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Business insurance for Florida contractors, restaurants, shops and offices

Every industry carries different risks and different contract requirements. Here is where most of our business clients start.

Illustrated business owners standing back to back

What Florida businesses in each industry usually need

Contractors and trades

Florida-licensed contractors must show proof of general liability to the state licensing board, and construction businesses need workers' comp with even one employee. Most general contractors also require certificates naming them as additional insured before you start a job. We line up liability, workers' comp, tools and equipment coverage, and commercial auto so you can bid and start work without delays.

Restaurants and food service

Kitchens bring fire, slip-and-fall and food-related claims, plus equipment that has to keep running. A business owner's policy usually covers your contents, liability and lost income after a covered loss, and workers' comp covers your staff. Food trucks and caterers also need commercial auto.

Retail shops

Customer injuries, theft, storm damage and card data are the big risks. A business owner's policy covers most of it in one policy, and cyber coverage helps if payment data is exposed.

Professional offices

When your service is advice, the main risk is a client saying your work cost them money. Professional liability (E&O) covers that, and many client contracts require it with a set limit.

Real estate and property

Landlords and property managers need property coverage written with Florida wind in mind, general liability for tenants and visitors, and often an umbrella policy for higher limits.

Transportation, hospitality and personal services

Delivery fleets need commercial auto, event businesses often need liability certificates for each venue, and salons, spas and gyms usually combine general and professional liability.

Industry insurance questions

What insurance does a contractor need in Florida?

Most need general liability to meet licensing and job-site requirements, workers' comp (required for construction businesses with one or more employees), commercial auto for work vehicles, and tools and equipment coverage. General contractors often ask for additional insured certificates too.

Do restaurants in Florida need workers' comp?

Non-construction businesses in Florida generally need workers' comp once they have four or more employees, which covers most restaurants. Many smaller restaurants buy it anyway because kitchen injuries are common.

My industry isn't listed. Can you still help?

Yes. Most small businesses fit one of these groups, and we shop carriers for many other types of businesses across Florida. Tell us what you do and we'll recommend the coverage that fits.