What kind of insurance does GrayStone specialize in?

We're a specialty commercial brokerage built for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses — the risks standard carriers often turn away. Through our access to Excess & Surplus (E&S) and specialty markets, we place coverage that everyday agencies can't. Hospitality and construction are among our deepest areas of expertise.

My business was declined or non-renewed elsewhere. Can you still help?

That's exactly what we do. A decline, a non-renewal, or a tough claims history doesn't mean you're out of options — it means your risk needs a broker with the right market access. Tell us your situation and we'll get to work finding a fit.

What is Excess & Surplus (E&S) insurance?

E&S is specialty coverage for risks that standard "admitted" carriers won't write — often because a business is higher-risk, unusual, or has a complex history. As an independent broker, we tap into these specialty markets to place coverage where a typical agency hits a dead end.

What industries do you work with?

We cover a wide range of commercial industries — from restaurants, bars, and hospitality to contractors, trucking, manufacturing, cannabis, and more. If your industry is considered high-risk or hard-to-place, there's a good chance we've handled it. Explore our industries →

Will you work with businesses that have prior claims or losses?

Yes. Prior claims and losses are part of many of the risks we place every day. Every business is evaluated on its own merits — and a rocky history is often exactly why a specialty broker can help where others won't.

Are you an independent broker?

Yes. We're not tied to a single carrier, so we shop your risk across multiple specialty and E&S markets to find coverage that actually fits — instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all policy.

Florida Commercial Insurance

General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.

Florida's insurance market has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most complex and expensive in the country. Between hurricane exposure, aggressive litigation trends, and a regulatory environment that shifts every legislative session, business owners here face challenges that operators in Ohio or Oregon simply don't. If you run a roofing company in Miami, a marina in the Keys, or a nightclub in Tampa, you already know that getting a quote can feel like pulling teeth. This guide breaks down what Florida actually requires from commercial policyholders, where the market stands heading into 2026 hurricane season, and what high-risk businesses need to do differently to stay covered and compliant. Understanding commercial insurance requirements in Florida, the state's unique market appetite, and what high-risk businesses actually need is the difference between operating confidently and operating on borrowed time. Too many business owners learn about coverage gaps after a claim, not before. The state has specific mandates that catch newcomers off guard, and the surplus lines market here operates differently than in most other states. Whether you're launching a new venture or reviewing your existing program, the details matter more in Florida than almost anywhere else.

Florida doesn't follow the same playbook as most states when it comes to business insurance requirements. The state has no general mandate requiring all businesses to carry general liability insurance, but specific industries and business structures trigger mandatory coverage obligations. If you have employees, operate commercial vehicles, or hold certain professional licenses, you're likely required to carry specific policies or face fines, license suspension, or worse.

One thing that trips up new business owners: Florida's requirements often depend on your industry classification, not just your headcount. A landscaping company with four employees faces different obligations than a tech consultancy with the same number of people. And certain licensing boards, like those governing contractors, impose their own insurance minimums on top of state law.

Florida splits its workers' compensation rules into two distinct categories. Construction businesses must carry workers' comp with just one employee, including the business owner. Non-construction businesses hit the threshold at four employees. This is one of the strictest construction-specific rules in the Southeast, and it catches a lot of sole proprietors and small subcontractors off guard.

Officers and LLC members in construction can exempt themselves, but the exemption process requires a formal application through the state. Simply assuming you're exempt because you're an owner is a common and costly mistake. If you're caught without coverage during an audit or after a jobsite injury, the penalties include stop-work orders and fines of twice the premium you should have been paying.

Non-construction employers sometimes try to classify workers as independent contractors to avoid the threshold. Florida's Division of Workers' Compensation has increased enforcement actions against misclassification in recent years, and the penalties are steep.

Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory for all registered vehicles, including those titled to a business. Every commercial vehicle needs at least $10,000 in PIP coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability. That said, these minimums are dangerously low for any business operating vehicles regularly.

