With the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on a single site at Florida Southern University and gems like the Venetian Gothic architecture of Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida is a natural home for architectural talent. Architects in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach have the highest mean wage for architects nationwide at more than $120,000 per year. To capitalize on these opportunities, Florida architects should consider commercial insurance for their small business.
In Florida, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance are required by law for businesses that have four or more employees and have business-owned vehicles. Architects also usually need proof of professional liability insurance in order to work with clients. Commercial leases often require general liability insurance in case visitors are hurt on the premises.
Insureon makes shopping for insurance easy with industry-leading technology that gathers quotes from top U.S. carriers that fit your needs. Read on to learn more about the business insurance policies you might need and their costs. If you know which policies you want, you can start an application to get free quotes today.
Find the right insurance policy for your architecture firm
The most common architect insurance policies in Florida depend on a variety of factors, including number of employees, revenue, client contracts, and partnerships. The table below illustrates which policies might work best for your business structure.
| Business type |
General liability / BOP |
Professional liability |
Workers' comp |
Commercial auto |
| Sole proprietor |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Partner |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Contractor / freelancer |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Employer |
X |
X |
X |
X |
General liability insurance: General liability insurance is the foundation of an architect’s business protection. Coverage extends to bodily injury, client property damage, advertising injury, and the cost of legal defense. Most commercial leases require you to have this coverage.
Professional liability insurance: Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering contracts for professional services. This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance or architect liability insurance, can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory work or a business discrepancy. If you work in a partnership with another architect or firm, make sure that your professional liability policy provides joint venture coverage. It can make sure each member is protected if the venture is sued.
Business owner's policy (BOP): Architects usually qualify for a business owner’s policy. This package helps your business save money by bundling commercial property insurance with general liability at an affordable rate.
Commercial auto insurance: Commercial auto insurance can cover vehicles your business owns or uses for business purposes. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, this policy can cover your liability for the other person's bodily injuries and property damage. It can also pay to repair your car when it is damaged by theft, weather events, or vandalism.
Florida workers' comp insurance: Florida law requires architects with four or more employees to purchase workers' compensation insurance. Architects who do business as sole proprietors or partners can elect to carry coverage for themselves. If they do, they must file form DWC 251 with the Division of Workers' Compensation. If you work as a freelancer or independent contractor, you are technically a sole proprietor and can elect to carry your own coverage, too. Your clients may even require you to have coverage of your own before you work with them. This policy can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages associated with occupational injuries.
Though architecture isn't an inherently dangerous industry, work injuries do happen, especially on construction sites. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the injuries that architects experience are mostly minor: falls, slips, and trips; contact with objects or equipment; and overexertion. When architects suffer these injuries, they miss a median of 11 days from work.
Business insurance costs for Florida architects
According to an analysis of Insureon applications, the cost of architect insurance in Florida is comparable to the national median. If Florida architects buy professional liability insurance by itself, it costs $3,556 a year ($296/month) versus $3,205 a year ($267/month) at the national level. However, you may save money by bundling your professional liability and general liability insurance. Architects in Florida may spend less than the national median when they take advantage of this option.
Save time and money with Insureon
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps architects in Florida save time and money shopping for insurance by comparing policies from dozens of top U.S. carriers. Apply online and review quotes for the policies that best fit your business needs. Our insurance specialists are licensed in Florida and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.
To make the application go even quicker, have this information ready:
- Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees.
- Current and projected revenue.
- Business partnerships.
- Insurance history and prior claims.
- Commercial lease insurance requirements.
Apply for your free architect insurance quotes today.