Workers' Comp Insurance for Business Owners With No Employees
Need a COI to satisfy a GC contract but you're the only worker? We issue owner-only workers' comp policies the same day — PEO-backed, low setup fee, no audit surprises.
Get My Free QuoteWorkers' Comp When You Are the Only Employee
Owner-Only Workers Comp Florida — Sole Proprietor, No Employees, Same-Day COI for GC Subcontract Requirements
If you run a one-person contracting business in Florida, you've likely hit this wall: a general contractor hands you a subcontract and requires proof of workers' compensation insurance before you can set foot on the job site — even though you have no employees.
Florida law requires construction employers with one or more employees to carry workers' comp. As a sole proprietor who works alone, you may technically qualify for an exemption, but many GC contracts require a full policy regardless. Losing a contract over this is completely avoidable.
Comp Ninjas issues owner-only workers' comp policies the same business day. Through our PEO structure, we co-employ you, giving you access to group insurance rates and a valid COI — with a low $875 setup fee and pay-as-you-go premiums tied to your actual payroll.
Marco, a solo roofer in Hialeah, had been operating with a Florida workers' comp exemption for two years. When he landed a $45,000 commercial re-roof contract, the GC's insurance coordinator rejected his exemption certificate and demanded a full workers' comp COI within 24 hours — or the contract would go to another sub.
Marco called Comp Ninjas at 9 AM. By 2 PM the same day, he had his Certificate of Insurance with the GC listed as additional insured. He kept the contract. His total out-of-pocket to get started: $875 setup fee, with premiums billed monthly based on actual payroll.
What Does Owner-Only Workers' Comp Cost in Florida?
Florida Owner-Only Workers Comp Cost by Trade — 2026 NCCI Rates for Construction, Roofing, Framing, Painting, Towing
| Trade (Class Code) | Est. Annual Premium (on $50K payroll) | Setup Fee | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Construction (5606) | $3,500–$5,500 | $875 | None |
| Roofing (5551) | $6,000–$9,000 | $875 | None |
| Framing (5645) | $5,000–$7,500 | $875 | None |
| Painting (5474) | $2,500–$4,000 | $875 | None |
| Landscaping (0042) | $2,000–$3,500 | $875 | None |
| Towing (7219) | $4,500–$7,000 | $875 | None |
Estimates based on current Florida NCCI rates. Actual premium depends on payroll, loss history, and carrier underwriting. Contact us for an exact quote.
Common Situations That Require Owner-Only Workers' Comp
When Florida Sole Proprietors Need Workers Comp — GC Subcontract Requirements, Commercial Bids, Owner-Operator Trucking
Florida Statute 440.02 — Construction Employers with 1 or More Employees Must Carry Workers Comp
| Situation | Why a Policy (Not Just an Exemption) Helps |
|---|---|
| GC requires workers' comp COI | Many GCs require a full policy, not just an exemption certificate, before allowing subs on site. |
| Bidding on commercial or government contracts | Public and commercial projects almost always require active workers' comp coverage for all contractors. |
| Sole proprietor in construction | Florida law requires coverage for construction businesses with 1+ employees — that includes you as the working owner. |
| Owner-operator truck driver or tow operator | Carriers and brokers often require owner-operators to carry their own workers' comp before dispatching loads. |
| Expanding from 0 to 1+ employees soon | Getting a policy now means no coverage gap when you hire your first worker. |
Owner-Only Workers' Comp Built for Speed
PEO owner-only workers comp — same-day COI, no deposit, pay-as-you-go, bilingual English/Spanish
Low $875 Setup Fee
No large deposit, no annual audit surprises. Pay-as-you-go premiums based on actual payroll — even if that payroll is just yours.
PEO Group Rates
Through our PEO structure you access group insurance rates normally reserved for large employers — even as a solo owner-operator.
Same-Day COI
Need proof of coverage for a job site or GC contract today? We issue your Certificate of Insurance the same business day in most cases.
GC & Contract Compliance
Many general contractors require subs to carry workers' comp even if they have no employees. Our policy satisfies those requirements.
Hard-to-Place Industries
Construction, roofing, towing, trucking, landscaping — we cover the trades that standard carriers decline.
Exemption Guidance
Not sure if you qualify for a Florida workers' comp exemption? We explain the rules clearly and help you choose the right path.
Owner-Only Workers' Comp — Common Questions
Do I need workers' comp if I'm the only employee?
In Florida, construction businesses with even one employee — including the owner — must carry workers' compensation. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees in a non-construction trade, you may be exempt, but many GC contracts require you to carry a policy anyway to work on their job sites.
Can an owner get workers' comp for themselves only?
Yes. Through our PEO program, we can set up a workers' comp policy that covers you as the owner-employee. This is common for sole proprietors in construction who need a COI to satisfy GC requirements but have no additional employees.
What is a Florida workers' comp exemption for owners?
Florida allows corporate officers and LLC members in non-construction industries to file for an exemption from workers' comp coverage. Construction industry owners generally cannot exempt themselves. We help you understand whether an exemption or a policy is the right choice for your situation.
How much does owner-only workers' comp cost in Florida?
Cost depends on your trade classification code and payroll. Through our PEO structure, owner-only policies typically start with a $875 setup fee and pay-as-you-go premiums. For a roofer (class code 5551) with $50,000 annual payroll, expect roughly $6,000–$9,000 per year in premiums. Contact us for a same-day quote specific to your trade.
What trades can get owner-only workers' comp through Comp Ninjas?
We cover virtually all Florida trades including roofing (5551), general construction (5606), framing (5645), drywall (5445), painting (5474), plumbing (5183), electrical (5190), HVAC (5537), landscaping (0042), towing (7219), and many more. If you've been declined elsewhere, call us.
Is owner-only workers' comp the same as a ghost policy?
No. A ghost policy is a fraudulent practice where a policy lists no actual employees to get a low premium, then adds workers later without reporting payroll. Owner-only workers' comp through Comp Ninjas is a legitimate policy that covers you as the sole working owner. Ghost policies are illegal in Florida and can result in criminal charges.
Do I need workers' comp if I'm an LLC owner in Florida?
LLC members in non-construction industries can file for a workers' comp exemption. However, LLC members in construction cannot exempt themselves if the business has employees. Even if you qualify for an exemption, many GC contracts require a full policy — not just an exemption certificate.
What happens if I get injured on a job site without workers' comp?
Without workers' comp, you bear 100% of your medical costs and lost wages out of pocket. There is no safety net. Additionally, if you were working for a GC who required coverage, you may face contract penalties. Owner-only workers' comp through Comp Ninjas protects your income and your business.
Will a GC accept my workers' comp exemption certificate?
Some GCs accept exemption certificates; others require a full workers' comp policy. If your GC requires a policy, we can issue one quickly so you don't lose the contract.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance as a sole owner?
With Comp Ninjas, most owner-only clients receive their Certificate of Insurance the same business day. We know job sites don't wait — our process is built for speed.
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