Coverage built for kitchens, not cubicles.

Running a restaurant in Florida is equal parts passion, pressure, and unpredictability. One kitchen fire, slip-and-fall, or liquor liability claim can undo years of hard work overnight.

At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we help Florida restaurants stay open, protected, and compliant — from small cafés and quick service to full-service restaurants, fine dining, and even wine bars.

We Understand Restaurant Risk.

A homeowners policy does more than cover your house. It provides financial Restaurants aren’t “just another small business.”

You deal with:

• Hot surfaces and open flames
• Fast-paced staff and high turnover
• Customers on wet floors
• Foodborne illness exposures
• Equipment breakdown that stops revenue instantly
• Liquor liability risks

You need coverage designed specifically for how restaurants actually operate.

What’s Included in a Typical Policy?

We build policies tailored to your operation. Coverage can include:

• General Liability – Protection if a customer is injured or property is damaged.
• Property Coverage – Covers your building, tenant improvements, furniture, and kitchen equipment.
• Equipment Breakdown – When refrigeration, ovens, or electrical systems fail, this keeps your business running.
• Business Interruption – Replaces lost income if you must temporarily close after a covered loss.
• Workers’ Compensation – Required for Florida restaurants with employees.
• Food Spoilage Coverage – Helps recover losses after power outages or equipment failure.

Liquor Liability

Many restaurant owners don’t realize their general liability policy typically does not cover alcohol-related claims.

We work with carriers that can insure restaurants with liquor sales up to 60% of total revenue, including:

• Full-service restaurants
• Upscale dining concepts
• Wine bars
• Restaurants with full bars
• Farm-to-table and craft concepts

If alcohol is part of your business model, we can help you do it safely and properly.

Who We Typically Insure

We’re a great fit for:

• Sit-down restaurants
• Cafés & coffee shops
• Catering companies
• Fast casual restaurants
• Family dining
• Fine dining
• Wine bars
• Small local chains

We generally aren’t able to help nightclubs or late-night entertainment venues — but most restaurants fall comfortably within our carrier’s guidelines.

We can occasionally place beer, wine, and liquor stores. Call for more information.

Why Choose Smith & Thomas Insurance?

Local expertise – Serving families in Lakeland, Polk County, and across Florida for over 65 years.

Independent agents – We compare policies from multiple carriers, so you get more options and the best value. We work for you!

Personal service – We answer your questions and explain coverage in plain language.

Trusted guidance – Our clients rely on us to protect their restaurants.

Get a Free Insurance Quote Today!

Protect your restaurant with coverage you can count on. Contact Smith & Thomas Insurance today for a free, no-obligation home insurance quote.

Call us at 863-688-1141.