St. Petersburg contractors insurance from a Florida-rooted agency

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Florida really require workers' compensation for a one-person construction company in St. Petersburg?
  Yes. Florida mandates workers' compensation coverage for construction businesses at a single employee, which includes the owner in most classification scenarios. This applies whether you are framing a residential addition in Gulfport or running conduit in a Gateway office building. Sole proprietors can apply for an exemption, but the exemption has strict limits and does not extend to employees you add later. Any contractor working on permitted jobs in Pinellas County should confirm their classification and coverage status before pulling the first permit.
• What general liability limits do St. Petersburg general contractors and subcontractors typically need?
  Most general contractors and project owners in the Tampa Bay area — including those managing Downtown St. Pete commercial projects and Pinellas Park industrial work — require subcontractors to carry at minimum a one-million-dollar per-occurrence general liability limit with a two-million-dollar aggregate. Some larger GMP contracts or waterfront projects with marine-adjacent scope require higher limits or additional insured endorsements naming the project owner. Your actual required limits depend on the contract language you sign, so reviewing certificates and endorsements before starting any job is essential.
• Does contractors' equipment coverage address wind and flood damage to tools stored on a Pinellas County jobsite?
  Standard inland marine forms covering contractors' equipment typically cover wind-related losses, but flood is frequently excluded or sublimited — a significant concern given that many St. Petersburg jobsites, particularly in lower-lying areas near the beaches and waterfront, fall within mapped flood zones. Contractors leaving equipment or materials on-site overnight in these areas should review their inland marine policy language carefully and discuss whether a supplemental flood endorsement or separate coverage is warranted. Ellie's team can compare form language across carriers to identify where your current policy may leave gaps.
• What insurance do contractors need in St. Petersburg?
  General contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades — roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and more. A typical St. Petersburg program combines several of these coverages based on the operation, contracts, and exposures.
• How much does contractor insurance cost in St. Petersburg?
  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 St. Petersburg operation?
  Yes. As an independent agency we shop 100+ carrier markets for contractor insurance, including specialty markets for harder-to-place contractors. St. Petersburg is part of our core Florida service area.