He began to practice as an architect in 1871 in partnership with Lewis Henry Isaacs - their collaborations included completing the work of Charles J. Phipps on the Carlton Hotel, London and Her Majesty's Theatre after his death.
[8] Florence's own designs include the Woolland Brothers department store in Knightsbridge;[9] the Victoria Memorial in Kensington;,[10] the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank, Worcester[11] and the Electric Railway House, previous home of London Transport.
He worked extensively for Edward Lloyd, building him offices at Salisbury Square in east London as well as a private mansion.
[15] He also bequeathed several objects to the Victoria & Albert Museum, including a vase made by Baccarat,[16] and several paintings to the National Gallery.
[19] In the 1930s, another bequest by his relation, H. S. E. van der Plant, enabled the construction of the Florence Hall, London after Henry Louis[20] which is owned by RIBA.