Hiring a contractor for your Florida rental: what insurance proof to ask for
The roof is leaking at the rental. You find a roofer who can come Thursday. Before anyone climbs a ladder on your property, there’s one question worth asking: can you send me your certificate of insurance?
When you hire a contractor or handyman for a Florida rental, asking for insurance proof before work starts may save you a much harder conversation later. This page covers what to ask for and what to check. It is not legal advice, and requirements depend on the job, the trade, and the contract.
What to ask for
A certificate of insurance (COI) for general liability. GL is the contractor’s coverage for injury to others and damage to property caused by their work. If the crew damages the unit next door, that’s where the conversation usually starts. Ask that the certificate come from their agent, not a photo of an old one.
Workers’ compensation, where it applies. If the contractor has employees, Florida rules may require workers’ comp, especially in construction trades. If a worker gets hurt on your property and there’s no workers’ comp, the claim may come looking for someone else. If the contractor says they’re exempt, ask for proof of the exemption.
Being named on the certificate. Some landlords ask to be listed as the certificate holder or as an additional insured. Whether that’s available depends on the contractor’s policy.
What to check on the certificate
- The contractor’s name matches the business you’re actually hiring
- The policy dates cover the days the work happens
- The type of work listed fits the job (a painter’s policy may not be built for roofing)
- Limits you’d be comfortable with if something went wrong
If something doesn’t match, ask before work starts, not after.
Related reading
For contractors themselves, we wrote Your FL contractor GL skipped the mess that actually happens. If someone does get hurt on a job, see Why Florida employers should report workplace injuries quickly. For your own side of the rental, start with landlords.
Not sure what proof to ask for? Send us the certificate and we’ll help you read it. Gumbo Insurance Agency LLC is a licensed Florida independent agency. This page does not quote or bind. WhatsApp (407) 907-9407. License L132963.
Ask for proof before the ladder goes up.
Gumbo Insurance Agency LLC · 1850 Lee Rd Suite 347, Winter Park, FL 32789 · WhatsApp (407) 907-9407 · gumboinsurance.com · License L132963
This article is general information, not a policy, not legal advice, and not insurance advice. Coverage depends on the form, the carrier, and the facts.