Published · Reviewed · M&T Adjusters
This article provides general educational information. It does not interpret any policy, provide legal or safety advice, or guarantee coverage, payment, or results. The applicable policy, endorsements, facts of the loss, and insurer process control each claim. For health, fire, electrical, structural, or contamination hazards, follow public-authority and qualified-professional instructions.
Understand who the public adjuster represents
Florida DFS explains that a public adjuster represents the insured in preparing and presenting a claim for a fee and is not the insurer’s adjuster. That distinction should be clear in every conversation, advertisement, and contract.
A public adjuster is not a lawyer, contractor, insurer, or guarantor of payment. Ask which services are included: inspection, documentation, estimating, inventory, communications, meetings, supplemental information, and file organization.
- Ask for individual and firm license numbers.
- Verify the license through Florida’s official system.
- Confirm the person who will actually handle the file.
- Ask what work is outside the agreement.
Read the complete contract and cancellation terms
Florida contracts for public adjusting have statutory and regulatory requirements, and consumer cancellation rights may depend on the event and timing. Read every page, fee provision, service description, authorization, cancellation term, and privacy notice before signing. Keep a completed copy immediately.
Do not rely on a verbal promise that conflicts with the writing. Ask how fees apply to prior payments, additional payments, recoverable depreciation, expenses, or multiple coverages. Official Florida consumer material should be reviewed for current requirements.
- Never sign a blank or incomplete agreement.
- Confirm fee calculation with a written example.
- Know how and where cancellation must be delivered.
- Ask who receives insurer correspondence and checks.
Interview for process, not promises
Strong questions focus on method: How will the property be documented? How are estimates reviewed? How often are updates provided? Where are records stored? How are disagreements explained? How is private information protected?
Avoid anyone who guarantees coverage, promises a fixed settlement, urges exaggeration, discourages insurer cooperation, or will not provide credentials and a written agreement. Every outcome depends on the policy, facts, documentation, and process.
- Request references appropriate to the type of loss.
- Ask for a sample communication schedule.
- Confirm secure handling of policy and banking information.
- Ask about conflicts and vendor relationships.
Keep an accessible copy of the claim file
The policyholder should remain informed. Maintain copies of submissions, estimates, correspondence, photographs, inventories, inspection notes, and payment explanations. Ask the public adjuster to explain material decisions in plain language.
Verify that advertisements and communications display the required license information. If concerns arise, use the contract process and official Florida consumer channels. Hiring a public adjuster does not eliminate duties under the policy or guarantee a particular result.
- Review submissions before or when they are sent.
- Keep a communication log and requested-document list.
- Update contact information promptly.
- Use official Florida resources for licensing or complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers, without promises.
Does a public adjuster work for the insurance company?+
No. A licensed public adjuster represents the policyholder under a written agreement; the insurer may assign its own adjuster.
Can a public adjuster guarantee a settlement amount?+
No. Coverage and payment depend on the policy, facts, documentation, and claim process.
Where can I verify a Florida license?+
Use the official Florida Department of Financial Services license-search and consumer resources, and compare the result with the individual’s identification and contract.
Official sources
Sources used for this guide.
- Florida DFS — Public Adjusters
- Florida Legislature — Public Adjusters (F.S. 626.854)
- Florida DFS — Insurance Professionals
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