What state are you in? You mentioned Florida. If that is the case. Just stop right there and take some time to understand who and what these insurers or groups are even able to write right now.
I have so much running through my mind on this thread. I'll make a few statements of fact. I respect BadTrout a lot, I have known him 12 years.
FL is a mess right now. Study the industry and find out why.
The Franchise model seems to work well in FL.
There are lots of groups, be careful which one you choose. Take time to make the right decisions. Sometimes the right decision is doing more homework and or waiting to be able to afford the right decision.