If you run a trucking operation, delivery service, or any fleet-dependent business, you'll need far more than state minimums. Federal requirements for interstate carriers start at $750,000 in liability, and many contracts with shippers or general contractors require $1 million or more. The gap between state minimums and real-world exposure is enormous, and it's one of the most common coverage shortfalls we see in Florida commercial auto programs.

We proudly serve high-risk and hard-to-place businesses from coast to coast. As an independent specialty brokerage, our team works with leading Excess & Surplus and specialty carriers to make sure restaurants, bars, contractors, trucking companies, manufacturers, and other hard-to-place operations receive coverage that fits their real risks in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

If your firm provides any design, engineering, or consulting services alongside construction, you need both. A GL policy won't cover a claim alleging your design specifications caused a building envelope failure. That's a professional liability exposure, and it's one of the fastest-growing claim categories in construction.

Coverage Area	Standard Garage Policy	Motorsports-Specific Package
Test Ride Liability	Often excluded or limited	Included with defined protocols
Open Lot Coverage	Minimal or excluded	Full inventory protection
Off-Road Vehicle Liability	Typically excluded	Covered for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes
Seasonal Inventory Fluctuation	Fixed limits year-round	Adjustable limits by season
Demo/Loaner Coverage	Rarely included	Available as standard endorsement
Parts & Accessories Inventory	Low sublimits	Higher limits reflecting actual value

The gap between standard and extended coverage is significant. For high-value or complex projects, the extended version is almost always worth the additional premium.

Coverage Feature	Standard Policy	Extended Policy
Fire, lightning, wind	Included	Included
Theft and vandalism	Included	Included
Flood	Excluded	Available as add-on
Earthquake	Excluded	Available as add-on
Soft costs / delay	Excluded	Included or add-on
Existing structures	Excluded	Often included
Landscaping	Excluded	Sometimes included
Testing and commissioning	Excluded	Included
Debris removal	Limited sublimit	Higher sublimit

Florida's commercial insurance market operates under conditions that make carriers cautious, selective, and sometimes completely unwilling to write certain classes of business. The combination of catastrophic weather exposure, a historically plaintiff-friendly legal environment, and high claim severity creates a market where appetite shifts quickly and availability can't be taken for granted.

The good news heading into 2026: the market is showing signs of stabilization. Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has pointed to recent legislative reforms as a factor in bringing more carriers back to the state. Reinsurance renewals have been more orderly, and several carriers that pulled back in 2022-2023 are cautiously re-entering specific lines.

Admitted carriers are licensed by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and participate in the state's guaranty fund, which protects policyholders if the carrier becomes insolvent. Non-admitted (surplus lines) carriers operate under different rules: they aren't bound by state rate filings, which gives them flexibility to price and write risks that admitted carriers won't touch.

For high-risk businesses, surplus lines carriers are often the only option. Florida's surplus lines market has grown significantly, with premium volume exceeding $12 billion in recent years. The tradeoff is that surplus lines policies don't come with guaranty fund protection, so the financial strength of the carrier matters even more. GrayStone Insurance Group works extensively in the surplus lines space, and their brokers, averaging 20 years of experience, know which non-admitted carriers have genuine staying power versus those chasing short-term premium.

If your business sits within a few miles of the coast, your insurance options shrink dramatically. Wind and named-storm coverage is the primary issue: many admitted carriers either exclude wind entirely or impose sub-limits and percentage deductibles that leave businesses significantly underinsured.

Tri-county South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) is the hardest area to place coverage, but coastal businesses from Jacksonville to Pensacola face similar challenges. Hurricane deductibles in these zones typically run 2-5% of the insured value, meaning a business with $2 million in property coverage could face a $100,000 out-of-pocket deductible before insurance pays anything. Planning for that gap is essential, and many business owners don't realize it exists until after a storm.

