If you're running a painting business in Florida, you might be surprised to learn that the Sunshine State doesn't actually require painters to have a specific painting license. But here's the catch—that doesn't mean you can skip insurance and licensing altogether. Depending on your project size and whether you hire employees, Florida has specific insurance requirements that could impact your business in a big way. Let's break down what you actually need to know.
Do You Need a License to Paint in Florida?
Here's where Florida gets a little quirky. Thanks to Florida Statute 489.117 and legislation passed in 2021, local governments can no longer require painters to hold specialty contractor licenses. Painting is explicitly listed as a trade that doesn't require state-level regulation. So if you're doing small residential jobs under $500, you can generally work without a contractor license.
But once your projects total $500 or more, you'll need to get a general contractor license through Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). There are two types: a Certified license that lets you work anywhere in Florida, and a Registered license that restricts you to specific jurisdictions. To qualify, you need to be at least 18 years old, have four years of painting experience or training, demonstrate financial stability, and pass a three-part exam covering business, finance, project management, and contract administration.
And here's the kicker: before DBPR will issue that license, you must show proof of insurance. That's where things get serious.
General Liability Insurance: Your First Line of Defense
General liability insurance is what protects you when accidents happen on the job. A client trips over your paint can and breaks their ankle. You accidentally splash paint on their expensive hardwood floors. Your ladder damages a client's siding. Without general liability coverage, you're personally on the hook for these costs—and they can add up fast.
Florida requires general contractors to carry minimum coverage of $300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. If you're classified as "all other contractors" (which might apply to smaller painting operations), the minimums drop to $100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. But honestly? Those state minimums are rarely enough.
Most commercial clients and even many homeowners will require you to carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. The good news? Painting contractors enjoy some of the lowest insurance premiums in the construction industry. The average Florida painting contractor pays around $80 per month for that standard $1 million/$2 million policy—substantially less than what roofers or electricians pay. You're considered a lower-risk trade, and insurance companies price accordingly.
Workers' Compensation: The Employee Rule
This is where Florida gets strict. In the construction industry—which includes painting—if you have even one employee, you must carry workers' compensation insurance. Not part-time employees. Not seasonal helpers. One person working for you, and you're required to have coverage.
The rule extends to business owners too. If you're incorporated or operate as an LLC, both corporate officers and LLC members are considered employees and must be covered. However, there's an exemption available if you meet certain criteria: you must own at least 10% of the company, be listed as an officer with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, and your company must be active and in good standing. Only three officers per corporation or affiliated group can exempt themselves, and the exemption costs $50 and must be renewed every two years.
Here's an important note: if you're a sole proprietor or partner, you cannot exempt yourself. Florida law automatically includes you in workers' compensation coverage. And as of January 2023, anyone applying for a workers' comp exemption must complete an online tutorial about coverage and compliance before submitting their application.
Before you rush to exempt yourself to save money, consider this: if you're exempt and you fall off a ladder or suffer a serious injury on the job, you won't receive workers' comp benefits. No medical coverage. No lost wage replacement. You'll be paying out of pocket or relying on your personal health insurance. For many painting contractors, keeping workers' comp coverage—even as an owner—is the safer bet.
Maintaining Your License and Insurance
Florida contractor licenses aren't set-it-and-forget-it. They expire every two years on August 31st of even-numbered years—so mark your calendar for 2026, 2028, and beyond. To renew, you'll need to complete 14 hours of approved continuing education. These courses cover updates to building codes, safety regulations, and business practices that affect contractors.
Your insurance needs to stay current too. If your general liability or workers' comp coverage lapses, you're not just risking your business—you're violating state requirements. The DBPR can suspend or revoke your contractor license if you fail to maintain proper insurance. And if you're caught working without required coverage, you could face fines and legal consequences.
What About Contract Requirements?
State minimums are one thing. Client contracts are another. If you're bidding on commercial projects, working with property management companies, or even painting for savvy homeowners, expect them to ask for proof of insurance—and not just the bare minimum. Most commercial contracts require $1 million in general liability coverage, and many also want to be listed as additional insureds on your policy.
Some clients will also require you to provide a certificate of insurance before work begins. This is a document from your insurance company proving you have active coverage. It's smart to have a relationship with an insurance agent who can quickly issue certificates when you land new jobs—delayed paperwork can cost you contracts.
Getting Started with Insurance and Licensing
Second, shop for insurance before you apply for your license—you'll need proof of coverage to complete the licensing process. Talk to insurance agents who specialize in contractor coverage. They understand the specific risks painting contractors face and can help you get appropriate coverage at competitive rates. Don't just grab the cheapest policy; make sure it actually covers the work you do and meets both state requirements and typical client contract demands.
Third, if you hire employees, set up workers' compensation coverage immediately. Even if you're bringing on your first helper for a busy season, you're legally required to have coverage in place. And if you're operating as a corporation or LLC, decide whether exempting yourself makes financial and safety sense for your situation.
Running a painting business in Florida means understanding these insurance and licensing requirements isn't optional—it's essential. The good news is that once you have the right coverage in place, you can bid confidently on bigger jobs, hire help when you need it, and protect yourself from the financial disasters that can sink uninsured contractors. Get your insurance and licensing squared away, and you'll be set up to grow your business the right way.
