NEXT leads Florida business insurance with top-ranked customer service, affordable rates and strong coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business are also solid choices for business owners throughout the Sunshine State.
Best Small Business Insurance in Florida
Florida's top business insurers include NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, with affordable coverage starting at just $6 monthly.
Get matched to the best Florida commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: January 6, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
NEXT ranks first for best small business insurance in Florida with top customer service and competitive rates.
Florida small business insurance costs $109 monthly ($1,306 annually) on average across general liability, workers' comp, professional liability and BOP.
Choose the right small business insurance coverage by assessing risks, comparing quotes and maximizing discounts.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Florida
| NEXT Insurance | 4.63 | $108 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $91 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $105 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | $110 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | $109 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | $113 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | $108 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.31 | $101 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.27 | $116 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $127 | 3 | 4 |
Note: This data represents a small business with 2 employees, $150,000 in payroll and $300,000 in annual revenue. All scores were calculated for four of the most common coverage types in the industry across 79 industries in the United States.
Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Florida for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

Best Florida Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$112This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$74This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Digital Experience
4.8/5 (1st)Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks 1st in Florida for customer service with exceptional support and claims handling
Offers comprehensive coverage options for various business types and needs
User-friendly digital platform enables quick policy management and instant certificates
consCompany's financial stability ranks 6th in Florida, suggesting room for improvement
Limited physical locations may restrict in-person service options
NEXT ranks first in Florida with a 4.63 MoneyGeek score and averages $108 monthly, giving you reliable claim payments through A- AM Best-rated financial strength. The digital platform delivers instant certificates when clients request proof of insurance and lets you manage policies around the clock from your phone. That's essential during Florida's hurricane season when you need coverage documentation quickly. NEXT works best for tech-comfortable business owners who prioritize speed and convenience over budget pricing.
NEXT averages $108 monthly ($1,296 annually), ranking third among Florida providers for affordability. The insurer leads in workers' compensation costs at $74 monthly and professional liability at $78 monthly, making it competitive for service businesses and companies with employees. However, business owner's policies run $168 monthly ($9 above the Florida average) meaning retail shops and property-focused businesses pay premium prices for coverage.
NEXT earns Florida's highest customer experience score at 4.7 out of 5, excelling in digital convenience with instant certificates and mobile app access. However, the company ranks fourth for claims processing and customer service, suggesting you'll appreciate the technology but may encounter challenges reaching human support during complex claims. Business owners praise the self-service platform while noting limitations when problems require personal assistance.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT offers seven coverage types, including liquor liability for restaurants, cyber protection for data breaches and tools/equipment coverage for contractors, across 1,300+ business types. Standard policies include $1 million aggregate and $400,000 per-claim limits for general liability, protecting Florida businesses from customer injury lawsuits and property damage claims. The digital platform serves trades, professional services and retail businesses statewide, though specialized industries may need supplemental coverage from other carriers.

Cheapest Florida Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$89This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$75This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5 (1st)Our Survey: Agent Service
4.7/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks 1st in financial stability, ensuring reliable claim payments
Offers competitive rates, ranking 2nd for affordability in Florida
Provides excellent customer service with 24/7 claim support
consLess extensive coverage options compared to top competitor
Traditional business model may result in slower policy processing
The Hartford ranks second in Florida with a 4.59 MoneyGeek score and costs $91 monthly—the lowest rates we found across all coverage types. Founded in 1810, the insurer combines budget-friendly premiums with an A+ AM Best rating, ensuring reliable claim payments when disasters strike. The Hartford works best for cost-conscious Florida business owners who need proven financial stability without sacrificing coverage quality.
The Hartford leads Florida for affordability at $91 monthly ($1,092 annually), ranking first in three of four coverage types we analyzed. You'll pay $89 monthly for general liability, $78 for professional liability and $122 for business owner's policies—each substantially below Florida averages. The insurer delivers the deepest savings for restaurants, contractors and professional services needing comprehensive protection, though workers' compensation runs slightly higher at $75 monthly.