Why does my insurance keep going up even though I haven't had any claims? Claims in the broader construction industry drive rate increases across the board. Even with a clean loss history, you're affected by market-wide trends like nuclear verdicts and increased material costs that inflate claim values.

Can I save money by classifying workers as subcontractors instead of employees? This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes contractors make. Misclassification can result in audit penalties, uncovered workers' comp claims, and state fines. If a worker is functionally an employee, treat them as one.

What limits should I carry for general liability? Most commercial contracts require $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate at minimum, with an umbrella policy bringing total limits to $5M or more. Your specific needs depend on project size and contract requirements.

Do I need a separate policy for each project? Not usually. A practice policy covers all your operations, though large projects may require project-specific coverage or wrap-ups. Your broker should review each contract to determine what's needed.

What happens if my subcontractor's insurance lapses mid-project? You're exposed. Your policy may respond, but you'll likely face a deductible and potential premium increase. Continuous certificate tracking is essential, and many contractors now use automated verification platforms.

How long does completed operations coverage last? Typically tied to your policy period, but statutes of repose vary by state: some allow construction defect claims up to 10 years after completion. Make sure your coverage extends long enough to match your state's statute.

When admitted carriers decline your application, the surplus lines market becomes your path to coverage. Surplus lines insurers aren't bound by the same rate and form regulations as admitted carriers, giving them flexibility to write policies for unusual or high-hazard risks. The U.S. surplus lines market has grown substantially as more businesses find themselves unable to secure standard market coverage.

Working with a broker who has established surplus lines relationships is critical. GrayStone Insurance Group, for example, specializes in placing coverage for hard-to-place contractors through its surplus lines partnerships, using data-driven risk modeling to match operators with the right carrier. Not every surplus lines broker understands construction, so look for one with specific trade experience.

Navigating the Surplus Lines Market

Impact of Claims History on Future Premiums

Your loss history follows you. A single large claim can increase premiums for three to five years, and multiple claims within a short window can make you virtually uninsurable in the standard market. Your experience modification rate (EMR) in workers comp directly reflects your claims history relative to peers in your classification.

The good news: you can improve your EMR over time by reducing claim frequency and severity. Implement return-to-work programs, contest questionable claims, and invest in loss control. Brokers with deep industry knowledge, like those averaging 20+ years of experience at firms such as GrayStone, can help you build a narrative around your risk improvement efforts that resonates with underwriters.

Start with your safety program. Documented training, proper PPE protocols, and a clean claims history are the fastest path to lower premiums. Beyond that, working with a broker who understands risk assessment for specialty construction trades can help you avoid overpaying for coverage you don't need while making sure you're not exposed on the coverages you do.

Bundling your GL, inland marine, and commercial auto with a single carrier or program often yields better pricing than buying each separately. Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can also reduce premiums by 10-15% on general liability.

FAQ: How can I lower my insurance costs without losing coverage?

What This Means for Your Business

Concrete finishing is a skilled trade that deserves insurance coverage designed for its actual risks, not a generic contractor policy with half the important coverages stripped out. The difficulty in placing this insurance isn't a reflection of your business: it's a reflection of a market that doesn't understand your trade well enough to price it fairly.

If you're paying too much, carrying policies with critical exclusions, or getting declined altogether, the problem is almost certainly your current broker's market access, not your operation. GrayStone Insurance Group specializes in exactly these hard-to-place risks, connecting concrete contractors with carriers who actually want to write this business.

The right policy protects your equipment, your completed work, your crew, and your reputation. Don't settle for less just because a few carriers said no. Reach out to GrayStone and get a quote built around what your concrete business actually does.

How much does GL insurance cost for a real estate developer? Expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 annually for a standard GL policy, depending on project size, location, and construction type. Mixed-use and residential projects in litigation-heavy states will land at the higher end.

How long does it take to place coverage for a new development? Simple projects with experienced developers can be placed in 2-4 weeks. Complex or distressed risks may take 6-8 weeks, especially if surplus lines markets need to be accessed.

