General Liability Insurance in Florida
General liability insurance protects your Florida business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. If a customer gets hurt, your work damages property, or you face an advertising claim, GL covers your legal defense and settlements. It is the foundation of every Florida business insurance program.
What general liability usually covers
- Bodily injury to third parties (a customer slips in your store, a passerby is injured at your job site)
- Property damage to third-party property (your employee damages a client's floor or equipment)
- Personal and advertising injury (libel, slander, copyright infringement)
- Medical payments for minor injuries regardless of fault
- Products-completed operations (claims after your work is done or product is delivered)
What GL does NOT cover
- Your own injuries (workers comp)
- Your own property or tools (BOP or tools & equipment)
- Professional mistakes or bad advice (professional liability / E&O)
- Auto accidents (commercial auto)
- Employee injuries (workers comp)
- Flood or hurricane damage (contact us for options)
Florida GL requirements
Florida does not require GL for all businesses, but contractors must carry it. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-15.003, licensed contractors must maintain minimum public liability insurance to hold a state CILB license. Beyond legal requirements, most commercial landlords and general contractors require subcontractors to carry GL as a condition of any contract.
Minimum GL limits by contractor type
Per Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-15.003 (last amended 11-15-2007)
| Contractor Type | Bodily Injury | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $300,000 | $50,000 |
| Building Contractor | $300,000 | $50,000 |
| Residential Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Roofing Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Plumbing Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| HVAC / Mechanical Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Pool / Spa Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Sheet Metal Contractor | $100,000 | $25,000 |
General liability for Florida contractors
If you are a general contractor, electrician, plumber, roofer, HVAC tech, painter, or any licensed construction trade in Florida, GL is not optional. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) requires proof of liability coverage to obtain and maintain your state license. Most general contractors also require every subcontractor on the job to carry their own GL policy and provide a certificate of insurance before stepping foot on the site. Without it, you cannot bid on jobs, sign contracts, or pull permits on most commercial and residential projects in the state.
How much does GL cost in Florida?
GL premiums for Florida small businesses vary based on your industry, revenue, location, and claims history. Contractors and restaurants typically pay more due to higher risk exposure, while professional services and home-based businesses tend to pay less. Most businesses can get a personalized quote in minutes through our online tool.
How we place your coverage
We work with A-rated carriers backed by some of the largest reinsurers in the world to find the right coverage for your business. As an independent agency, we are not locked into a single carrier, so we can shop your policy across multiple options and find the best fit for your risk profile and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is general liability insurance required in Florida?
Not for all businesses. However, Florida requires general and building contractors to carry GL with minimum $300K/$50K limits to maintain their state license. Most commercial leases and contracts also require it regardless of state law.
How much does GL cost for a small business in Florida?
GL premiums for Florida small businesses vary based on your industry, revenue, and claims history. Contractors and restaurants typically pay more due to higher risk exposure, while professional services and home-based businesses tend to pay less. Most businesses can get a quote in minutes through our online tool.
What's the difference between general liability and a BOP?
GL covers only third-party liability claims. A business owners policy bundles GL with commercial property insurance and business income coverage, often at a lower combined cost than buying each separately.
What is a certificate of insurance?
A COI is a document proving you have GL coverage. Florida contractors, subcontractors, and vendors commonly need COIs to work on job sites or satisfy lease and contract requirements. You can get a COI as soon as your policy is bound.
Does GL cover my employees if they get hurt?
No. Employee injuries are covered by workers compensation insurance, not GL. GL covers injuries to third parties: customers, clients, and bystanders.
What happens if I get sued without GL insurance?
You pay for your own legal defense and any settlement or judgment out of pocket. Even a frivolous lawsuit can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more to defend. GL covers your attorney fees, court costs, and settlements up to your policy limits, whether the claim has merit or not.
Do I need GL insurance if I work from home?
If you have any client interaction, deliveries, or anyone visiting your home office, yes. Your homeowners policy almost certainly excludes business activity. A GL policy fills that gap and protects you if a client or visitor is injured at your home.
Can I get GL insurance with a prior claim?
Yes. A prior claim may affect your premium, but it does not automatically disqualify you. Most carriers evaluate the nature and recency of the claim when determining eligibility and pricing.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Through our online quoting tool, you can get a COI the same day your policy is bound. Many contractors and vendors need a COI immediately to bid on jobs or sign leases, and our system is built for that.
Ready to protect your business?
Most Florida businesses can get a GL quote in under 10 minutes. No paperwork, no phone calls unless you want them.
The coverage descriptions on this page are general summaries for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an offer or guarantee of coverage. Actual policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits are determined by the issuing carrier. Please review your policy documents carefully or contact us with questions.