts require subcontractors to waive subrogation rights against the GC. A waiver of subrogation means your insurer cannot recover from the GC after paying your claim — even if the GC was partly at fault. This endorsement must be added to your GL and workers comp policies before the contract is signed; you cannot retroactively add it. Request waiver of subrogation endorsements at policy inception if you regularly work for GCs.