Why 2025 Is a Critical Year for Tech E&O Insurance: Trends Florida Businesses Need to Watch

Why 2025 Is a Critical Year for Tech E&O Insurance: Trends Florida Businesses Need to Watch

As we head deeper into 2025, technology errors and omissions insurance (Tech E&O) is quickly becoming a must-have for Florida-based technology providers, SaaS companies, MSPs, and even digital marketing firms. This surge is being driven by increasing contractual requirements, heightened cyber threats, and evolving privacy laws.

At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we help business owners not only secure affordable Tech E&O coverage, but understand the why behind it.

So—what’s driving the demand? Our underwriting partners and carriers like Corvus have flagged three major trends that every business owner should know:


🔐 1. Credential-Based Attacks Are Surging

Ransomware is evolving—and attackers are getting smarter. One of the biggest threats in 2025 is credential-based attacks targeting:

  • Weak or reused passwords
  • VPNs without multifactor authentication (MFA)
  • Remote access tools with poor security

According to industry data, nearly 30% of ransomware incidents in late 2024 stemmed from compromised credentials. The MOVEit breach is a perfect example: over 2,700 organizations—including universities and hospitals—were affected, even if they never used the software directly.

Tech E&O policies with strong cyber endorsements can help cover these types of vulnerabilities and protect businesses from third-party liability.


⚖️ 2. Privacy Lawsuits Are Heating Up

In 2024, lawsuits under BIPA, CCPA, CIPA, and similar data privacy regulations increased dramatically—and that trend is continuing into 2025. Even without a data breach, companies are facing legal action due to:

  • Improper cookie use
  • Ad tracking without consent
  • Sharing video or behavioral data

What does this mean for your Florida-based business? You need:

  • Clear privacy policies
  • Consent management tools
  • Cyber insurance that covers regulatory defense and fines

Our team at Barefoot Insurance Brokers will work with underwriters who understand these exposures and can tailor coverage to your business’s actual risk.


👩‍💻 3. Specialized Underwriters Make a Big Difference

Tech E&O applications can be complex. Underwriters are now asking detailed questions about:

  • Data collection and retention practices
  • Whether users can opt out of tracking or sharing
  • Security protocols like MFA and endpoint protection

That’s why it’s crucial to work with specialized Tech E&O and Cyber underwriters—not generalists. At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we partner with carriers who combine underwriting with cyber risk advisory and claims expertise to deliver smarter policies and faster responses when it counts.


🛡️ Secure Your Tech E&O Insurance with Confidence

Whether your business is in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, or anywhere across Florida, our team at Barefoot Insurance Brokers is here to help you navigate this rapidly changing market.

We offer custom Tech E&O and cyber liability insurance solutions that meet contract demands and protect your business from real-world risk—at competitive rates.

📞 Call Allie Horblitt today at 786-440-8242
📧 Email: allie@barefootins.com


2025 is no time to leave your business exposed. Let us help you stay protected and compliant—before a cyber incident or privacy complaint becomes a costly problem.

Barefoot Insurance Brokers now Representing GEICO

Barefoot Insurance Brokers now Representing GEICO

Call Zachary Epstein for GEICO quotes across Florida

Now Offering GEICO Car Insurance Quotes Across Florida!

Barefoot Insurance Brokers is proud to announce that we now represent GEICO for personal and commercial auto insurance across the state of Florida! Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, or right here on the Treasure Coast, our team is ready to help you secure a GEICO car insurance quote in Florida—quickly, easily, and with expert local guidance.

Why choose Barefoot Insurance for your GEICO policy?

✅ Local, independent support with the power of a national brand
✅ Fast, competitive quotes for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more
✅ Coverage for rideshare drivers, business autos, and personal vehicles
✅ Bilingual support available

If you’re shopping for a GEICO car insurance quote Florida drivers trust, don’t go it alone—let Barefoot Insurance Brokers make it simple. We’ll help you compare options, maximize discounts, and protect what matters most.