When you file a claim with The Hartford, you'll work with knowledgeable representatives who resolve issues efficiently. The Hartford ranks second nationally for overall customer service with a 4.55 MoneyGeek score. However, some Trustpilot reviews mention billing complications, challenging cancellation processes and difficulty reaching representatives outside claims—suggesting strong performance during emergencies but potential frustrations with routine administrative tasks.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford covers 60+ industries with employment practices liability that automatically includes wage and hour defense costs, protecting Florida restaurants and retailers from employee lawsuits without additional premiums. The insurer offers multinational coverage across 220+ countries through its Global Insurer Network, essential for businesses expanding internationally. General liability limits range from $300,000 to $2 million nationwide, though some specialized products aren't available in every state.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Florida
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$104This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$77This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Research: Digital Experience
4.5/5Our Survey: Provider Service
4.0/5
- pros
Ranks 1st in Florida for coverage options, offering extensive protection for businesses
Provides competitive rates that rank 3rd among all Florida insurance providers
Offers an easy-to-use online quote system with instant coverage options
consCustomer service ranks 5th in Florida, suggesting room for improvement
Limited physical presence may affect accessibility for businesses preferring in-person service
When you need specialized coverage for your Florida business, Simply Business matches you with carriers who understand your industry. It connects restaurants with food service specialists and contractors with construction experts rather than forcing you into generic policies. The marketplace model costs $105 monthly and ranks third in Florida with a 4.49 MoneyGeek score. Simply Business works best for business owners seeking industry-specific coverage options who can manage policies across different carrier platforms.
You'll pay $104 monthly for general liability and $155 for business owner's policies, with final pricing determined by which carrier underwrites your specific policy. Professional liability ($83 monthly) and workers' compensation ($77 monthly) fall in the middle range among providers we analyzed. The marketplace approach means retail and property businesses save modestly on BOP coverage while service businesses pay average rates, with your actual costs varying based on industry risk and carrier selection.
You'll get multiple carrier quotes within minutes through Simply Business's online platform, which ranks third nationally for digital experience with a 4.50 out of 5 score. The straightforward quote process helps you compare options quickly and choose the best match for your business. However, the company ranks fifth in Florida for overall customer service at 4.15 out of 5 because different carriers handle your claims and support, meaning service quality depends on which insurer you select.
Overall Customer Score 4.14 7 Claims Process 3.70 8 Customer Service 4.00 6 Digital Experience 4.50 3 Overall Satisfaction 4.10 7 Policy Management 4.10 7 Recommend to Others 4.20 8 Renewal Likelihood 4.10 7 If your restaurant needs liquor liability or your contracting business requires specialized tools coverage, Simply Business connects you with carriers offering those protections, earning the highest coverage score in Florida at 4.9 out of 5. The marketplace accesses policies from multiple A-rated insurers, each specializing in different industries or coverage types. You'll find more coverage options than single-carrier competitors offer, though your policy ultimately comes from a partner insurer rather than Simply Business itself.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Florida?
Business insurance costs in Florida vary widely, with monthly premiums ranging from $80 for workers' compensation to $160 for a business owner's policy. Industry and risk factors drive these price differences. Below you can compare average rates for the four most common business insurance types in the Sunshine State:
We found average business insurance costs for Florida companies for commonly needed coverage are as follows:
- General Liability Cost: $112 monthly or $1,345 annually
- Workers' Comp Cost: $80 per month or $955 per year
- Professional Liability (E&O) Cost: $84 per month or $1,009 annually
- Business Owners Policy (BOP) Cost: $160 monthly or $1,916 annually
| BOP | $160 | $1,916 |
| General Liability | $112 | $1,345 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $84 | $1,009 |
| Workers Comp | $80 | $955 |
Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our Florida research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
Florida Business Insurance Cost by Industry and Coverage
Business insurance costs in the Sunshine State range dramatically from $77 to $17,416 annually, with pricing determined by your specific industry and chosen coverage types. Compare Florida commercial insurance costs for your desired coverage type and industry below.