What's the most common coverage gap developers miss? Completed operations coverage that extends beyond project completion. Many developers let this lapse after the certificate of occupancy, leaving them exposed to defect claims that surface years later.

Do I need separate pollution coverage? Almost always, yes. Standard GL policies exclude pollution, and brownfield or infill sites carry environmental risk even with clean Phase II reports. A site-specific pollution legal liability policy typically runs $5,000-$15,000 annually.

Can I add my lender as an additional insured? Yes, and your lender will require it. Make sure the additional insured endorsement matches the exact entity name on the loan documents, or you'll face delays at closing.

What happens if my carrier non-renews mid-project? You'll need to find replacement coverage quickly, usually within 30-60 days. This is where having a broker with deep market relationships pays off - a cold submission to unfamiliar carriers during a non-renewal is a tough position.

FAQ: Cost, Timelines, and Coverage Gaps

Do I need separate insurance for each type of vehicle I sell? Not necessarily. A well-structured dealer policy can cover multiple vehicle types under one program, but the policy language needs to specifically include each category: motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, etc. Don't assume a generic "motorsports" label covers everything.

What liability limits should a motorsports dealership carry? Most dealers should carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for general liability. If you offer test rides on high-performance vehicles, higher limits or an umbrella policy are worth the investment.

Does my policy cover vehicles in transit? Standard dealer policies often exclude vehicles being transported between locations or from auctions. You'll need inland marine or motor truck cargo coverage to fill this gap, especially if you're moving inventory between multiple locations.

Are demo rides covered under my garage liability? It depends entirely on your policy language. Many standard policies exclude or severely limit demo ride coverage. Make sure your policy explicitly addresses customer test rides and staff demonstrations.

What happens if a customer is injured during a test ride? Your garage liability policy should respond, but only if test ride liability is included. If the customer was riding without a helmet or outside an approved area, coverage disputes can arise. Written test ride agreements help protect your position.

Can I get coverage if I've been non-renewed? Yes, but you'll likely need to work with a surplus lines broker who has access to specialty markets. A non-renewal isn't the end of the road, though it will require more effort and potentially higher premiums initially.

FAQ: Coverage Limits and Requirements

Workers' Compensation for High-Climbing Crews

Workers' comp for tree climbers is one of the most difficult placements in the industry. GrayStone's data-driven underwriting approach uses AI-powered risk modeling to match operations with carriers that specialize in high-hazard classifications. This means faster quotes and more competitive pricing than you'd typically find shopping the market on your own. The 94% client retention rate speaks to the fact that these placements stick: contractors aren't getting non-renewed every year.

A commercial wood chipper costs $30,000 to $80,000. A bucket truck runs $80,000 to $150,000. Inland marine coverage protects this equipment whether it's on a job site, in transit, or stored at your yard. Standard auto policies don't cover mounted equipment, and many contractors don't realize this gap exists until they file a claim. GrayStone structures inland marine policies that cover the full replacement value of your fleet, including rented or leased equipment.

Equipment Coverage for Chippers and Aerial Lifts

Premium rates generally decrease as contract values increase, since surety bond costs follow a sliding scale structure. Here's a rough breakdown for 2026:

Feature	Standard GL (Admitted)	Surplus Lines GL (High-Risk)
Carrier Type	Admitted, state-regulated	Non-admitted, flexible rating
Typical Industries	Retail, office, professional services	Roofing, nightlife, cannabis, marine
Premium Range (per $1M)	$400 - $1,500/year	$3,000 - $15,000+/year
Guaranty Fund	Yes	No
Policy Customization	Limited, standard forms	High, manuscript endorsements common
Underwriting Timeline	Days	Weeks, sometimes longer
Claim History Tolerance	Low: one or two claims can trigger non-renewal	Higher: expects some loss activity
Surplus Lines Tax	N/A	~5% in Florida

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap

GrayStone Insurance Group has built specific programs for contractors that standard carriers won't write. With brokers averaging 20 years of experience in hard-to-place commercial lines, the approach is different from what you'll get at a generalist agency. Rather than trying to fit tree care into a standard contractor program, GrayStone works with surplus lines carriers and specialty markets that actually understand arborist operations.

