How Much Does It Cost to Start a Florist Shop?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Starting a florist shop is a dream for many creative entrepreneurs—but how much does it actually cost to get started? Whether you're planning to serve weddings, funerals, corporate events, or retail customers, understanding the full scope of florist shop startup costs is essential for budgeting and long-term success.
At Wexford Insurance, we help new and growing floral businesses protect their investment with tailored florist shop insurance. In this guide, we’ll break down the key expenses involved in launching your flower shop—from rent and inventory to staffing, marketing, and insurance coverage.
Key Startup Costs for a Florist Shop
1. Retail Space or Lease
Monthly rent varies by location, size, and foot traffic
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000/month
Consider home-based or mobile florist models to reduce costs
2. Refrigeration and Equipment
Floral coolers: $2,000–$6,000
Worktables, buckets, floral tools: $500–$2,000
POS system and software: $300–$1,000
Delivery carts and packaging supplies
3. Flower Inventory
Initial inventory: $1,000–$3,000 depending on variety and volume
Ongoing costs vary based on seasonality and supplier relationships
Build relationships with local growers and wholesalers to manage costs
4. Delivery Vehicle
Used van or car: $5,000–$15,000
Branding and refrigeration upgrades may add to cost
Don’t forget commercial auto insurance for protection
5. Staffing and Labor
Hiring floral designers, delivery drivers, and customer service staff
Wages vary by region; budget for payroll taxes and workers’ comp
Consider part-time or seasonal help during peak periods
6. Licensing and Permits
Business license: $50–$500 depending on your city/state
Sales tax registration and EIN (usually free)
Delivery permits if required locally
7. Marketing and Branding
Logo and branding design: $200–$1,000
Website with online ordering: $500–$2,000
Social media setup and ads: $100–$500/month
Google Business Profile and local SEO tools
Market Your Florist Shop with Contractor Back Office
A florist shop thrives on visual appeal and consistent branding. Contractor Back Office helps florist shop build a strong brand by managing websites, Bookkeeping and social media platforms. These tools help showcase floral collections, promote seasonal events, and connect with customers—making it easier to build a recognizable brand and grow the business from day one.
8. Insurance Coverage
Protect your investment with florist-specific insurance. At Wexford Insurance, we offer:
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries or property damage
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your shop, inventory, and equipment
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects your delivery vehicle
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you hire employees
Tools and Equipment Insurance – Covers damage or theft of floral tools
Final Thoughts
Starting a florist shop requires more than creativity—it takes smart financial planning and protection. By understanding your startup costs and investing in the right insurance coverage, you’ll be better prepared to launch a successful and sustainable floral business.
Wexford Insurance is here to help you protect your investment and grow with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your shop, we offer insurance solutions tailored to your needs.
👉 Contact Wexford Insurance today to get insured and start your florist journey with peace of mind.
