Lakeland contractors insurance from a Florida-rooted agency

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida really require workers' comp for a one-person construction crew in Polk County?
  Yes. Florida mandates workers' compensation coverage for construction class codes at a single employee, which is stricter than most other states. This applies whether you are operating out of South Lakeland, the I-4 corridor, or Winter Haven. Sole proprietors may be able to elect an exemption, but once any employee is on payroll, coverage is required. Florida licensing boards and most general contractors will ask for a certificate before work begins, so having the policy in place is a prerequisite to getting hired on most commercial and residential projects in Polk County.
• What happens if I subcontract work and my sub does not carry general liability?
  In Lakeland's active construction market, GCs are routinely required to verify every subcontractor's coverage before that sub sets foot on a job site. If a sub's policy lapses or was never in force, the exposure can roll up to the GC's own general liability or workers' comp policy — increasing your premium and your risk. Florida holds GCs responsible for confirming sub coverage, not just requesting a certificate. Ellie can help you understand how your current program handles subcontractor gaps and whether additional endorsements make sense for the type of work you are managing across Polk County.
• Do I need contractors' equipment coverage for tools stored on an I-4 corridor job site?
  Standard general liability does not cover your tools, equipment, or materials while they are staged on a job site, in transit, or stored overnight on a trailer. Inland marine contractors' equipment coverage fills that gap, and it is particularly relevant for Lakeland trades working along the I-4 corridor or on large South Lakeland commercial sites where equipment moves frequently between locations. Coverage is typically written on a scheduled or blanket basis depending on the value of your inventory. Kevin Smith can walk through what an inland marine program would cover relative to the specific equipment and job sites your crew operates.
• What insurance do contractors need in Lakeland?
  General contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades — roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and more. A typical Lakeland program combines several of these coverages based on the operation, contracts, and exposures.
• How much does contractor insurance cost in Lakeland?
  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 Lakeland operation?
  Yes. As an independent agency we shop 100+ carrier markets for contractor insurance, including specialty markets for harder-to-place contractors. Lakeland is part of our core Florida service area.