A new Florida filing does not tell you whether the owner is insured. It tells you the owner is about to make a lot of decisions at once. The businesses that buy first are the ones facing a hard requirement: a license that needs proof of coverage, a crew that triggers workers' comp, a truck that needs commercial auto, or a landlord who wants a certificate before handing over keys.
Workers' compensation
Florida's workers' comp thresholds depend on the industry. According to the Division of Workers' Compensation:
| Industry | Coverage required at |
|---|---|
| Construction | 1 or more employees, including corporate officers and LLC members |
| Non-construction | 4 or more employees, including corporate officers and LLC members |
| Agriculture | 6 regular employees or 12 seasonal workers (30+ days in a season, or 45+ days in a year) |
Owners who are officers or members can apply for an exemption for themselves. That is a common first conversation with a new contractor: whether to take the exemption, and what happens when they hire their first helper.
Contractor general liability
Florida-certified and registered contractors have to prove liability coverage to be licensed. Rule 61G4-15.003 sets the minimums:
- General and building contractors: $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage.
- Many specialty contractors (including roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, pool, and sheet metal): $100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage.
Real contracts usually ask for more. General contractors and property managers commonly require $1 million per occurrence and additional insured status from subs. A new trade business that wants commercial work needs a policy and certificates quickly.
Commercial auto
Every vehicle registered in Florida needs personal injury protection and property damage liability. Heavier commercial vehicles have higher minimums under section 627.7415:
| Gross vehicle weight | Minimum combined liability per occurrence |
|---|---|
| 26,000 to 35,000 lbs | $50,000 |
| 35,000 to 44,000 lbs | $100,000 |
| 44,000 lbs and up | $300,000 |
Interstate motor carriers also face federal minimums. New trucking, hauling, towing, and delivery LLCs are among the most time-sensitive filings on any list.
Leases, contracts, and lenders
Many requirements are not in statute. They come from the people a new business needs to sign with:
- Commercial landlords usually require general liability and sometimes property coverage before move-in.
- Customers and general contractors ask for certificates of insurance before the first job.
- Lenders and equipment lessors require property or equipment coverage on what they finance.
- Franchisors set their own insurance schedule for franchisees.
Which new filings to prioritize
Based on the requirements above, these categories tend to need coverage soonest:
| Business type | Likely first needs | Why it is urgent |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and trades | GL, workers' comp or exemption, commercial auto | Licensing and GC contracts |
| Trucking and delivery | Commercial auto, cargo, GL | Weight-based minimums and broker requirements |
| Restaurants and food | GL, property, liquor liability, workers' comp | Leases and staff |
| Cleaning and janitorial | GL, bond, workers' comp | Client contracts ask for certificates |
| Beauty, fitness, health | GL, professional liability, property | Leases and licensing |
| Professional services | Professional liability, cyber, BOP | Client contracts |
Most filings do not say what the business does. The name is often the only clue, and names like "Coastal Roofing Solutions LLC" or "JMR Transport LLC" are easy to sort. Names like "Blue Palm Group LLC" need a quick search first.
What this means for your list
Filter your new-business list for these categories first, and open with the requirement the owner is about to hit. "I help new roofing contractors get the liability certificate DBPR and GCs ask for" is a better first sentence than "I sell business insurance."
FiledToday can filter a county list to the business types you write. Get a free county sample and tell us which categories matter to you.
This guide summarizes Florida requirements for prospecting purposes. It is not legal or coverage advice. Check the cited statutes and rules for current details.
Common questions
When does a Florida business need workers' comp?
Construction businesses need it with one or more employees, counting corporate officers and LLC members. Non-construction businesses need it with four or more employees, also counting officers and members. Agricultural employers need it with six regular or twelve seasonal workers. Owners may qualify for an exemption for themselves.
Do Florida contractors need general liability insurance?
Yes. State-certified and registered contractors must show proof of public liability and property damage insurance. Florida's rule sets $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage for general and building contractors, and $100,000 and $25,000 for many specialty contractors.
What commercial auto insurance does Florida require?
Every registered vehicle needs personal injury protection and property damage liability. Commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 pounds need at least $50,000 per occurrence in combined liability, rising to $100,000 over 35,000 pounds and $300,000 over 44,000 pounds.
Which new businesses are the best commercial insurance prospects?
Contractors and trades, trucking and delivery, restaurants and food service, cleaning and janitorial, and health or beauty services. They face licensing, employee, vehicle, or lease requirements that force a buying decision early.
Updated October 8, 2026 · By Ben Thalmann, founder of FiledToday