Losses Involving Owners or Partners

Most crime policies exclude losses caused by business owners, partners, or majority shareholders. The logic is straightforward: insurers don't want to cover self-inflicted losses. If you're a sole proprietor, this exclusion effectively means the policy only covers crimes committed by your employees or third parties, not by you.

In partnerships, this can get complicated. If one partner embezzles from the business, the other partners may not be able to recover under the crime policy. It's a coverage gap worth discussing with your broker before you're in the middle of a dispute.

What is Typically Covered

D&O claims come from multiple directions. Here are the most common scenarios that trigger a policy response:

A shareholder sues the board for approving a merger at an unfavorable price
An employee files a wrongful termination lawsuit naming the CEO personally
A regulatory body investigates the company's financial disclosures and the CFO faces personal liability
A competitor alleges that officers engaged in unfair business practices
A nonprofit donor sues the board for mismanagement of funds

In 2026, geopolitical instability and AI-related risks rank among the top concerns for directors and officers globally. Companies deploying AI tools face a new wave of potential claims, and AI-related securities litigation is an emerging trend that boards need to watch closely. If your company uses AI in hiring, underwriting, or customer-facing decisions, your directors could face allegations tied to algorithmic bias or misrepresentation.

Roofing contractors in Florida face some of the highest insurance costs in the country. Workers' comp rates for roofing classifications can exceed $20 per $100 of payroll, and general liability premiums reflect the constant exposure to property damage claims and fall injuries. The key to managing these costs is a clean safety record, formal training documentation, and working with a broker who can access multiple surplus lines markets simultaneously.

Marine businesses, from charter operations to boat repair yards, deal with unique exposures that standard policies simply don't cover. Protection & Indemnity (P&I) coverage, marina operators liability, and pollution liability are all specialized products that require carriers with specific marine expertise. GrayStone Insurance Group's data-driven underwriting approach helps marine businesses get precision pricing rather than inflated quotes based on generic risk assumptions.

Hurricane-prone businesses need to think beyond just property coverage. Business interruption insurance, contingent business interruption (for supply chain disruptions), and extra expense coverage are all critical components that get overlooked during the quoting process.

Florida's 2023 tort reform legislation (HB 837) significantly changed the litigation environment for businesses. The elimination of one-way attorney fee provisions and modifications to bad faith claim standards have started to reduce the frequency of inflated claims that historically drove up premiums across the state.

For business owners, this means two things. First, premiums in some lines are stabilizing or even decreasing slightly as carriers factor in reduced litigation risk. Second, your own claims-handling practices matter more than ever. Prompt reporting, thorough documentation, and cooperation with your carrier's claims team can prevent small incidents from becoming expensive lawsuits. The reform didn't eliminate litigation risk: it shifted the dynamics.

Navigating the Surplus Lines Market

Impact of Claims History on Future Premiums

FAQ: How can I lower my insurance costs without losing coverage?

What This Means for Your Business

FAQ: Cost, Timelines, and Coverage Gaps

FAQ: Coverage Limits and Requirements

Workers' Compensation for High-Climbing Crews

Equipment Coverage for Chippers and Aerial Lifts

Does this cover my tools if they are stolen from my truck?

How much does an equipment floater cost per year?

Costs vary based on the total value of equipment, your industry, claims history, and location. Most small contractors and service businesses pay between $500 and $2,000 annually for coverage. Higher-value equipment schedules or riskier industries will push premiums higher. GrayStone Insurance Group's brokers, who average 20 years of industry experience, can often find competitive rates even for hard-to-place businesses.

