Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for hair stylists and salon owners in Florida.
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Stylists may need different types of salon insurance coverage depending on the services they offer. These are the most popular insurance policies for Florida hair styling businesses and beauticians, which protect against financial losses from accidents and lawsuits.
General liability coverage handles basic hair salon risks, such as spilling dye on a customer’s expensive clothing. Bundle with commercial property insurance for savings in a BOP.
A BOP bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance at a discount. This is often one of the most cost-effective salon insurance policies.
This policy covers lawsuits related to work performance, such as dissatisfaction over a client's hair dye or styling. This policy is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
Most states require workers' comp for salons that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs and legal fees that health insurance might deny.
Cyber liability insurance covers costs related to data breaches and cyberattacks. It's strongly recommended for salons that handle credit card numbers and other personal info.
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of accidents involving a vehicle owned by a hair salon. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
Whether you're in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, or elsewhere in the state, hair salons in Florida often must carry the following types of cosmetology insurance coverage as part of their insurance plans to comply with laws:
Florida state law requires hair and beauty salons with four or more employees to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical bills for work-related injuries and occupational diseases. This policy is also recommended for sole proprietors, as health insurance can deny claims for injuries related to your job.
Workers' comp provides disability benefits to offset lost wages for Florida workers who are disabled or recovering from a job-related injury, such as if you slip and break an arm in your salon. Policies usually include employer's liability insurance, which covers legal costs if an employee sues their employer over an injury.
State law requires commercial auto insurance for any vehicle owned by a business, including hair stylists, estheticians, and salons. This policy covers property damage and medical bills resulting from an accident. It can help pay for vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism, depending on the coverage options you choose.
All Florida vehicles must have the following car insurance, at a minimum:
If you or your hair stylists drive their personal vehicles for salon work, you'll need a different policy. Because personal auto insurance won't cover work-related driving, you'll need hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) in this situation, or if you rent or lease a vehicle used for business. You can often add this coverage to your general liability policy as an endorsement.
In Florida, anyone who provides cosmetology or barbering services—such as hair cutting, coloring, styling, or chemical treatments—must hold a valid license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Board of Cosmetology or the Barber’s Board.
Depending on the work you do, that could be a cosmetologist license, barber license, nail or facial specialist registration, or full specialist registration. Each license or registration has state education, exam, and continuing-education requirements, and practicing without the appropriate credential can result in fines or disciplinary action.
If you plan to operate a salon or barbershop, you’ll also need a Cosmetology Salon or Barbershop license from the DBPR. A hair salon is defined as a licensed, inspected facility where licensed hairstylists conduct cosmetology services and must hold the appropriate license or registration.
Establishment licenses are tied to a specific location and must be obtained before opening. The DBPR also inspects licensed facilities and enforces sanitation, safety, and recordkeeping standards.
Home-based and mobile operations are recognized license types. However, home-based salons are treated as establishments. They must meet the same licensing and inspection requirements, plus any local zoning, building, and health rules for operating a business from your residence. It's best to consult your county- or city-specific requirements to confirm home-occupation rules before opening.
Beyond the state cosmetology licenses and establishment permits, beauty professionals should register their business with the Florida Department of State, obtain any required tax registrations, and verify whether other agencies apply, such as the Department of Health.
Independent hairstylist insurance will cost less than coverage for a hair salon with several employees.
General liability: $43 per month
Business owner's policy: $85 per month
Workers' compensation: $74 per month
Factors that affect the hair salon insurance costs include:
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