📞 Call us today at 954-368-0060, x7 or reach out to zack@barefootins.com to get started!

Why would a Wax Salon need Professional Liability Insurance?

Why would a Wax Salon need Professional Liability Insurance?

A wax technician, like professionals in many service industries, could benefit from having professional liability insurance for several reasons:

1. Protection Against Claims: Professional liability insurance, often called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects against claims of negligence or mistakes made by the technician. For a wax technician, this could include claims related to skin burns, allergic reactions, or improper waxing techniques.

2. Legal Costs: If a client files a lawsuit against the wax technician, the legal fees and court costs can be substantial. Professional liability insurance can help cover these expenses, saving the technician from potentially crippling financial burdens.

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that they are covered by professional liability insurance can give wax technicians peace of mind. They can focus on providing quality services to their clients without constantly worrying about the possibility of a claim.

4. Business Reputation: In the event of a claim or lawsuit, having professional liability insurance can help protect the technician’s reputation. Clients may view insurance coverage as a sign of professionalism and responsibility, which can be beneficial for attracting and retaining clients.

5. Compliance with Requirements: In some jurisdictions or for certain certifications, professional liability insurance may be a requirement for practicing as a wax technician. Having the appropriate insurance coverage ensures compliance with legal and professional standards.

In summary, professional liability insurance is essential for wax technicians to protect themselves financially and legally from potential claims and lawsuits arising from the services they provide. It offers a safety net that can help them navigate challenges and maintain a successful business.

Contact Julia Dourvetakis today of Barefoot Insurance Brokers for more information on the suite of coverages available for your waxing salon. Julia can be reached by email at julia@barefootins.com or by phone 954-866-5723

#floridasalon #waxsalon #professionalliability #floridainsurance #juliadourvetakis

New Business Ventures in Trucking – Learning about your Filing numbers with Roxanne Martinez

New Business Ventures in Trucking – Learning about your Filing numbers with Roxanne Martinez

Are you new to the trucking world or owning your own trucking company? I’d love to help you navigate the roadways to Long Haul and trucking options in the State of Florida, especially regarding your insurance.

The first step of getting into trucking in Florida, once you’ve obtained your hauling unit and CDL License is obtaining your USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) number, FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) number or both. You may be asking yourself, “Which is the one I need or do I need to acquire both?”

What is a USDOT number and why do I need it?

Businesses or sole proprietors that operate a commercial vehicle hauling cargo in state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Registry Number. It is the identification number used “when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections” according to FMCSA.

What is a FMCSA number and why do I need it?

The big difference between the DOT number and the FMCSA is that the latter is for interstate commerce. Also, a business may need to register for more than one type of authority to support their planned operations such as but not limited to freight forwarder, passenger transportation, and Mexico-based carriers to operate in the US. The USDOT designation is free to those who successfully register for a FMCSA number.

First timers will begin the application process online on the Unified Registration System (URS). You will be provided a DOT number at the completion of the URS registration. You will be contacted after 30 days by FMCSA to validate information and correspond with you about the New Entrant safety program. Then you will be able to obtain your permanent DOT or FMCSA number.

What are my BOC-3 and Insurance filings?

You will also need to keep in mind additional requirements such as the Process Agent Designation, or BOC-3 form. The BOC-3 form will be e-filed by the processing agent on your behalf. A processing agent can be found near you on the FMCSA website. You can also find information about the required insurance outlined on the FMSCA’s website at Insurance Filing Requirements | FMCSA (dot.gov). The insurance company will electronically file with the FMSCA with your credentials satisfying the insurance requirement.

What is a New Entrant safety audit?

For the New Entrant Safety Assurance program, you can expect to be monitored during the initial 18-month period where you must demonstrate you can operate safely, maintain up-to-date records, conduct periodic inspections, and perform maintenance on CMVs. If pass you, you will be granted permanent authority.

