How to Start a Floris Shop: Step-by-Step Guide for New Floral Business Owners
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Starting a florist shop is a creative and rewarding venture. Whether you're designing arrangements for weddings, events, funerals, or everyday retail customers, launching your own flower shop requires planning, tools, and the right insurance coverage.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in florist shop insurance tailored to small businesses in the floral and retail industries. Here’s how to start your flower shop step-by-step.
Step 1: Define Your Florist Business
Before you dive into logistics, define your business model:
Who is your target market? (Weddings, events, retail, corporate clients)
What services will you offer? (Arrangements, delivery, subscriptions)
Will you operate from a storefront, online, or both?
What makes your brand unique?
Step 2: Create a Florist Business Plan
A solid business plan helps you stay focused and attract funding. Include:
Startup costs and funding needs
Pricing strategy and revenue goals
Marketing and branding approach
Operational structure and staffing plans
Step 3: Estimate Startup Costs
Typical startup costs for a florist shop include:
Lease or rent for retail space
Coolers and refrigeration units
Worktables and floral tools
Initial flower inventory
Point-of-sale system
Website and branding materials
💡 Expect to invest $10,000–$50,000 depending on location and scale.
Step 4: Get Licensed and Registered
To operate legally, you’ll need:
A business license from your city or county
Sales tax registration
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Delivery permits (if offering local delivery)
Step 5: Build Supplier Relationships
Reliable flower suppliers are key to your success. Look for:
Local growers for fresh seasonal blooms
Wholesale flower markets for variety and volume
Hard goods suppliers for vases, ribbons, and foam
💡 Tip: Join floral industry associations like Society of American Florists (SAF) for networking and supplier access.
Step 6: Buy Essential Florist Equipment
You’ll need:
Floral shears, knives, and wire cutters
Buckets and coolers for flower storage
Floral foam, tape, and wire
Delivery vehicle (van or car with climate control)
POS system and scheduling software
Step 7: Market Your Florist Shop
Marketing is essential to attract customers. Focus on:
A professional website with online ordering
Google Business Profile for local SEO
Wedding and event vendor directories
Build Your Florist Brand with Contractor Back Office
A visually appealing and professionally managed online presence can make a florist shop stand out in a competitive market. Contractor Back Office enhances websites & SEO email & calendar management, and social media platforms.
These tools help showcase floral arrangements, share event highlights, and connect with customers searching for reliable and creative floral services boosting visibility and driving more bookings.
Step 8: Get Florist Shop Insurance
Protect your business with the right insurance coverage. At Wexford Insurance, we offer florist-specific policies including:
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries or property damage
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects your delivery vehicle
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your shop, inventory, and equipment
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you hire employees
Tools and Equipment Insurance – Covers damage or theft of floral tools and supplies
Final Thoughts
Starting a florist shop is a rewarding journey filled with creativity and community connection. With the right plan, tools, suppliers, and insurance, you can build a successful floral business that brings joy to every occasion.
Wexford Insurance is here to help you protect your investment and grow with confidence. Whether you're just starting or expanding your flower shop, we offer insurance solutions tailored to your needs.
👉 Contact us today to get insured and start your floral journey.
