Commercial General Liability Insurance in Florida: Fast Answers

Our research team compiled answers to common questions about Florida general liability insurance to help you secure the best business insurance for your needs. These insights come from MoneyGeek's detailed analysis of coverage options, costs and requirements:

Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Florida?

Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Florida?

Do Florida businesses legally need general liability insurance?

How much does general liability insurance cost in Florida?

Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Florida

The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Florida, offering a great mix of affordability and customer service for small business owners. NEXT also performs well with outstanding customer service and strong coverage options. Nationwide rounds out our recommendations with solid affordability and reliable financial strength.

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The Hartford4.60$89
NEXT Insurance4.55$112
Nationwide4.51$105
Simply Business4.46$104
Coverdash4.36$112
Thimble4.35$116
biBERK4.28$123
Progressive Commercial4.25$109
Chubb4.25$129
Hiscox4.17$123

How Did We Determine These Rates?

Get Matched to the Best Cheap Florida General Liability Insurer

Select your industry and state to get a customized Florida general liability insurance quote.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN FLORIDA

General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for your Florida business, but it won't protect against every risk. Explore these related guides for comprehensive coverage in the Sunshine State:

Best Florida General Liability Insurance Reviews

Finding the right general liability insurance provider in Florida means looking beyond just affordable rates. Our research reveals which business insurers offer the best combination of coverage and service in the state.

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Company Image

The Hartford

Best Florida General Liability Insurer

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
  • Average Monthly General Liability Premium

    $89
  • Our Survey: Claims Process

    4.5/5
  • Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others

    4.5/5
Company Image

NEXT

Best Florida Commercial General Liability Customer Experience

MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
  • Average Monthly General Liability Premium

    $112
  • Our Survey: Claims Process

    3.9/5
  • Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others

    4.8/5

Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Florida

The Hartford provides the cheapest general liability insurance in Florida at $89 per month, saving businesses $22 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also offer affordable coverage options for Florida businesses.

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The Hartford$89$1,064
Simply Business$104$1,244
Nationwide$105$1,262
Progressive Commercial$109$1,302
NEXT Insurance$112$1,339
Coverdash$112$1,343
Thimble$116$1,390
Hiscox$123$1,479
biBERK$123$1,480
Chubb$129$1,544

How Did We Determine These Rates?

Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Florida by Industry

Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the cheapest general liability insurance across Florida industries:

  1. The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable provider in 18 industries, leading in diverse sectors like cannabis, electrical work, trucking and pest control.
  2. Simply Business: Offers the cheapest coverage in 14 industries, excelling with professional services like accountants, lawyers and consultants.
  3. Thimble: Ties for third place with affordable rates in 12 industries, performing strongest in tech sectors like software, computer programming and creative businesses.
  4. biBerk: Also covers 12 industries with competitive pricing, focusing on service trades including contractors, veterinary practices and beauty salons.
  5. Nationwide: Provides cheap coverage across 10 industries, showing particular strength in construction, manufacturing and restaurant businesses.

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Data filtered by:
Select
AccountantsSimply Business$16$187
Ad AgencyThimble$108$1,292
AutomotiveCoverdash$120$1,435
Auto RepairNationwide$87$1,047
Beauty SalonbiBERK$88$1,056
BakerybiBERK$86$1,027
BarberbiBERK$88$1,056
CleaningThimble$91$1,088
Bounce HouseHiscox$85$1,021
CandleSimply Business$104$1,251
CannabisThe Hartford$57$686
CateringChubb$83$1,001
ConsultingSimply Business$16$187
Coffee ShopSimply Business$91$1,095
Computer ProgrammingThimble$106$1,276
Computer RepairNationwide$86$1,031
ConstructionNationwide$84$1,010
DentalNEXT Insurance$14$163
ContractorbiBERK$221$2,649
CourierThe Hartford$181$2,166
DaycareThe Hartford$28$333
DJThimble$91$1,088
DroneThe Hartford$14$166
Dog GroomingbiBERK$88$1,054
ElectricalThe Hartford$92$1,102
EcommerceChubb$85$1,016
FloristSimply Business$33$400
EngineeringbiBERK$18$218
ExcavationbiBERK$401$4,814
FoodSimply Business$84$1,002
Food TruckSimply Business$84$1,002
HandymanbiBERK$189$2,267
Funeral HomebiBERK$87$1,047
GardeningSimply Business$88$1,061
Home-basedThe Hartford$19$227
Home-based NEXT Insurance$50$598
JanitorialNationwide$106$1,271
HospitalityChubb$88$1,057
HVACThimble$117$1,398
JewelryThimble$177$2,128
Junk RemovalThe Hartford$137$1,646
ManufacturingNationwide$22$261
Lawn/LandscapingSimply Business$88$1,061
LawyersSimply Business$16$187
MassageSimply Business$86$1,037
MarineThe Hartford$25$305
NonprofitbiBERK$29$342
Mortgage BrokerNEXT Insurance$17$205
MovingNationwide$93$1,119
PaintingThe Hartford$120$1,437
Party RentalProgressive Commercial$84$1,004
Personal TrainingThe Hartford$20$242
Pest ControlThe Hartford$27$327
PharmacyChubb$84$1,002
PetThimble$39$466
PhotographyNEXT Insurance$14$174
Physical TherapyThimble$927$11,122
PlumbingSimply Business$294$3,522
RetailChubb$85$1,022
Pressure WashingThe Hartford$926$11,110
Real EstateNationwide$130$1,564
RestaurantNationwide$90$1,077
RoofingThimble$224$2,688
SecurityThe Hartford$119$1,432
Spa/WellnessThe Hartford$89$1,068
Snack BarsCoverdash$85$1,019
SoftwareThimble$91$1,088
Speech TherapistNationwide$22$260
Speech TherapistSimply Business$22$260
StartupSimply Business$16$187
TravelbiBERK$17$205
Tech/ITNEXT Insurance$17$205
TransportationThe Hartford$34$407
Tree ServiceNationwide$93$1,119
TruckingThe Hartford$87$1,049
TutoringThimble$106$1,276
Wedding PlanningThimble$94$1,122
VeterinarybiBERK$27$322
WeldingThe Hartford$145$1,745
WholesaleCoverdash$37$439
Window CleaningThe Hartford$139$1,668

Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Florida

Most small businesses in Florida pay around $111 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry risk level, company size, location and policy limits.

Manufacturing companies tend to have higher premiums because of greater liability exposure, while accounting firms usually pay less due to lower risk. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer liability concerns.

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Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Florida by Industry

General liability insurance costs in Florida vary widely by industry, ranging from $18 monthly for drone businesses to $996 for pressure washing companies. Review this table to find typical general liability coverage costs for your specific business type.

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Data filtered by:
Select
Accountants$24$288
Ad Agency$38$461
Automotive$58$696
Auto Repair$165$1,983
Bakery$98$1,179
Barber$48$578
Beauty Salon$73$872
Bounce House$76$917
Candle$60$717
Cannabis$73$875
Catering$95$1,144
Cleaning$144$1,729
Coffee Shop$98$1,171
Computer Programming$32$379
Computer Repair$52$622
Construction$191$2,289
Consulting$24$286
Contractor$277$3,327
Courier$213$2,551
Daycare$36$429
Dental$23$281
DJ$28$330
Dog Grooming$69$828
Drone$18$218
Ecommerce$80$955
Electrical$122$1,467
Engineering$43$520
Excavation$507$6,078
Florist$47$559
Food$117$1,405
Food Truck$154$1,850
Funeral Home$66$788
Gardening$122$1,466
Handyman$266$3,187
Home-based$26$310
Home-based$50$598
Hospitality$71$851
HVAC$267$3,202
Janitorial$149$1,790
Jewelry$44$525
Junk Removal$177$2,121
Lawn/Landscaping$131$1,569
Lawyers$25$298
Manufacturing$69$834
Marine$30$366
Massage$104$1,251
Mortgage Broker$25$299
Moving$135$1,619
Nonprofit$39$468
Painting$156$1,877
Party Rental$86$1,038
Personal Training$26$312
Pest Control$35$421
Pet$61$732
Pharmacy$67$806
Photography$26$315
Physical Therapy$120$1,437
Plumbing$393$4,719
Pressure Washing$996$11,950
Real Estate$58$694
Restaurant$158$1,892
Retail$71$854
Roofing$422$5,065
Security$151$1,816
Snack Bars$128$1,533
Software$29$343
Spa/Wellness$116$1,393
Speech Therapist$34$408
Startup$31$373
Tech/IT$29$344
Transportation$41$491
Travel$23$272
Tree Service$141$1,694
Trucking$112$1,339
Tutoring$33$395
Veterinary$49$585
Wedding Planning$30$361
Welding$179$2,152
Wholesale$49$583
Window Cleaning$173$2,079

How Did We Determine These Rates?

What Factors Affect Florida General Liability Insurance Costs?

Multiple factors determine how much Florida businesses pay for general liability coverage.

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Florida's Legal and Regulatory Environment

Florida’s 2023 tort reform law changed how negligence lawsuits are handled for small business owners. House Bill 837 shortened the statute of limitations from four years to two and removed one-way attorney fees that previously encouraged more filings. 

Since then, litigation has declined in several sectors and insurers have adjusted some rates in response. These changes can help lower premiums by reducing legal and defense costs.

Florida's Population Density and Urban Concentration

Where you operate your Florida business matters for your general liability rates. Nearly 90% of Floridians live in urban areas, with three-quarters residing within 10 miles of the coast. If you run a Miami storefront, you'll pay more than a similar business in Ocala because urban locations mean more foot traffic, higher slip-and-fall risk and increased crime exposure. More people walking through your door equals more liability exposure in insurers' calculations.

