Have you ever thought, “I’ve got general liability insurance, so I’m covered”?
If you run a pet business in Florida, that assumption could cost you more than you realize.
Many well-meaning business owners believe general liability is enough. But when something happens to a pet in your care, you might find out the hard way that your policy does not include the protection you expected. In this article, you’ll learn where general liability stops short, why animal bailee coverage is hard to get in Florida, and how professional liability can be a practical way to protect your business.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What general liability actually includes and what it leaves out
- Why animal bailee coverage is not available in most of Florida
- How professional liability can help close the gap
- Other coverages that Florida pet business owners should consider
What General Liability Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
It handles some accidents, but often not the ones that matter most in pet care.
If a client trips in your lobby and breaks their arm, general liability likely covers the injury and legal costs. But if a dog is injured during playtime or a cat escapes from your grooming table, those events probably are not covered. That is because pets are legally considered property, and general liability policies often exclude property that is in your care.
In short, you may not be protected if something happens to a pet under your supervision.
Why You Probably Can’t Get Animal Bailee Coverage in Florida
Animal bailee coverage is built to protect pet care providers from these exact situations. It typically covers the cost of vet care, loss, or even death of a pet while in your care.
But in Florida, there’s a catch.
Most insurance carriers will not offer this kind of coverage in the state.
Because pets are legally viewed as property, and because of regulatory and risk concerns, most carriers choose not to write property-based coverage for animals in Florida. So even though animal bailee coverage sounds like the perfect solution, it is rarely an option for businesses in this state.
That leads to a tough but important question. If bailee coverage is off the table, how do you protect your business?
How Professional Liability Can Help Fill the Gaps
Professional liability, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is usually used to protect service providers who offer advice, instruction, or hands-on services. It covers situations where a client claims your service caused harm or loss.
In the world of pet care, this type of policy can sometimes expand your general liability protection. While it is not as direct or clear as animal bailee coverage, it may provide a layer of protection when an incident involves a pet in your care.
Professional liability may help in situations such as:
- A pet gets injured while being groomed, trained, or handled
- A client claims your advice caused harm to their pet
- Your team accidentally causes harm during a service
Every policy is different, and the language can be complex. But in Florida, this is often the most realistic way to build additional protection into your coverage.
Other Key Policies for Florida Pet Businesses
Florida brings added challenges like extreme weather, mobile services, and legal requirements for employees. Make sure you are also considering the following coverages:
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you use a vehicle for your pet business, your personal auto insurance will likely not cover you during work-related travel. A commercial auto policy is essential.
Workers’ Compensation
Florida law requires any business with employees to carry workers’ compensation. This protects both you and your team in the event of workplace injuries.
Business Interruption Insurance
If a hurricane, flood, or other event forces your business to close temporarily, this policy helps cover your lost income and essential operating expenses during the shutdown.
A Real-World Florida Example
A South Florida dog boarding facility once faced a devastating lawsuit after a show dog died during a power outage. The business owner had general liability, but no other protection. Because pets were not covered as property under their policy, the lawsuit led to bankruptcy and a permanent closure. These incidents are more common than many business owners realize.
What You Should Do Next
You have put too much time, energy, and care into your business to let a coverage gap undo it all.
If you are a Florida pet business owner relying only on general liability, now is the time to take a closer look.
Check your current policy. Ask a licensed specialist whether professional liability is available and how it could expand your protection. It may not be perfect, but it is often the most realistic option to shield your business from costly risks.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for pet business insurance that fits the reality of doing business in Florida. Know what you’re covered for before you find out the hard way.
