What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is licensed by the State of Florida to represent you — the policyholder — in a property insurance claim. Unlike a company adjuster or an independent adjuster, who both represent the insurer, a public adjuster works only for the insured and is paid out of the settlement they obtain. They cannot give legal advice or handle bodily injury, death or noneconomic damages. Fla. Stat. § 626.854.
How much can a public adjuster charge in Florida?
Florida caps the fee by statute. It is 10% of the claim payment for a claim based on an event that is the subject of a Governor-declared state of emergency, and that limit applies only to claims made in the year after the declaration; after that year the cap is 20%. If the insurer pays at or above the policy limit within 14 days, the cap is 1%. If payment was made before the contract was signed, the cap is 0%. Deductibles are excluded from the fee base. Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11).
How long do I have to report a property insurance claim in Florida?
One year from the date of loss for an initial or reopened claim, and 18 months from the date of loss for a supplemental claim. For a hurricane, tornado, windstorm or severe rain event the date of loss is the landfall date, not the day you noticed the damage. A late claim is barred by statute. Fla. Stat. § 627.70132.
How long does my insurer have to pay or deny my claim?
Sixty days from receiving notice of the claim, unless a factor beyond the insurer's control applies. It must acknowledge the claim within 7 calendar days, begin investigating within 7 days of your proof-of-loss statement, complete any physical inspection within 30 days, and send you the adjuster's detailed estimate within 7 days of it being generated. A late payment carries interest from the day the insurer received notice. Fla. Stat. § 627.70131.
What is the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights?
A summary of a policyholder's existing rights that an insurer must send you within 14 days of your first communication about a claim. Its text is fixed by Fla. Stat. § 627.7142 — see our guide to your rights for what it guarantees.
Is the information on LocalAdjuster verified?
Every listing states exactly what was checked. "Checked" means the licence was confirmed against the state register on the date shown. "Listed from public records" means the record was compiled from the state register but not individually confirmed — which is the state of most records here. Nothing on this site can be bought into a checked state, and we publish no reviews, ratings or disciplinary history.
Does it cost anything to use this site?
No. Every listing and every search is free, with no account required. The site is funded by flat-fee display advertising from businesses in these trades — never by selling leads, referrals or placement in results.
How do I check whether someone is licensed?
Use the register that issues the licence: the Florida DFS licensee search for public adjusters, the DBPR licence lookup for contractors, roofers, plumbers, window companies and mold remediators, the FBPE directory for professional engineers, and the Florida Bar member search for attorneys. All five are linked on our resources page.
Can a contractor handle my insurance claim for me?
No. Only a licensed public adjuster, or an attorney, may prepare, negotiate or settle a claim for money. A contractor may suggest you contact your insurer and may discuss their own bid, but a contractor who runs your claim is practising public adjusting without a licence. Fla. Stat. § 626.854(16), (20).
Do I need a public adjuster for a simple claim?
Usually not. A straightforward claim at or near the policy limit leaves little room for a fee — which is why the statute caps it at 1% in that situation. Use the free options first: the state helpline, and mediation under § 627.7015 at no cost to you. A public adjuster earns their fee on large or disputed scope, not on simple claims.
A record about my business is wrong, or I want it removed.
Tell us — corrections are free and we aim to fix a wrong record within two business days. If you are the licence holder you can claim the listing and correct the details yourself, also free. See the corrections page.
Why is a business listed here if it did not ask to be?
Because the record exists: these listings are compiled from public state licence registers, and a listing exists because a licence exists. Appearing here is not an endorsement, not a recommendation, and not a ranking. Rights holders may request a correction or removal.
The full sources
- § 626.854 — public adjuster definition, prohibitions, fee caps and cancellation rights
- § 627.70131 — an insurer's duty to acknowledge and investigate a claim
- § 627.70132 — notice of a property insurance claim
- § 627.7142 — the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights
- § 627.7015 — mediation of a disputed residential claim