| Accountants | General Liability | $24 | $288 |
| Ad Agency | General Liability | $38 | $461 |
| Auto Repair | General Liability | $165 | $1,983 |
| Automotive | General Liability | $58 | $696 |
| Bakery | General Liability | $98 | $1,179 |
| Barber | General Liability | $48 | $578 |
| Beauty Salon | General Liability | $73 | $872 |
| Bounce House | General Liability | $76 | $917 |
| Candle | General Liability | $60 | $717 |
| Cannabis | General Liability | $73 | $875 |
| Catering | General Liability | $95 | $1,144 |
| Cleaning | General Liability | $144 | $1,729 |
| Coffee Shop | General Liability | $98 | $1,171 |
| Computer Programming | General Liability | $32 | $379 |
| Computer Repair | General Liability | $52 | $622 |
| Construction | General Liability | $191 | $2,289 |
| Consulting | General Liability | $24 | $286 |
| Contractor | General Liability | $277 | $3,327 |
| Courier | General Liability | $213 | $2,551 |
| DJ | General Liability | $28 | $330 |
| Daycare | General Liability | $36 | $429 |
| Dental | General Liability | $23 | $281 |
| Dog Grooming | General Liability | $69 | $828 |
| Drone | General Liability | $18 | $218 |
| Ecommerce | General Liability | $80 | $955 |
| Electrical | General Liability | $122 | $1,467 |
| Engineering | General Liability | $43 | $520 |
| Excavation | General Liability | $507 | $6,078 |
| Florist | General Liability | $47 | $559 |
| Food | General Liability | $117 | $1,405 |
| Food Truck | General Liability | $154 | $1,850 |
| Funeral Home | General Liability | $66 | $788 |
| Gardening | General Liability | $122 | $1,466 |
| HVAC | General Liability | $267 | $3,202 |
| Handyman | General Liability | $266 | $3,187 |
| Home-based | General Liability | $26 | $310 |
| Home-based | General Liability | $50 | $598 |
| Hospitality | General Liability | $71 | $851 |
| Janitorial | General Liability | $149 | $1,790 |
| Jewelry | General Liability | $44 | $525 |
| Junk Removal | General Liability | $177 | $2,121 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | General Liability | $131 | $1,569 |
| Lawyers | General Liability | $25 | $298 |
| Manufacturing | General Liability | $69 | $834 |
| Marine | General Liability | $30 | $366 |
| Massage | General Liability | $104 | $1,251 |
| Mortgage Broker | General Liability | $25 | $299 |
| Moving | General Liability | $135 | $1,619 |
| Nonprofit | General Liability | $39 | $468 |
| Painting | General Liability | $156 | $1,877 |
| Party Rental | General Liability | $86 | $1,038 |
| Personal Training | General Liability | $26 | $312 |
| Pest Control | General Liability | $35 | $421 |
| Pet | General Liability | $61 | $732 |
| Pharmacy | General Liability | $67 | $806 |
| Photography | General Liability | $26 | $315 |
| Physical Therapy | General Liability | $120 | $1,437 |
| Plumbing | General Liability | $393 | $4,719 |
| Pressure Washing | General Liability | $996 | $11,950 |
| Real Estate | General Liability | $58 | $694 |
| Restaurant | General Liability | $158 | $1,892 |
| Retail | General Liability | $71 | $854 |
| Roofing | General Liability | $422 | $5,065 |
| Security | General Liability | $151 | $1,816 |
| Snack Bars | General Liability | $128 | $1,533 |
| Software | General Liability | $29 | $343 |
| Spa/Wellness | General Liability | $116 | $1,393 |
| Speech Therapist | General Liability | $34 | $408 |
| Startup | General Liability | $31 | $373 |
| Tech/IT | General Liability | $29 | $344 |
| Transportation | General Liability | $41 | $491 |
| Travel | General Liability | $23 | $272 |
| Tree Service | General Liability | $141 | $1,694 |
| Trucking | General Liability | $112 | $1,339 |
| Tutoring | General Liability | $33 | $395 |
| Veterinary | General Liability | $49 | $585 |
| Wedding Planning | General Liability | $30 | $361 |
| Welding | General Liability | $179 | $2,152 |
| Wholesale | General Liability | $49 | $583 |
| Window Cleaning | General Liability | $173 | $2,079 |
Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our Florida research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
What Factors Affect Florida Business Insurance Costs?
