A landscaping business is often more than just mowing lawns; it’s about maintaining trees, shrubs, and other exterior features that beautify a property. While cutting grass and gardening may seem mundane, it is not without risk. Improper handling that causes a mower to damage an irrigation pipe, equipment theft, or an injury at a job site can result in significant financial and legal liabilities. Whether you’re a landscaper using a personal van, a subcontractor, or a large landscaping company with a fleet of business vehicles and equipment, a comprehensive commercial insurance policy provides the liability protection that your business needs to protect its financial assets from costly lawsuits.
Do Landscapers Need Insurance in Florida?
All landscaping businesses in Florida should have commercial insurance. State law requires General liability and workers’ compensation policies for any landscaper who holds a general contractor’s license. The unique flora, proximity to the Gulf Coast, and humid climate of Southwest and Central Florida create specific risks for landscaping services. For instance, a single accident, such as a falling tree branch, can result in a lawsuit that could severely impact an uninsured business. Therefore, having the appropriate coverage is essential to protect your livelihood as well as your personal and business assets.
What Type of Insurance Does a Landscaping Business Need in Florida?
To ensure complete coverage, a landscaping business should consider the following types of policies:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance is the most important policy for any landscaping business. It covers resulting claims of injury or property damage to a third party. For example, if your mower throws a rock that breaks a client’s window, or a client trips over your equipment, CGL would cover the repair costs and any resulting medical and legal fees.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a legally required policy for businesses in Florida with four or more employees. Landscaping companies that provide pest control, tree trimming, or irrigation services are classified as specialty construction contractors, which requires workers’ compensation, even if you have only one employee. Without this coverage, you could face hefty fines and be held personally liable for a serious workplace injury as well as all medical costs.
- Commercial Auto Insurance is essential to cover your work trucks, trailers, and any other vehicles used to transport tools, equipment, or materials to and from job sites in case of accidents or theft.
- A Tools & Equipment Floater is necessary if you want to protect your valuable company equipment, tools, and supplies from theft or damage during transportation to or from a job site, or when they are stored in a vehicle overnight.
How Much is Commercial Insurance for Landscaping in Florida?
The cost of commercial insurance for a landscaping business in Florida can vary based on several factors, including your location, the size of your business, your claims history, and the types of services you provide. In some cases, bundling multiple policies into a single package can often result in a significant discount.
What’s Covered:
A typical commercial insurance package for a landscaper in Florida would cover:
- Theft or Damage to Equipment
- Property Damage & Injury
- Vehicle Accidents
- Legal Costs
What’s Not Covered:
- Poor Workmanship
- Intentional Harm
Other Coverage Options for Landscaping Contractors
Discuss with your CIS agent about the wide array of insurance options that your firm may need, such as:
- Commercial Umbrella Insurance: This policy provides an extra layer of liability coverage that extends the limits of your underlying policies, such as General Liability and Commercial Auto, for larger settlements.
- Commercial Property Insurance: This policy protects your business building, office space, and tools and equipment stored at your business from risks like fire, theft, and vandalism.
The Best Insurance for Landscaping Contractors Near Me
At Commercial Insurance Specialists, we are a Trusted Choice independent agency, dedicated to providing exceptional service and a wide range of insurance options tailored to the unique needs of landscaping contractors and subcontractors in the West-Central Florida area. Our flexibility allows us to explore and compare policies from various top-rated insurers, ensuring you receive the professional liability coverage that best fits your needs and budget. We serve clients across many industry classifications, including HVAC contractors, swimming pool companies, and excavation service providers from Sarasota County to Polk County, including Safety Harbor, Apollo Beach, New Port Richey, and Plant City.
Just give CIS a call, and a licensed and independent agent will shop for the best rates and coverage options for your landscaping business from highly rated insurers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation general liability insurance quote!
