Public adjusters: what they do, what they charge, when to hire one

What does a public adjuster do?

A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who works for the policyholder, not the insurance company. Florida’s Department of Financial Services says a public adjuster “does not work for nor represents your insurance company.” They adjust your claim and present it to your insurer for a fee.

The work usually includes reading your policy, inspecting and measuring the damage, writing a repair estimate, building the contents inventory, gathering supporting documents, and negotiating with the insurer’s adjuster. Many use the same estimating software insurers use, so the two estimates can be compared line by line. Some also handle the paperwork for a proof of loss or an appraisal demand.

A public adjuster cannot guarantee a higher payout. They also do not replace an attorney. If a claim turns into a lawsuit, a lawyer handles the litigation. In Florida, section 626.854 makes adjusting a claim for compensation a licensed activity, and contractors may not offer the service unless separately licensed.

Public adjuster vs staff adjuster vs independent adjuster

Three kinds of adjusters may touch your claim. Only one works for you. Florida law defines each.

After a large storm, insurers often bring in independent adjusters to handle the surge. They are still working on the insurer’s side. Under Florida’s section 627.70131, the adjuster the insurer assigns must give you their name and state license number. The independent adjuster glossary entry explains more.

How much do public adjusters charge?

Most public adjusters charge a contingency fee, a percentage of what the insurer pays on the claim. Some states cap that percentage. Others do not.

Florida’s caps are in section 626.854(11) of the Florida Statutes (2025):

The caps are calculated exclusive of attorney fees and costs. The statute also says fees may not be based on your deductible, and may not apply to additional living expenses without a separate signed agreement. For other states, contact your state insurance department. Our page on public adjuster fees covers the math.

What a public adjuster contract should spell out

Read the contract before you sign, and get a copy. At a minimum it should state the fee percentage, what the fee applies to, and how to cancel. In Florida, several terms are set by law, and a contract that tries to get around them violates section 626.854.

Under section 626.854(11), a Florida public adjuster’s fee may not be based on your deductible. It may not be charged on additional living expenses unless you sign a separate agreement. The fee rate may not go up just because the claim ends up in litigation. And no fee is owed on money the insurer paid or committed before you signed. Florida DFS adds that fees may not be charged for services not performed.

Florida DFS links to a Public Adjuster Code of Ethics and Contract Checklist on its public adjuster page. It is a useful reference for questions to ask. In other states, ask your insurance department whether it publishes similar guidance. Our insurance claims hub has more on claim terms.

Is a public adjuster worth the fee?

The answer comes down to arithmetic and stress. A fee of 10% to 20% must be covered by a larger settlement, or by time and effort you would otherwise spend, for hiring one to pay off.

Situations where owners often consider one include a large or total loss, a claim with many contents items, a dispute over cause such as wind versus flood, a partial denial, or an insurer estimate well below contractor bids. Situations where it often makes less sense include a small claim the insurer is already paying, a claim near or below your deductible, and a case where the insurer has already offered the policy limit. In Florida, a policy-limit offer within the statute’s short window caps the fee at 1%, and a payment made before you signed carries no fee at all.

Get the insurer’s estimate first if you can. It gives you a baseline to judge whether outside help is likely to change the number. If the dispute is about coverage rather than amount, an attorney may be the better fit. Our guide to appealing a denied claim lays out the other routes.

How to check a public adjuster’s license

Every state that licenses public adjusters lets you look up a license through its insurance regulator. The NAIC keeps a directory of state insurance departments.

In Florida, use the Department of Financial Services Licensee Search. DFS advises asking the adjuster for their license number and comparing a government-issued photo ID to confirm identity. Check that the license is active and is a public adjuster license, not only a contractor license.

DFS points to its Insurance Fraud Hotline, 1-800-378-0445, if you suspect an unlicensed adjuster, pressure to overstate a claim, or other fraud. Overstating damage is insurance fraud, and the policyholder can be exposed too. A legitimate public adjuster should never ask you to exaggerate.

Florida rules on solicitation and cancellation

Florida limits when and how public adjusters can approach you after a loss. Under section 626.854(5), a public adjuster may solicit only Monday through Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A knock on the door at 9 p.m. or on a Sunday is outside those hours.

You also have time to change your mind. Under section 626.854(7), you can cancel a public adjuster contract without penalty within 10 days after signing. If the contract relates to a declared emergency, the window is 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after signing, whichever is longer. Notice must be in writing and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or another method that proves mailing.

Contractors are a separate concern. Section 626.854(16) bars licensed contractors and their subcontractors from advertising, soliciting or offering public adjuster services unless they hold a public adjuster license. If a roofer offers to “handle your claim,” read our guide to storm chaser scams.