Multiple business insurance cost variables in Florida shape your premium:
- South Florida Litigation Concentration: Florida's litigation patterns create stark regional cost differences for business insurance. The tri-county area of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade leads the state in litigated claims, with Central Florida's Seminole, Orange, Lake and Osceola counties ranking second. Insurers paid $1.5 billion in legal and adjustment expenses for 2022 claims alone—businesses in these high-litigation counties pay higher premiums than those in North Florida or rural areas.
- Assignment of Benefits Crisis and 2023 Reform: Florida's Assignment of Benefits crisis drove lawsuits from 405 statewide in 2006 to 28,200 by 2016, inflating property insurance costs dramatically. Policies issued after January 1, 2023 eliminate post-loss benefit assignments, ending contractor-driven litigation for newer commercial properties. Businesses with older policies still experience AOB-related premium increases, while those purchasing coverage after 2023 benefit from reform-driven rate reductions.
- Hurricane Exposure and Annual Rate Increases: Hurricane exposure dominates Florida's commercial property insurance market. Citizens purchased $3.56 billion in reinsurance for 2024, while commercial property rates increased 13% in March 2024 and will reach 15% annual caps by 2026. Hurricane Ian represented a 1-in-20 to 1-in-25 year event. Coastal businesses in Tampa Bay, Miami-Dade and the Panhandle pay the steepest premiums due to storm surge and wind exposure.
- 2023 Tort Reform Reducing Liability Costs: Florida's 2023 tort reform through HB 837 reduced the general negligence statute of limitations from four years to two years and shifted to modified comparative negligence, where plaintiffs over 50% at fault cannot recover damages. The law eliminated one-way attorney fee provisions that automatically awarded plaintiffs fees against insurers. These changes reduce liability insurance costs, though businesses should expect gradual premium decreases as insurers adjust pricing models over 12 to 24 months.
- Industry-Specific Workers' Compensation Thresholds: Florida mandates workers' compensation coverage at different thresholds by industry: construction businesses need coverage with just one employee, while non-construction businesses don't require it until four employees, and agricultural operations at six regular or 12 seasonal workers (30+ days). Construction businesses pay workers' compensation costs from hiring their first employee, creating immediate expenses that retail or service businesses defer until reaching four employees.
Florida Business Insurance Quotes
Compare rates from multiple Florida business insurers to find coverage that fits your needs and budget. Use MoneyGeek's quote tool below to connect with providers offering competitive rates for your industry.
Get Florida Business Insurance Quotes from the Best Insurers
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Florida business.
Florida Business Insurance Requirements
Florida mandates business insurance coverage based on industry type, employee count and vehicle weight. Workers' compensation insurance, reemployment tax, commercial auto coverage and physician professional liability represent the state's core legal requirements, while alcohol manufacturers, tobacco distributors and contractors face additional surety bond mandates for licensing.
Florida requires workers' compensation coverage at different employee thresholds by industry: construction businesses need it with one employee, non-construction businesses at four employees and agricultural operations at six regular employees or 12 seasonal workers exceeding 30 days. Corporate officers and LLC members count toward these thresholds. Businesses without required coverage risk stop-work orders and $1,000 daily penalties, while contractors must verify subcontractors maintain proper workers' compensation or assume liability for their workers' injuries.
Florida statute requires business vehicles to carry $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability per accident. Heavy commercial vehicles have higher requirements based on gross vehicle weight: $50,000 per occurrence for 26,000 to 35,000 pounds, $100,000 for 35,000 to 44,000 pounds and $300,000 for vehicles exceeding 44,000 pounds. Vehicles regulated by federal Department of Transportation must meet minimum financial responsibility requirements in 49 C.F.R. Part 387.
Florida physicians must demonstrate financial responsibility as a licensing condition by obtaining professional liability coverage of $100,000 per claim with $300,000 annual aggregate, or establishing equivalent escrow accounts or letters of credit. Physicians performing surgery in ambulatory surgical centers or maintaining hospital staff privileges have higher requirements of $250,000 per claim with $750,000 annual aggregate. Exemptions apply to federal and state employees, teaching physicians at accredited medical schools, inactive license holders and part-time physicians meeting specific criteria.
