Why Florida Roofing Contractors Pay More for Insurance and How to Keep Costs Down

Roofing in Florida isn’t just tough work - it’s high risk. Between climbing ladders, working at heights, unpredictable weather, and the post-hurricane demand for emergency repairs, insurance carriers don’t exactly line up to write roofing contractors. That’s why premiums for Florida roofing businesses are some of the highest in the construction industry.

At Pelican Shield Insurance Group, we work with roofing contractors across Florida to make sense of those costs and find ways to reduce them. Based in St. Petersburg, we serve contractors statewide and in Virginia. Our approach is straightforward: we do what we say we’re going to do. If you're new to us, you reach out here , learn about who we are , or check out other insurance coverages we offer.

Why Insurance Costs More for Roofing Contractors in Florida

Roofing is one of the riskiest trades in construction - and insurance companies price accordingly. Here’s why:

Fall Hazards: Working on steep pitches, scaffolding, and ladders means higher injury frequency and severity.
Weather Risks: Florida’s heat, rain, and hurricanes add exposure for crews and property damage.
Post-Storm Work: After hurricanes, roofers are in high demand. Rushed jobs and emergency repairs increase mistakes and claims.
High Claim Severity: Falls, equipment accidents, and customer property damage can lead to six-figure claims.
Workers’ Comp Classification: Roofing is one of the highest-rated workers’ comp classes in the state.

Insurance carriers know the numbers. Higher risk = higher premiums. But there are real ways to keep costs under control.

Essential Coverages for Florida Roofing Contractors

Roofers can’t afford gaps. At a minimum, your insurance program should include:

General Liability: Covers property damage and injuries to others caused by your work.
Workers’ Compensation: Required if you have employees; one of the largest expenses for roofers.
Commercial Auto: For trucks, trailers, and vehicles transporting crews and materials.
Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Protects tools, compressors, nail guns, and other mobile equipment.
Excess Liability / Umbrella: Adds an extra layer of protection over GL, auto, and comp.
Contractors’ Pollution Liability: Important for roofers using adhesives, solvents, or spray foam that can create fumes or runoff issues.

Pelican Shield reviews each contractor’s operations to make sure policies line up with real exposures.

How Florida Roofers Can Lower Insurance Costs

High premiums don’t mean you’re stuck paying top dollar forever. These strategies can help reduce costs over time:

1. Safety Programs That Actually Work

Provide fall protection training and enforce its use.
Keep written safety procedures (ladder checks, harness requirements, jobsite inspections).
Document everything - carriers reward proof, not promises.

2. Manage Your Subcontractors

Always collect Certificates of Insurance (COIs).
Require subcontractors to list you as an Additional Insured.
Use written contracts with hold harmless agreements.
A sloppy sub can cause a claim that lands on your policy.

3. Control Your Workers’ Comp

Make sure employees are properly classified (roofing vs. clerical vs. sales).
Use light-duty return-to-work programs to shorten claim durations.
Track and correct injury trends (ex: ladder falls, lifting).

4. Shop the Market - the Right Way

Unlike Florida workers’ comp (where rates are state-set), liability and package policies for roofers vary by carrier. Shopping smart - with an agent who knows the roofing market - can uncover better terms and credits.

5. Improve Your Experience Modification Rate (X-mod)

This NCCI rating compares your claims to similar roofing companies.
Below 1.00 = discounts. Above 1.00 = surcharges.
Lowering claims frequency and severity directly lowers your premium.

Common Claims for Florida Roofers

Across Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville, roofers face similar claim patterns:

Falls from ladders and scaffolds
Heat-related illnesses and dehydration
Property damage from dropped tools or falling debris
Vehicle accidents while transporting crews and materials
Subcontractor mistakes that circle back to the primary contractor

Understanding these exposures helps you get ahead of them - and lower long-term costs.

Compliance Traps Roofing Contractors Need to Avoid

For Florida roofing contractors, insurance requirements aren’t just about carrying a policy - it’s about making sure the coverage actually works when you need it. Common compliance pitfalls we see include:

Hot Work Exclusions: Some policies exclude torching or other hot applications. If you don’t catch this, you might find yourself uncovered on half your jobs.
Open Roof Exclusions: Watch for carriers that limit or exclude coverage while the roof is open and vulnerable to rain. That’s a dealbreaker in Florida’s climate.
Certificates of Insurance (COIs): Failing to provide timely, accurate, and updated COIs to general contractors or project owners can cost you contracts - or worse, create liability headaches if there’s a claim.
Inaccurate COIs: Listing the wrong limits, wrong named insured, or expired endorsements can put you in breach of contract before you even step foot on a job.

At Pelican Shield, we help roofers spot these red flags before they become expensive problems - and make sure your coverage matches what your contracts actually require.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Business and Lower Costs

Roofing will always be a high-risk trade, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage the cost side. Here’s a quick checklist:

Train crews and enforce safety rules
Collect and track COIs for every subcontractor
Review payroll and class codes before audits
Track claims, even near misses, for prevention
Work with an agency that knows high-risk contractors

Why Florida Roofers Work with Pelican Shield

Access to carriers who actually write roofers
Clear, no-nonsense advice on workers’ comp and liability
Claims support that helps control costs
Renewal reviews that catch credits and changes

We’re compassionate, straightforward, and serious about protecting your roofing business. And yes - we return calls.

Let’s Get You Covered

Roofing in Florida is risky work. Insurance doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right coverage, safety practices, and cost-control strategies, you can protect your business without paying more than you should.

At Pelican Shield Insurance Group, we help roofing contractors across Florida put the right coverage in place and keep it working.

Learn more at www.pelicanshield.com , check out our other blogs , or contact us to get a quote or ask questions.

Or call us directly at 727-369-9077.

We do what we say we’re going to do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do roofing contractors in Florida need workers’ comp insurance?

Yes. In Florida, if you have one or more employees in construction (including roofing), workers’ comp is required.

2. Why is roofing insurance so expensive in Florida?

Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades, with frequent falls, severe claims, and hurricane-related exposures. Carriers price premiums accordingly.

3. Can subcontractors reduce my workers’ comp costs?

They can, but only if you require proof of coverage. If a sub is uninsured and gets hurt, the claim could land on your policy. Even if there is no claim, an uninsured sub will increase your premium come audit time.

4. What’s the most important coverage for roofing contractors?

Workers’ comp and liability are the backbone, but inland marine and excess liability are also critical for real protection.

5. How can I lower my roofing insurance premiums?

Safety programs, return-to-work policies, subcontractor management, and lowering your X-mod are the biggest levers.

6. How does Pelican Shield help Florida roofing contractors?

We connect roofers with carriers willing to write the class, help implement cost-saving programs, and keep coverage aligned with how your business really operates.