Miami contractors insurance from a Florida-rooted agency

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida really require workers' compensation for a one-person construction operation in Miami-Dade?
  Yes. Florida mandates workers' compensation coverage for construction businesses at a single employee, which is a lower threshold than most states. That rule applies to sole proprietors who have employees, as well as corporate officers who have not elected to exempt themselves through the state's exemption process. Contractors working on projects in Miami-Dade — whether in Hialeah, Kendall, or along Brickell's high-rise corridor — should confirm their workers' comp status before entering into any subcontract or GMP agreement, as non-compliance can trigger licensing and coverage issues.
• What does general liability actually cover for a contractor working in Miami?
  General liability responds to third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your work — a subcontractor crew damaging an adjacent unit during a Miami Beach renovation, for example, or a visitor injured at a Wynwood buildout site. It also covers completed-operations exposure, which matters in a high-litigation county like Miami-Dade where post-completion claims are common. Most general contractors, construction managers, and property owners in South Florida require certificate holders to be listed and will specify minimum limits in the subcontract before any trade work begins.
• How do Miami-Dade's wind and flood designations affect contractors' equipment and inland marine coverage?
  Equipment and tools left on Miami-Dade jobsites face elevated exposure from named storms, tropical weather, and the flooding that affects coastal and low-elevation areas throughout the county — including active construction zones in Doral, West Dade, and along the waterfront. Inland marine policies covering contractors' equipment vary widely in how they handle named-storm and flood sub-limits, and some carriers apply restrictions in high-wind coastal zones. Getting that language reviewed before storm season — rather than after a loss — is especially important for contractors with significant equipment values on South Florida jobsites.
• What insurance do contractors need in Miami?
  General contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades — roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and more. A typical Miami program combines several of these coverages based on the operation, contracts, and exposures.
• How much does contractor insurance cost in Miami?
  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 Miami operation?
  Yes. As an independent agency we shop 100+ carrier markets for contractor insurance, including specialty markets for harder-to-place contractors. Miami is part of our core Florida service area.