Florida businesses must pay reemployment tax when meeting any threshold: $1,500 quarterly payroll in a calendar year, one employee for any portion of a day during 20 weeks annually, five agricultural workers for 20 weeks or $10,000 quarterly agricultural payroll. New employers pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 in wages per employee annually, with rates adjusting after 10 quarters based on employment stability. Nonprofit organizations with four employees for 20 weeks must also comply.
Florida requires surety bonds for alcohol manufacturers and distributors under Florida Statutes Sections 561.37, 561.371 and 562.25, with state bonded warehouse operators posting bonds between $1,000 and $5,000. Cigarette and tobacco wholesale distributors must post surety bonds before license approval per Sections 210.05(3)(b), 210.08 and 210.40. Contractors seeking state licenses must demonstrate financial responsibility including potential surety bonds or insurance requirements, with financial responsibility officers for certain classifications required to provide $100,000 surety bonds.
What Business Insurance Coverage Is Recommended For Florida Companies?
Business insurance in Florida has heavier regulation, but you still can have flexibility to choose coverage that fits your specific needs. We've analyzed what works best for the major industries driving the Sunshine State's economy.
Restaurant | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation
| Hurricane season forces restaurants to close during evacuations, cutting off revenue for days or weeks while fixed costs continue. Outdoor dining setups face wind damage from tropical storms, and tourist-heavy areas see liability claims spike during peak season when inexperienced seasonal staff handle larger crowds. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builder's risk, professional liability, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, sinkhole coverage, mold coverage
| Sinkholes swallow equipment and destabilize structures overnight, while Florida's humidity breeds mold inside walls during construction delays. Coastal construction projects face storm surge flooding that destroys materials and compromises foundations, plus hurricane damage that halts work for weeks and triggers builder's risk claims. |
Marine | Marine insurance, hull and machinery, marina operators liability, commercial fishing vessel, hurricane coverage, pollution liability, charter boat coverage, salvage coverage
| Hurricane evacuations force marina operators to shut down for days, losing charter revenue during peak tourist season. Vessel damage from storms totals millions, while fuel spills and sewage discharge in sensitive coastal waters trigger environmental cleanup costs and regulatory penalties. |
Retail | General liability, commercial property, business interruption, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, cyber liability, commercial crime, tourist liability coverage
| Coastal retail stores lose revenue when hurricane warnings empty beaches and tourists evacuate, yet rent and payroll continue during closures. Wind damage to storefronts and flooding from storm surge destroy inventory, while seasonal tourism swings mean one storm wipes out your profitable quarter. |
Landscaping/Lawn | General liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, equipment coverage, hurricane damage coverage, flood coverage, heat-related illness coverage, pesticide liability
| Summer heat indexes above 105°F put landscaping crews at risk for heat stroke, while hurricane debris removal exposes workers to injury from unstable trees and hidden hazards. Year-round growing seasons mean constant pesticide application, increasing chemical exposure liability, and storm damage to equipment like mowers and trucks parked outdoors. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Florida
Getting business insurance in Florida means preparing for hurricane closures during peak tourist months, construction delays from sinkholes and aggressive litigation in South Florida. Follow these steps to find coverage that handles Florida's unique challenges without overpaying.
- 1
Identify what could actually shut down your Florida business
Hurricane season overlaps with peak tourist months, meaning one September evacuation eliminates quarterly profits while rent and payroll continue. Construction projects face sinkholes that swallow equipment overnight and humidity breeding mold during delays, requiring specialized coverage beyond standard policies. Service businesses in tri-county areas face higher professional liability claims despite tort reforms, while workers' compensation kicks in at one employee for construction and four for retail.
- 2
Request quotes from multiple insurers and state programs
Request quotes from NEXT for instant digital certificates when clients demand immediate proof of insurance, The Hartford for lowest rates and Simply Business for specialized industry coverage. Coastal businesses rejected by standard insurers can access Citizens Property Insurance, though expect premiums 20% to 30% higher and hurricane deductibles starting at 2% of insured value. Florida rates vary dramatically: Miami restaurants pay double what Jacksonville restaurants pay for identical coverage.
