Florida guide
Florida subcontractor COI requirements: what to collect
In Florida, collect a certificate of insurance for general liability and, for workers’ compensation, either a certificate showing a policy or a valid exemption certificate for each exempt officer. Verify both on the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation databases instead of trusting the paper alone.
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Free COI auditWhat should a Florida GC collect?
| Coverage or document | What it shows | Florida note |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial general liability certificate | Third-party injury and property damage cover | Limits come from your contract. Request the additional insured endorsement, not just the box. |
| Workers’ comp certificate | A policy for the sub’s employees | Preferred proof. Confirm it in the DWC Proof of Coverage database. |
| Exemption certificate | A named officer is exempt from workers’ comp | Covers that officer only. See below. |
| Auto and umbrella | Vehicles and excess limits | Collect when your contract requires them. |
What can a Florida sub show instead of a workers’ comp policy?
A valid exemption certificate approved by the state. In construction, no more than three officers of a corporation, or of a group of affiliated corporations including LLCs, can elect to be exempt, and the applicant attests to at least 10 percent ownership. The exemption protects only the named officers. Any other employee needs workers’ comp coverage.
Practical rule: a sub with no policy and no other employees may be compliant with an exemption. A sub with no policy and a crew is a gap.
Not legal or insurance advice. Statutes change and contracts differ. Verify against the primary source (linked or named) and talk to your broker or attorney before relying on this.
Verify, do not just file
The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation publishes a Proof of Coverage database, searchable by employer name, FEIN, policy number and dates, and an exemption search. Check the sub’s name or FEIN, confirm the dates match the certificate, and record the date you checked. Our verification helper walks through the cases.
Build your requirements summary
The builder above generates an editable one-page summary with a Florida note on exemption certificates. Every limit is a blank starting point you set from your contract, not a recommendation.
Sources: Florida DWC construction exemptions · DWC Proof of Coverage database · Fla. Stat. 440.103. Statutes change; confirm the current text.
Frequently asked questions
What limits should I require from Florida subcontractors?
There is no single number. Limits come from your contract, project size and owner requirements. Ask your broker for a schedule by trade and risk.
Is an exemption certificate the same as workers’ comp coverage?
No. It means a named officer is exempt from the requirement. It does not cover other employees, who still need coverage.
Where do I verify a Florida sub’s coverage?
Use the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation Proof of Coverage database and its exemption search, both on myfloridacfo.com.
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