Inland Marine Insurance for General Contractors in Florida: Tools and Equipment Coverage

You finish a day on a Florida job site, lock the trailer, and drive home. The next morning the trailer is gone along with $40,000 in tools. Commercial property does not cover it. General liability does not cover it. Inland marine is the policy that pays for that loss.

Florida's construction market is one of the most active in the country. With that activity comes a parallel market for stolen construction equipment. Inland marine coverage is not optional for GCs running multiple sites or storing tools in vehicles overnight.

Quick Answer

Estimated inland marine premiums for Florida general contractors:

Coverage Type	Estimated Annual Premium
Small contractor tool floater ($10K to $25K value)	$300 to $700 per year
Mid-size contractor equipment package ($25K to $75K value)	$600 to $1,600 per year
Large contractor equipment schedule ($75K to $200K+ value)	$1,300 to $3,800 per year

Florida premiums are near the national average, though contractors in South Florida's dense urban markets sometimes see slightly higher rates.

What Inland Marine Covers for Florida General Contractors

Contractor Tools Floater

Covers hand tools, power tools, and portable equipment against theft, damage, and loss wherever they are located:

• Tools stolen from a job site or trailer in Miami, Orlando, or Tampa
• Equipment damaged by weather exposure during staging
• Tools lost or damaged in transit between project sites

Equipment Floater

Covers portable heavy equipment that moves between jobs: generators, air compressors, scaffolding systems, and other items that do not qualify as commercial vehicles.

Installation Floater

Covers materials purchased for a project that have not yet been permanently installed. Lumber, fixtures, and HVAC equipment staged on a Florida job site before installation are all candidates.

Builders Risk (Related)

Builder's risk covers the structure under construction. Installation floater covers materials and equipment before they become part of the building.

What Inland Marine Does Not Cover

• Structures under construction: Builder's risk handles that.
• Licensed vehicles: Commercial auto covers your trucks and trailers on Florida roads.
• Permanently installed items: Once equipment is attached to a structure, it typically moves to commercial property coverage.
• Employee theft: Commercial crime policies cover that exposure.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Hurricane and Storm Damage

Florida's hurricane season runs June through November. Equipment and materials staged outdoors on job sites face real weather exposure. Inland marine policies typically cover storm damage to equipment in transit or at job sites, but review policy language on weather-related exclusions, especially for equipment left outside during a named storm.

Active Construction Market

South Florida's residential renovation and commercial development activity has been intense for years. Job site theft in high-density areas like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties is a consistent problem for contractors.

Multi-County Operations

Florida GCs often run projects from Jacksonville down to Miami, covering multiple counties and climate zones. A blanket inland marine policy that covers all equipment regardless of location is more practical than scheduling individual items at specific job site addresses.

DBPR and Licensing

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires contractors to be licensed and bonded, but inland marine is not a state licensing requirement. Project owners and general contractors typically require it through contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does commercial property cover tools at a Florida job site?

No. Commercial property covers items at your listed business address. Tools at a job site, in a vehicle, or being transported need inland marine or an equipment floater.

Does inland marine cover storm damage to equipment on a Florida job site?

Most policies cover weather damage to equipment in transit or staged at a job site. Named storm exclusions vary by carrier, so review the policy language if you work during hurricane season.

What is an installation floater?

An installation floater covers materials purchased for a project while they are in storage, transit, or staged on site before permanent installation.

How much inland marine do Florida general contractors typically carry?

Most mid-size Florida GCs carry $25K to $100K in inland marine coverage. Your limit should match the replacement cost of the tools and portable equipment you routinely have off your primary premises.

Does inland marine cover equipment in a locked trailer in Florida?

Yes, most equipment floaters cover theft from locked trailers. Review the policy for any sublimits on vehicle theft and requirements for security measures.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute - Inland Marine
• Florida Department of Financial Services
• Inland Marine Underwriters Association