It depends on the policy structure. Some floaters use a scheduled format where each item is individually listed with its value. Others use a blanket format that covers all equipment up to a total limit. Blanket policies are more convenient but may have lower per-item limits. Scheduled policies ensure each piece of equipment is covered for its full value. A contractors equipment floater can often be customized to blend both approaches.

Do I need to list every single tool on my policy?

Yes. Liquor bonds are annual obligations that must remain active for the duration of your license. If your bond lapses, your liquor license can be suspended or revoked. Most surety companies send renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration, but set your own reminder too. A lapsed bond can shut down your operation overnight.

Do I have to renew my bond every year?

How much does commercial insurance cost in Florida for a small business? A basic BOP for a low-risk business might run $1,000-$3,000 annually. High-risk industries like roofing or nightlife can easily spend $15,000-$50,000 or more depending on payroll, revenue, and claims history.

Is general liability insurance required by law in Florida? No state law mandates GL for all businesses, but many contracts, leases, and licensing boards require it. Operating without GL is legal in some cases but financially reckless.

What happens if I don't carry workers' comp when required? The state can issue a stop-work order, shutting down your operations immediately. Fines are calculated at twice the premium you should have paid, and you lose your ability to claim employer immunity from employee lawsuits.

Can I get commercial insurance with a prior claims history? Yes, but you'll likely need a surplus lines placement. Carriers in this space expect some loss activity and price accordingly. A broker who can tell your story effectively to underwriters makes a real difference.

Do I need separate wind coverage for my commercial property? In many coastal areas, yes. Standard property policies often exclude wind or named-storm damage, requiring a separate wind-only policy, sometimes through Citizens Property Insurance if no private market option exists.

How does Florida's tort reform affect my premiums? The 2023 reforms are gradually reducing litigation costs for insurers, and some of those savings are beginning to flow through to policyholders. The full impact is still developing in 2026, but the trend is positive.

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap

Risk Mitigation and Safety Training Programs

Insurance isn't just about transferring risk: it's about reducing it. GrayStone works with franchisees to implement safety protocols that directly affect premium pricing. Documented training programs for new hires, slip-and-fall prevention checklists, and food safety audit records all give underwriters confidence that the operation is well-managed.

A franchisee who can demonstrate a 12-month track record of daily temperature logs, incident reporting procedures, and quarterly safety meetings will get materially better pricing than one who can't. GrayStone helps clients build that documentation trail so it's ready when renewal time comes.

Can I get a bond if I have bad credit?

Yes, but expect to pay more. Sureties view credit score as a primary indicator of risk. A score below 600 might push your premium to 10-15% of the bond amount instead of 1-3%. Some surety companies specialize in "bad credit" bonds, though the terms are less favorable.

Do I need D&O if I have a small business? If your business has a board, officers, or any formal management structure, the answer is likely yes. Even a two-person LLC where both partners serve as managing members can face personal lawsuits from employees, vendors, or regulators.

Can I be sued personally for business mistakes? Absolutely. An LLC or corporation limits your liability for company debts, but it doesn't prevent someone from suing you individually for decisions you made as a manager or officer. Breach of fiduciary duty, employment claims, and regulatory actions can all target individuals.

How much does a typical policy cost? For private companies, D&O premiums typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 annually, depending on revenue, industry, claims history, and coverage limits. High-risk industries like cannabis and construction tend to land on the higher end. GrayStone Insurance Group uses AI-powered risk modeling to find competitive pricing even for hard-to-place businesses that other agencies decline.

Does D&O cover criminal acts? D&O policies cover defense costs for criminal proceedings until a final adjudication of criminal conduct. If a director is ultimately convicted, the policy won't pay any judgment or fine. But the defense cost coverage alone can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Garage liability insurance isn't a nice-to-have: it's the foundation of your risk management as an auto-related business. Without it, a single accident involving a customer's vehicle can generate claims that dwarf your annual revenue.

