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Florida Public Adjuster FAQ

What is a Public Adjuster?

Per Section 626.854 of Florida Statutes, a public adjuster is "any person, except an attorney, who, for money or any other thing of value (which would include securing a contract for repairs):

• Prepares, completes or files an insurance claim form for an insured.
• Aids in any manner on behalf of an insured in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim.
• Advertises or solicits for employment as an adjuster of such claims.

If you are acting as a public adjuster in any manner by negotiating or effecting the settlement of an insurance claim on behalf of an insured and you are performing any of these services for money, commission or anything of value without being licensed as a public adjuster, you could be subject to arrest and may be charged with a third-degree felony as provided by Section 626.8738, Florida Statues."

How much do Florida Public Adjusters get paid?

Public Adjusters in Florida are typically paid 10% of the final claim settlement amount. Thus, a large residential loss totaling $100,000 (not uncommon after Hurricanes) will net a Public Adjuster handling the claim $10,000. Public adjusting, particularly in Florida, is considered by many to be the most potentially lucrative form of adjusting in the country. Public Adjusters are not assigned claims like regular insurance adjusters but rather must secure their own contracts for representing policyholders through solicitation, etc.

What is the relationship between Public Adjusters and Contractors?

Florida explicitly lays out the rules by which conflict of interest between Public Adjusting and repair contracting is defined:

A public adjuster may not participate, directly or indirectly, in the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim adjusted by the licensee; may not engage in any other activities that may be reasonably construed as a conflict of interest, including soliciting or accepting any remuneration from, of any kind or nature, directly or indirectly; and may not have a financial interest in any salvage, repair, or any other business entity that obtains business in connection with any claim that the public adjuster has a contract or an agreement to adjust. (DBPR Newsletter, Fall 2007, pg. 4)