- 3
Choose insurers who pay claims quickly, not just cheaply
The cheapest premium means nothing when your restaurant sits closed after a hurricane and your insurer takes six months to settle your business interruption claim. NEXT and The Hartford rank highest for claims satisfaction, crucial when you need payment within weeks to reopen, not months arguing with adjusters. Check complaint ratios through Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation before buying because low-cost insurers often have triple the complaints.
- 4
Stack discounts to offset Florida's high premiums
Florida businesses pay 30% to 40% more for property insurance than national averages, making bundling general liability with property coverage through a BOP a smart move to get more affordable insurance rates. Implement documented safety training to reduce workers' compensation costs, especially for contractors paying coverage from their first hire. Raise hurricane deductibles from 2% to 5% if you have cash reserves, saving $800 yearly on $500,000 policies, and maintain three claim-free years for preferred rates.
- 5
Review your coverage every year as your business in Florida evolves
Hurricane Ian pushed Florida construction costs up 40%, meaning $300,000 property coverage from 2022 won't rebuild your damaged building today. Add employees to workers' compensation immediately when hiring since Florida issues stop-work orders within hours, costing $1,000 daily plus contract penalties. Shop three insurers every renewal because Citizens recently reduced rates 14% and private insurers entered Florida post-reform, potentially lowering your costs.
Best Business Liability Insurance Florida: Bottom Line
NEXT ranks first in Florida for customer service, The Hartford offers the lowest rates and Simply Business provides the broadest coverage. Choose based on whether you prioritize fast digital certificates, budget savings or specialized industry protection, then compare quotes and stack discounts.
Business Insurance Florida: FAQ
Small business owners across the Sunshine State face countless decisions when selecting business insurance coverage. We answer your most common questions below:
What business insurance is required by law in Florida?
Florida requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with four or more employees (construction businesses need coverage with one or more employees). Commercial auto insurance is mandatory for all business-owned vehicles with minimum liability limits of $10,000 per person for personal injury protection and $10,000 for property damage liability.
How much does business insurance cost in Florida?
Business insurance costs in Florida range from $80 for workers comp coverage to $160 for BOP insurance. The Hartford costs $1,090 per year in our study across all coverage types. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Florida?
The Hartford offers the most affordable business insurance in Florida at $91 monthly, with Thimble at $101 and Simply Business at $105 following behind.
What business insurance does my small business need in Florida?
Florida businesses need general liability and workers' compensation (construction at one employee, retail at four). Add property and business interruption coverage for hurricane protection, plus specialized policies like marine liability for charter boats or liquor liability for restaurants.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Florida
Small business owners in Florida need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Florida entrepreneurs navigate challenges like hurricane risks and the state's optional workers' compensation laws.
We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.
- Affordability (50% of score): We compared company rates across all coverage types to identify the most cost-effective options for small businesses that need comprehensive financial protection without overpaying.
- Customer experience (30% of score): We analyzed J.D. Power satisfaction ratings, NAIC complaint data, online review sites and independent agency feedback to assess real-world service quality when you need claims handled quickly.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluated the breadth of coverage types, policy limits and add-on options available to accommodate growing businesses and Florida's diverse industry needs.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings, Moody's assessments and company financial reports to ensure insurers can reliably pay claims, especially important given Florida's frequent weather disasters.
This approach helps Florida small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.
sources
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Florida Reemployment Tax." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- Florida Legislature. "Section 458.320 - Financial Responsibility." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- Florida Legislature. "Section 627.736 - Required Security." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- Florida Legislature. "Section 627.7415 - Commercial Motor Vehicles; Additional Liability Insurance Coverage." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. "Assignment of Benefits Resources." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. "OIR Residential Property Claims and Litigation Report." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- MyFloridaLicense.com. "Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Surety Bond Form Application Package." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- The Florida Senate. "Chapter 627 Section 7152 - 2022 Florida Statutes." Accessed January 8, 2026.
- The Florida Senate. "House Bill 837 (2023)." Accessed January 8, 2026.

