Get the right commercial insurance for your Orlando business
Which insurance policies are recommended for Orlando businesses?
As the best large U.S. city to start a small business, Orlando succeeds as an entrepreneurial hub. Protect your investment with these common insurance products.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy pays for legal costs from customer accidents, along with defamation and copyright infringement claims. Commercial leases in Orlando often require this coverage.
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damage to a customer's property
- Slander and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability policy covers legal costs related to claims of negligence, such as advice that caused a client to lose money. It's sometimes called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber insurance
Cyber liability insurance helps small businesses in Orlando recover after a data breach or a cyberattack. Every business that handles customer information should have this coverage.
- Data breach notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- PR campaigns after a breach
Business owner’s policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is an affordable way to buy general liability and commercial property insurance together. It's recommended for small, low-risk businesses in Orlando.
- Customer slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers' comp is required for all Florida businesses with four or more employees. It also covers work-related injuries for sole proprietors, which health insurance may deny.
- Medical bills from job-related injuries
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from work injuries
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by Orlando businesses must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy primarily covers injuries and property damage caused by your vehicle.
- Injuries from an auto accident
- Damage caused by your vehicle
- Lawsuits from an auto accident
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O insurance protects consultants and professional services against legal defense costs from dissatisfied clients. It's also called professional liability insurance.
- Errors and oversights
- Breach of contract
- Professional negligence
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers physical damage to an Orlando business's building and its contents, including any computers and equipment. You can bundle it with general liability in a BOP.
- Fires
- Theft and vandalism
- Storm damage
Commercial umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy provides coverage once the limit is reached on your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance.
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
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Which business insurance policies are required in Orlando?
Workers' compensation insurance
Florida's workers' compensation law requires this type of insurance for all businesses that have four or more employees, whether they work full time or part time.
Workers' comp pays for medical expenses when one of your employees is injured on the job or develops an occupational illness. It also supplies part of the lost income for injured Orlando workers.
Commercial auto insurance
Florida state law requires commercial auto insurance for all vehicles used solely for work purposes. This insurance policy covers medical payments, legal costs, and property damage from accidents involving your commercial vehicle.
Orlando businesses must meet the state's requirements for auto liability coverage, which are:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection
- $10,000 in property damage liability
This is the least amount of coverage you need. It's worth considering higher limits, given the potential cost of a lawsuit. Trucking companies and taxis may need more coverage to comply with regulations.
Florida business owners who use personal, rented, or leased vehicle for work purposes may want to consider hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) instead.
How much does business insurance cost in Orlando?
Small businesses in Orlando don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for Florida businesses, based on policy data from Insureon customers:
General liability: $55 per month
Workers' comp: $65 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $84 per month
The cost of business liability insurance depends on factors such as:
- Type of business
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
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FAQs about Orlando business insurance
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Sometimes you need to get insured quickly to sign a contract, lease, or other agreement. With Insureon, you can get same-day insurance in three easy steps:
- Fill out our online application to get quotes from top-rated providers.
- Choose a policy and pay for it online.
- Download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Our licensed insurance agents will help you get the right coverage for your unique needs. Most Orlando businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours of applying for quotes.
Can my business be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes – that's why cyber insurance is so crucial. Small businesses are a common target of cyberattacks since they often have fewer security measures in place.
Florida's data breach laws require Orlando businesses to notify any residents whose personal information is exposed in a data breach. Your business could also end up paying for a data breach investigation, a PR campaign, and other costs related to a breach or cyberattack.
Cyber liability insurance covers these costs and provides resources so you can get back to business fast.
Does my industry affect Orlando insurance requirements?
Yes, the city of Orlando and the state of Florida may require you to buy certain types of business insurance or bonds, depending on your profession. You may also need a business license or permit to operate in the city or do certain types of work.
Here are a few examples of local and state business requirements:
- Every business in Orlando must comply with the city's business licensing requirements, which include obtaining a Business Tax Receipt for the City of Orlando and for Orange County.
- General contractors, handymen, carpenters, and other construction professionals will likely need to pass a certification exam and submit an application in order to get certified in Florida. The requirements include carrying public liability and property damage insurance (combined in a general liability policy), a surety bond, and workers' compensation insurance or an exemption.
- Notaries public in the Sunshine State must maintain a $7,500 surety bond during their four-year commission.
- Landscapers need to comply with the Florida Friendly Principles, which include following guidelines for the use of native plants and adherence to water efficiency guidelines.
- Real estate agents and brokers aren't required to carry errors and omissions insurance by Florida law, but it may be required by franchises and bank partners.
- Nurses must carry medical malpractice insurance, a type of professional liability insurance, to be certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Florida.
When running a business in Orlando, from a cleaning company to a hair salon, you need to be aware of laws and regulations for Florida, Orange County, and the city of Orlando.
How can I get help starting a small business in Orlando?
Orlando has a history of a thriving small business environment, earning it the rank of No.1 large city to start a business. Here are a few resources to help develop your business:
- The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), the No. 1 Chamber of Commerce in the nation, provides collaboration, resources, and support for small businesses in Orlando.
- The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando focuses on the growth and development of the Hispanic business community.
- The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the advancement of East Orange County businesses through business advocacy, community engagement, and regional connectivity.
- The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (BACCF) helps facilitate business relationships and partnerships for Brazilian American-owned businesses in central Florida.
- The Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Orlando provides a network for Haitian American business owners to support and facilitate development in the greater Orlando area.
- The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce serves the Lake Nona region by promoting commerce and providing resources for local small business owners.
- SCORE Orlando provides mentorship, free workshops, and other resources for businesses in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties of central Florida.
- The SBA of North Florida provides help with funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery for all of north Florida.
How can I save money on Orlando business insurance?
Small business owners can save money on insurance costs by comparing quotes from different providers. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated insurance companies by filling out one easy application.
There are a few other ways to save, such as:
- Bundle policies for a discount. The most popular option is a business owner's policy, which includes both commercial general liability coverage and property insurance.
- Choose less expensive coverage options. Lower limits or a higher deductible can help you save money on your policy.
- Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.