Florida's Rapid Population Growth

Florida's population boom directly impacts your liability exposure. The Orlando, Tampa, and Miami metro areas added over 150,000 new residents between 2022 and 2023 alone. More people moving to your area means more potential customers visiting your business daily. Areas like Polk County and Pasco County are transforming farmland into bustling communities, creating construction activity and infrastructure strain that increases premises liability risks for businesses operating in high-growth zones.

Florida's Construction and Labor Costs

Rising construction costs hit your general liability premiums even if you've never filed a claim. Florida's reconstruction costs jumped 12% from January 2022 to January 2023 due to inflation and supply chain disruptions. Your policy covers property damage you cause to others, so when lumber, drywall, and contractor labor cost more, insurers pay more to settle claims. Higher repair costs mean higher premiums across all industries, not just construction businesses.

How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Florida?

Most Florida businesses aren't legally required to carry general liability insurance, but contractors are the exception. If you hold a contractor's license, the state sets specific requirements for commercial general liability coverage. Even without a legal mandate, you'll likely need a $1 million per occurrence limit with a $2 million aggregate. Your clients and landlord will ask for proof before signing contracts or lease agreements.

    building icon
    General contractors and building contractors

    $300,000 in public liability coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage

    house2 icon
    Residential and specialty contractors

    Your minimums are lower at $100,000 in public liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage

Florida contractors submit a signed affidavit when applying for or renewing their license, confirming they carry the required coverage. The Construction Industry Licensing Board randomly audits contractors by ZIP code to verify compliance, so keeping your policy active matters for your license status.

Note: State insurance requirements update regularly. Check with the Florida Department of Financial Services or a licensed agent to confirm the latest requirements before purchasing coverage.

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How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Florida

Getting business insurance in Florida means finding coverage that meets both your contract requirements and your actual liability exposure. The right policy protects you from third-party claims without paying for coverage you don't need.

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  1. 1
    Determine Coverage Needs

    Most Florida businesses don’t have state-mandated general liability requirements, but your clients and landlord likely do. Standard policies run from $500,000 to $2 million per occurrence, though some Florida cities set their own minimums for occupational licenses. Check your contracts and call your local city or county offices to understand what coverage you actually need before shopping.

  2. 2
    Prepare Business Information

    Florida insurers calculate your premium based on your industry classification, revenue, employee count and physical location. Urban businesses in Miami or Tampa pay more than rural operations due to higher claim frequency. Have your EIN, business registration and recent tax returns ready when requesting quotes to get accurate pricing from the start.

  3. 3
    Compare Multiple Quotes

    Request at least three quotes from Florida-licensed insurers since business insurance costs can vary by hundreds of dollars annually for identical coverage. Pay attention to whether defense costs eat into your policy limit or sit outside it. The cost of your coverage depends heavily on your location within Florida and your specific industry risk profile.

  4. 4
    Look Beyond Price

    Cheap business insurance is a good thing, but you can’t make it the only basis for choosing a policy. Read the exclusions section carefully since standard policies won't cover professional errors, pollution or employee injuries. Understanding what's not covered prevents expensive surprises when you actually need to use your policy.

  5. 5
    Verify Insurer Credentials

    Check any insurer's license status through the Florida Department of Financial Services online database at MyFloridaCFO.com before buying. Review AM Best financial ratings and complaint ratios since you want an insurer with strong reserves when large claims hit.

    These steps help you find the best insurance for your business, especially since Florida’s market has seen multiple insolvencies in recent years, making financial stability checks essential.

  6. 6
    Ask About Discounts

    Florida insurers cut premiums by 10% to 25% when you bundle general liability with commercial property or auto coverage. Installing safety systems, maintaining claims-free records or paying annually instead of monthly can reduce your costs. Ask specifically about bundling options since combining policies almost always saves money in Florida's competitive insurance market.

  7. 7
    Obtain Certificate of Insurance

    Most Florida clients and landlords require a certificate of insurance before you start work or sign a lease. Some insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, while others take up to 48 hours. Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests that could otherwise delay your projects.

  8. 8
    Review Coverage Annually

    Florida businesses should reassess coverage 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after adding employees or expanding services. Compare new quotes annually since Florida's improving insurance market means rates dropped for many businesses in 2024 and 2025. Adjusting your coverage limits as your business grows prevents both overpaying and dangerous coverage gaps.

Top General Liability Insurance in Florida: Bottom Line

Finding quality general liability insurance in Florida starts with understanding your specific business needs and thoroughly researching available options. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide represent strong choices in the market, but your ideal provider depends on your industry, business size, and budget constraints. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and verify their licensing credentials before making your final decision.

Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Florida Chart

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.


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