Public adjuster

What it means

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. Florida law defines a public adjuster as anyone, other than a licensed attorney, who for pay prepares, completes or files an insurance claim for an insured, or helps negotiate or settle it (§626.854). That is different from a staff or independent adjuster, who works for the insurer.

Florida caps fees. For claims from an emergency declared by the Governor, a public adjuster may charge no more than 10% of claim payments made during the year after the declaration. Otherwise, the cap is 20%. Fees on reopened or supplemental claims are also capped at 20%.

Why it matters to your claim or your bill

A public adjuster can help with a large or complicated claim, but the fee comes out of your settlement, so weigh it against what you expect to gain. Check the license with your state insurance department before signing. In Florida, a contractor may not act as a public adjuster unless it is licensed as one, and §489.147 bars contractors from interpreting your policy or adjusting your claim. For questions about your own policy, ask your insurer, your state insurance department, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. Our page on public adjusters covers when one is worth it, and public adjuster fees compares costs.