Why new businesses buy general liability first
Most general liability purchases are triggered by a contract, not a law. The exception is contractors: Florida's licensing rule, 61G4-15.003, requires proof of liability coverage. General and building contractors need $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage; many specialty contractors need $100,000 and $25,000.
For everyone else, the trigger is the people they sign with:
- Commercial landlords want a certificate before handing over keys.
- General contractors and property managers often require $1 million per occurrence and additional insured status from subs.
- Commercial cleaning, maintenance, and service clients ask for a certificate before the first job.
- Gyms, salons, and studios need it to sign a lease and often for their licensing or franchise agreement.
Which new filings to call first
- Contractors and trades. They cannot get licensed or work for a GC without a certificate.
- Businesses signing a commercial lease. Restaurants, retail shops, salons, and gyms.
- Service companies with commercial clients. Cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance.
- Auto repair and detailing shops. Customer vehicles on premises raise the stakes.
A first call that works
"Hi, is this [name]? This is [your name] with [agency] in [city]. I saw [business name] just registered, congratulations. Most new businesses I talk to get asked for a certificate of insurance before they expect it, usually by a landlord or their first big client. Has that come up for you yet?"
Open with the requirement they are about to hit, not with "I sell insurance." More openers, voicemails, and follow-up emails are in the calling guide. Before you dial, check the TCPA basics.
How FiledToday helps
Each weekday, FiledToday takes Florida's new filings for your county, removes holding companies and filing services, and finds the owner's phone number. You can ask for the list filtered to the categories above. Every delivered lead has a phone number; email and website are included when found. Plans run $99 to $249 a month depending on county size, month to month, and you can get a free county sample first.