Restaurant Insurance in Florida | General Liability, Property & Liquor Coverage

Restaurant Insurance in Florida

Running a restaurant in Florida means serving more than just great food — it means managing risk every day. From kitchen fires and spoilage to customer slip-and-falls and liquor liability, restaurant owners face exposures that can jeopardize their investment overnight.

At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we help restaurants of all sizes — from food trucks and fast-casual cafés to fine dining establishments — secure comprehensive protection through trusted carriers who understand the hospitality industry.

Protecting Your Restaurant from the Ground Up

A restaurant is more than a building — it’s your recipes, your reputation, and your revenue stream. Every operation faces unique risks that require tailored coverage. Our licensed agents work with multiple insurers to create restaurant insurance packages that combine essential coverages such as:

  • General Liability Insurance — Covers injuries or property damage to guests. This protects you if someone slips in the dining area, burns themselves on hot coffee, or claims illness from foodborne contamination.
  • Commercial Property Insurance — Covers your building, kitchen equipment, furniture, and inventory against perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and hurricane damage.
  • Business Interruption Coverage — Reimburses lost income and ongoing expenses if your restaurant must close temporarily due to a covered loss, such as a kitchen fire or hurricane.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance — Required by Florida law for most employers, protecting your employees in case of job-related injuries.
  • Commercial Auto Coverage — For food trucks, catering vans, and delivery operations.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance — Essential for restaurants that accept credit cards or maintain customer loyalty programs.

Every restaurant operation is different, and the right combination of coverages ensures your doors stay open after the unexpected.

Fast-Casual vs. Full-Service Restaurants: Understanding Your Risks

Florida’s restaurant scene is diverse — and so are its insurance needs. A fast-casual café in Cocoa doesn’t face the same risks as a waterfront steakhouse in Stuart or a tiki bar in Fort Lauderdale.

Fast-Casual & Quick-Serve Restaurants

These operations focus on high volume and quick turnaround. Common exposures include:

  • Slip-and-fall injuries from spilled beverages or wet floors
  • Food spoilage during power outages
  • Equipment breakdowns for fryers, freezers, or grills
  • Delivery driver accidents or liability claims

Many fast-casual restaurants also operate within shared spaces or food courts, where certificate of insurance requirements are common. Barefoot Insurance Brokers can help you meet landlord and franchise guidelines quickly.

Sit-Down & Fine Dining Establishments

Full-service restaurants face more complex exposures due to table service, higher occupancy, and alcohol sales. Common risks include:

  • Guest injuries caused by servers carrying hot dishes or drinks
  • Kitchen fires or equipment malfunctions
  • Foodborne illness claims
  • Liquor liability from intoxicated patrons
  • Higher workers’ comp exposure due to cooks, waitstaff, and dishwashers

If your restaurant serves alcohol, Liquor Liability Insurance is critical. Even one over-served guest who causes an accident after leaving your establishment could lead to devastating financial consequences without proper coverage.

Liquor Liability Coverage for Florida Restaurants & Bars

In Florida, liquor liability laws hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated patrons. Whether you operate a casual bar, fine dining restaurant, or beachfront lounge, carrying liquor liability insurance helps protect your business from:

  • Lawsuits alleging overservice
  • Claims of property damage or bodily injury caused by intoxicated patrons
  • Legal defense costs
  • Settlement or judgment expenses

Barefoot Insurance Brokers offers liquor liability coverage through multiple markets, ensuring that your business complies with both your landlord’s insurance requirements and Florida’s dram shop liability standards.

Additional Coverages to Consider

Beyond the basics, we can help restaurant owners add specialized protections, including:

  • Spoilage Coverage — Reimburses for loss of perishable stock from power outages or equipment failure.
  • Equipment Breakdown — Covers costly repairs to refrigerators, HVAC systems, and cooking equipment.
  • Employee Dishonesty / Crime Coverage — Protects against theft, forgery, or fraud.
  • Outdoor Property Coverage — For patio furniture, signage, and outdoor dining areas increasingly popular in Florida’s climate.
  • Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) — Defends against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.

Our goal is to ensure your policy doesn’t just meet requirements — it meets real-world needs for the Florida restaurant industry.

Florida’s Environmental and Weather Risks

Operating a restaurant in the Sunshine State comes with unique environmental challenges. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and power interruptions can all disrupt service and spoil inventory. Having the right combination of property and business interruption coverage means your business income stays protected — even if your doors temporarily close.

If you’re near the coast, flood insurance may also be required for your building or contents. Barefoot Insurance Brokers can integrate flood coverage into your restaurant package for seamless protection.

Why Choose Barefoot Insurance Brokers for Restaurant Coverage

Barefoot Insurance Brokers is an independent Florida agency with access to a wide range of admitted and specialty restaurant insurers. We understand the state’s regulations, licensing requirements, and health inspection standards that impact your risk profile.

Whether you operate in Brevard, Broward, or Martin County, our experienced team can:

  • Review your lease or franchise agreement for insurance requirements
  • Match you with competitive markets for General Liability, Property, and Liquor Liability
  • Help you avoid coverage gaps that could leave your business vulnerable
  • Simplify renewals, audits, and certificates of insurance

Our agents are dedicated to helping Florida restaurant owners stay focused on their customers — not their insurance paperwork.

Get a Restaurant Insurance Quote Today

Protect your investment, your employees, and your customers with coverage that’s customized for your type of restaurant. Barefoot Insurance Brokers will compare multiple carriers to find you the best price and protection available.

📞 Call Barefoot Insurance Brokers at 954-368-0060 for your free restaurant insurance quote today, or email one of our licensed Florida agents:

Barefoot Insurance Brokers — protecting Florida’s restaurants from prep to plate.