If you're running a roofing business in Florida, you already know the stakes are high. Between hurricane season, intense heat, and Florida's notoriously litigious environment, roofing contractors face some of the toughest working conditions in the country. That's why the state takes insurance requirements seriously—and why understanding them isn't optional, it's essential to staying in business.
Florida requires roofing contractors to carry multiple types of insurance before they can even get licensed. These aren't just bureaucratic hoops—they're protections that keep your business viable when accidents happen, lawsuits arise, or employees get injured. Let's break down exactly what you need, what it costs, and how to stay compliant without breaking the bank.
General Liability Insurance: Your First Line of Defense
Here's the baseline: Florida law requires roofing contractors to carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. You must provide proof of this coverage to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) before you can get your license approved or renewed.
But here's the reality check: those state minimums won't cut it for most real-world situations. Nearly all roofing contractors in Florida carry $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate coverage. Why? Because municipalities won't issue permits without it, commercial clients demand it in contracts, and Florida's high litigation rates mean a single lawsuit can easily exceed the state minimums.
Think of it this way: if a section of roof you installed collapses and injures someone, or if your crew accidentally damages a client's HVAC system during a tear-off, you're going to need robust coverage. The difference between $300,000 and $1,000,000 in coverage might add a few thousand dollars to your annual premium, but it could save your business from bankruptcy.
Workers' Compensation: Not Optional for Most Contractors
If you have even one employee—including yourself as a corporate officer or LLC member—you must carry workers' compensation insurance in Florida. Roofing falls squarely within the state's construction industry classification, which has some of the strictest workers' comp requirements.
There's an exemption option, but it comes with tight restrictions. To qualify, you must own at least 10% of your corporation or LLC, be registered and active with the Florida Department of State, and pay a $50 application fee. Only three officers per company can claim exemptions, and you must complete a workers' compensation compliance tutorial before applying. Here's the catch: if you elect exemption, you're not eligible to collect benefits if you get hurt on the job.
The good news for 2026: workers' compensation rates for roofing contractors dropped by 11.04% under classification code 5551. The bad news? Carriers increased their minimum premiums to $25,000 per employer. So while your rate decreased, you may not see dramatic savings if you're running a small crew. Still, for larger operations, that rate drop can translate to real money.
One critical warning: during emergency declarations like hurricanes, workers' comp exemptions have restricted validity. If you're doing manual labor while exempt during an emergency, you could face personal liability, OSHA violations, and catastrophic coverage gaps. Given Florida's hurricane frequency, this is not a theoretical risk.
Licensing Requirements: What You Need Beyond Insurance
Insurance is just part of the licensing equation. To get your certified roofing contractor license (the state-level CCC license that lets you work anywhere in Florida), you need four years of proven experience as a roofer or foreman, with at least one year in a supervisory role. If you have a four-year degree in building construction, engineering, or architecture, you can substitute up to three years of that experience requirement—but you still need that one year of hands-on supervisory work.
You'll also need to pass two exams: the Business and Finance exam (120 questions, 6.5 hours) and the Roofing Trade Knowledge exam (80 questions, 5 hours). Both are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Application fees typically range from $145 to $245 depending on where you are in Florida's biennial licensing cycle, and you must complete mandatory fingerprinting and a background check through FDLE-approved services.
Once licensed, you're required to complete 14 hours of continuing education annually, including specialized modules on workplace safety, workers' compensation, business practices, building code, laws and rules, and—specific to roofing contractors—wind mitigation methodology. This last requirement reflects Florida's ongoing battle with hurricane damage and the critical role proper roofing plays in structural resilience.
What It Actually Costs and How to Stay Compliant
Roofing contractors in Florida typically pay between $15,000 and $35,000 annually for their full insurance package. That includes general liability, workers' compensation, and sometimes additional coverages like commercial auto or inland marine for tools and equipment. Your specific cost depends on your claims history, number of employees, annual revenue, and the types of roofing work you do (residential vs. commercial, shingle vs. metal vs. flat roofing).
Compliance isn't a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Any lapse in your insurance coverage—even a day—can trigger immediate license suspension. You'll need to maintain continuous proof of coverage and notify the DBPR immediately if you change carriers or policies. Many contractors work with specialized insurance agents who understand construction industry requirements and can help manage renewals and compliance documentation.
Your insurance certificates must be submitted to DBPR before license approval or renewal. Keep digital copies of all certificates, renewal notices, and correspondence with your insurer. When bidding on jobs, you'll need to provide certificates of insurance to clients, often with them listed as additional insureds. Building that cost into your job estimates ensures you're not eating the expense.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
If you're starting a roofing business in Florida or need to get your insurance in order, begin by contacting insurance agents who specialize in contractor coverage. Get quotes from multiple carriers—rates can vary significantly, and some specialize in high-risk construction trades while others don't. Make sure any quotes you get include the $1,000,000/$2,000,000 general liability limits, not just the state minimums.
For workers' compensation, decide whether to carry coverage or pursue an exemption. If you're a solo operator who plans to stay that way, exemption makes sense. But if you're growing or hiring, full coverage protects both you and your team. Don't wait until you have an injury to wish you'd made a different choice.
Finally, treat your insurance as a business asset, not just a regulatory burden. The right coverage protects your livelihood, helps you win bigger contracts, and gives you peace of mind when you're 30 feet up on a roof in July. Florida's roofing market is competitive and demanding, but contractors who get their insurance and licensing right position themselves to build sustainable, profitable businesses that weather both literal and financial storms.
