Business Owners Policy (BOP) in Florida

What a business owners policy (BOP) covers

A business owners policy packages general liability and commercial property coverage together, usually at a better rate than separate policies. It's designed for small and mid-sized businesses that own or lease a location with inventory, equipment, or tenant improvements.

• General liability. covers bodily injury and property damage claims, plus legal defense costs
• Commercial property. covers your building (if owned), tenant improvements, equipment, inventory, and business personal property from fire, theft, wind, and other named perils
• Business interruption. reimburses lost income if a covered peril forces you to close temporarily
• Additional coverages. often includes signs, outdoor equipment, and locks and keys

Florida hurricane wind and deductibles

Florida's biggest property peril is hurricane and tropical storm wind. Many insurers apply a separate, higher “wind deductible” (often 2-5% of your property value, or a flat dollar amount) to wind losses rather than your standard deductible. On a $500,000 building, a 5% wind deductible means you pay $25,000 before coverage kicks in—a critical detail when comparing quotes.

• Wind deductible: typically 2-5% of property value, applied to windstorm losses
• Named storm deductible: may differ from regular wind deductible
• Coastal vs inland: coastal properties face higher deductibles and limited availability
• Roof condition: insurers scrutinize roof age and condition; 30+ year-old roofs are often uninsurable

Flood, coastal, and Citizens Property Insurance

Flood is excluded from all property policies in Florida (as in all states). If you're in or near a flood zone, you must obtain separate flood insurance. Coastal properties face additional scrutiny: some private carriers are exiting coastal markets or imposing high wind deductibles. Many businesses are forced into the insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance, which is more expensive and less reliable.

Choosing property limits in Florida

Accurately assess your building value, inventory, equipment, and tenant improvement costs. Coastal properties and those with older roofs often face availability issues; carriers may require inspections, repair riders, or roof certification before binding coverage.

How to lower your BOP premium

• Bundle with business auto or workers compensation for multi-line discounts
• Invest in hurricane mitigation: storm shutters, roof reinforcement, impact-resistant glass
• Maintain your roof and roof documentation (age, repairs, inspections)
• Raise your standard deductible if you can absorb smaller losses
• Keep a clean claims history

What a BOP does not cover

A BOP does not include commercial auto, workers compensation, professional liability, cyber, or flood coverage. Flood requires a separate policy. If you operate vehicles, employ staff, or need specialized coverage, Maru layers the right policies.

Why buy a BOP through Maru

Maru compares BOP carriers and property limits across our network, accounting for Florida's wind deductibles, roof scrutiny, and coastal market challenges. We help you understand exclusions, manage flood insurance separately, and re-shop at renewal to keep your rate competitive in Florida's hardening market.

Frequently asked questions

Vadim — Maru Insurance
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.