The right policy starts with understanding your specific operations, your state's requirements, and the gaps between what you think you're covered for and what your policy actually says. Too many business owners discover those gaps after a claim, when it's too late to fix them.

If your business has been declined by traditional carriers due to claims history, high-risk operations, or an unusual business model, that doesn't mean you can't get covered. GrayStone Insurance Group specializes in placing coverage for exactly these situations, with a 94% client retention rate that reflects how well those placements hold up over time. Get your policy reviewed by someone who understands garage operations before your next renewal, not after your next claim.

Is this coverage required by law?

No state requires HNOA by name. But many contracts do. If you bid on government projects, work as a subcontractor, or lease commercial space, the other party's contract may require you to carry hired and non-owned auto coverage with specific minimum limits. Losing a contract because you skipped a $300 endorsement is a painful lesson.

What happens if an employee has an accident in a rental?

Your HNOA policy covers liability claims from the other party: their medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal costs. The rental car's physical damage is not covered by HNOA. You'd need to purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver or carry a separate inland marine policy to cover that exposure.

Florida demands more from business owners when it comes to insurance than most states. The combination of mandatory coverage requirements, limited carrier appetite in high-risk sectors, and catastrophic weather exposure means you can't afford to treat your insurance program as an afterthought. The businesses that fare best are the ones that work with specialized brokers who understand the Florida market's quirks and have genuine access to surplus lines carriers.

If you're running a high-risk operation, whether that's a roofing crew, a waterfront bar, or a cannabis dispensary, your insurance program needs to be built with intention. GrayStone Insurance Group maintains a 94% client retention rate because they treat each placement as a custom project, not a commodity transaction. That kind of approach matters when your claim hits and you need a policy that actually performs.

Start by reviewing your current coverage against the requirements and exposures outlined here. If gaps exist, address them before hurricane season, before your next contract bid, or before your next renewal. The worst time to discover you're underinsured is after the loss has already happened.

I started GrayStone Insurance Group in 2018 with a simple conviction: the businesses everyone else turns away deserve a broker who won't. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a specialty commercial brokerage with offices across the country — but the mission hasn't changed. We find solutions for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses when other agencies run the other way.

I built this agency on integrity, hard work, and the tenacity to do the hard things well. Through our access to Excess & Surplus and specialty markets, my team and I place coverage standard carriers can't — and I treat every client's business like my own.

If you've been declined, non-renewed, or told your business is too complicated to insure, let's talk.

What kind of insurance does GrayStone specialize in?
We're a specialty commercial brokerage built for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses — the risks standard carriers often turn away. Through our access to Excess & Surplus (E&S) and specialty markets, we place coverage that everyday agencies can't. Hospitality and construction are among our deepest areas of expertise.
My business was declined or non-renewed elsewhere. Can you still help?
That's exactly what we do. A decline, a non-renewal, or a tough claims history doesn't mean you're out of options — it means your risk needs a broker with the right market access. Tell us your situation and we'll get to work finding a fit.
What is Excess & Surplus (E&S) insurance?
E&S is specialty coverage for risks that standard "admitted" carriers won't write — often because a business is higher-risk, unusual, or has a complex history. As an independent broker, we tap into these specialty markets to place coverage where a typical agency hits a dead end.
What industries do you work with?
We cover a wide range of commercial industries — from restaurants, bars, and hospitality to contractors, trucking, manufacturing, cannabis, and more. If your industry is considered high-risk or hard-to-place, there's a good chance we've handled it.

Explore our industries →
Will you work with businesses that have prior claims or losses?
Yes. Prior claims and losses are part of many of the risks we place every day. Every business is evaluated on its own merits — and a rocky history is often exactly why a specialty broker can help where others won't.
Are you an independent broker?
Yes. We're not tied to a single carrier, so we shop your risk across multiple specialty and E&S markets to find coverage that actually fits — instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all policy.

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Florida Commercial Insurance