How long will it take to get my FMCSA number?

The FMCSA takes approximately 4-6 weeks for processing the application. From the completion of the URS application, you will have 90 days to comply with the application requirements. If you do not comply with all the requirements, then you will have to pay the fees again to reapply.

How do I proceed with insurance once I’ve registered with the USDOT and/or FMCSA?

Once you’ve registered with these governing authorities, you’d want to complete your Commercial Auto Insurance with your required filings.

Typically these administrations require a minimum operating Liability of $750,000 if you’re crossing state lines. I’d be elated to discuss the intricacies of the insurance requirements with you as soon as you’re ready to take the next step to get on the road.

Roxanne Martinez, Insurance AgentMy name is Roxanne Martinez and I specialize in Commercial Auto Insurance coverage. I can be reached Monday – Friday from 10 am until 5 pm by calling 954-368-0060, x 9 or by email at roxanne@barefootins.com. I look forward to assisting your new trucking venture get on the road with all of your insurance needs: Commercial Auto coverage, Motor Carrier Cargo coverage, Bobtail, Physical Damage, driver’s Workers Comp and more! Contact me today for a free consultation.

Covering You and Your Vessel from Stern to Bow

Covering You and Your Vessel from Stern to Bow

As the weather starts to warm up so do the outboards, inboards and all other marine watercraft propulsion units that had been winterized for our “cold” season.  Florida boat owners know the drill and seek the thrill of that day the seasons begin to change and they get to put their vessel back into its natural environment, the water.

Before doing so there is always the proverbial checklist…dock lines accounted for, fenders, lifejackets, oil/fuel levels topped off, all pumps and wells in functioning order, electronics and navigational equipment turned on and inspected…and once everything is in ship shape the time has come to cast away and begin to enjoy life as a boat owner…or is it?

Ensuring that your boat is properly covered is often overlooked until the unexpected happens.  Even if you carry coverage on your vessel, is it sufficient to cover your loss and protect you and your loved ones?  What about all the new equipment you replaced in the “offseason” while the vessel was on the trailer or in storage…would that be covered in the event of a loss too?

These are all valid questions and concerns that many boatowners share, unfortunately.  We here at Barefoot Insurance Brokers of Florida want to alleviate these worries and provide comprehensive coverage for you and your family, on or off the water.  With Progressive’s Recreational Lines coverage, we can insure a vast array of vessels and personal watercraft throughout all of Florida!

With Progressive’s Boat/Personal Watercraft insurance, we can protect your vessel in the event physical damage occurs to it, other watercraft and/or other passengers as well as their resulting medical bills from more serious events.  In addition to these more traditional coverages, Progressive offers a variety of additional coverages to protect your marine investments and your loved ones:

  • Total loss replacement: Your insurer will reimburse you or replace your boat at the original amount you bought it for — regardless of what it’s worth now.
  • Trailer trip interruption: Covers expenses for food, lodging, and transportation if your trailer or tow vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home.
  • Replacement for personal items: Typically covers the cost to replace fishing equipment or any other personal property lost or stolen from your boat.

Let us help take away the stress of worrying about the extent of your insurance coverage and focus on what matters most – your safety and making memories with family and friends out on the water!

Before you hook up your trailer, have your boat pulled off the rack n’ placed in the water or untie those lines at the dock, be sure to give Casey Carroll a call at 321-218-3880 or text to 321-307-7970 to quote your coverage today!

Wherever your next adventure on the water leads you, be certain that Barefoot Insurance Brokers and Progressive Insurance has you covered, from stern to bow.

 

 

Casey Carroll is a Florida Property & Casualty Insurance Broker with Barefoot Insurance Brokers located at 1011 S Hopkins Ave in Titusville, Florida. With a lifetime of experience on the water, Casey can help you insure your personal watercraft, yachts, and marine charters throughout the State of Florida. Casey can be contacted at casey@barefootins.com via email.