Fort Myers contractors insurance from a Florida-rooted agency

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida really require workers' compensation for a contractor with just one employee?
  Yes. Florida mandates workers' compensation coverage for construction class codes at one or more employees — there is no small-employer exemption in the construction industry. This applies to general contractors and specialty trades alike operating anywhere in Lee County. Corporate officers can elect to exempt themselves, but that exemption does not cover the workers they supervise. Any Fort Myers contractor adding even a single crew member should verify their WC policy is active and properly classified before that employee starts work.
• Why do roofing and exterior trades face tighter insurance markets in the Fort Myers area?
  Southwest Florida's direct Gulf exposure and the volume of Hurricane Ian damage claims have made carriers more selective about roofing, siding, and exterior-envelope trades in Lee County. Some markets require documentation of hurricane-mitigation practices, tighter loss-run history, and in some cases restrict new business altogether for certain roofing classifications. Because Ellie accesses more than 100 carrier markets, we can identify which markets remain open for Fort Myers roofing contractors and what underwriting documentation will produce the most competitive terms.
• What coverage does a specialty trade contractor working in Gateway or the Colonial corridor typically need?
  Contractors in Gateway's distribution and light-industrial submarket commonly need general liability structured for commercial project work, workers' compensation covering their specific trade classification, commercial auto for trucks and trailers moving between jobsites, and inland marine — often called contractors' equipment coverage — for tools and materials. If the trade involves subcontracting any portion of a project, the GC above them will require certificate proof of each of these lines before issuing a purchase order or allowing site access under Lee County's active development pipeline.
• What insurance do contractors need in Fort Myers?
  General contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades — roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and more. A typical Fort Myers program combines several of these coverages based on the operation, contracts, and exposures.
• How much does contractor insurance cost in Fort Myers?
  Cost depends on the size of the operation, payroll or revenue, vehicles, prior claims, and Florida-specific factors. Florida requires workers' comp for construction at a single employee, and GCs must verify every sub's coverage before work begins or absorb the exposure on their own policy. An Instant Quote across 100+ markets is the most accurate way to know.
• What's different about insuring contractors in Florida?
  Florida requires workers' comp for construction at a single employee, and GCs must verify every sub's coverage before work begins or absorb the exposure on their own policy.
• Can Ellie Insurance Group shop contractor insurance for my Fort Myers operation?
  Yes. As an independent agency we shop 100+ carrier markets for contractor insurance, including specialty markets for harder-to-place contractors. Fort Myers is part of our core Florida service area.