Public adjusters in Florida: fees, contracts and deadlines
On this page
Yes. Florida licenses public adjusters through the Department of Financial Services, and only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney may be paid to handle your insurance claim for you.
A public adjuster can charge at most 20% of what the insurer pays on a regular residential claim and 10% on a claim from a Governor-declared emergency made in the first year. The fee drops to 1% or 0% when the insurer pays policy limits fast or paid before you signed.
20%
most a public adjuster can charge on a standard claim
10%
fee limit after a declared disaster
10 calendar days
to cancel a public adjuster contract
7 calendar days
for the insurer to acknowledge your claim
60 days
for the insurer to accept or deny
20 days
for the insurer to pay
Each number is explained, with its source, in the sections below.
Can I hire a public adjuster in Florida?
Yes. Florida licenses public adjusters through the Department of Financial Services, and only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney may be paid to handle your insurance claim for you.
Public adjusters must hold a Florida license and appointment from the Department of Financial Services. To get one they must pass the state exam and keep a $50,000 surety bond on file.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(20) (show the source wording)
The source says
“no person, except an attorney at law or a licensed and appointed public adjuster, may for money, commission, or any other thing of value, directly or indirectly”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Fla. Stat. § 626.112(1)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says
“unless he or she is currently licensed by the department and appointed by an appropriate appointing entity or person”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Fla. Stat. § 626.865(2) (show the source wording)
The source says
“a bond executed and issued by a surety insurer authorized to transact such business in this state, in the amount of $50,000”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Fla. Stat. § 626.865(3) (show the source wording)
The source says
“The department may not issue a license as a public adjuster to any individual who has not passed the examination for a public adjuster’s license.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
- Check a licence
- Official licence lookup
- File a complaint
- Consumer complaint form
- Consumer line
- 1-877-693-5236
What can a public adjuster charge in Florida?
A public adjuster can charge at most 20% of what the insurer pays on a regular residential claim and 10% on a claim from a Governor-declared emergency made in the first year. The fee drops to 1% or 0% when the insurer pays policy limits fast or paid before you signed.
The 10% cap covers claims from an event the Governor declared a state of emergency for, and only claims made during the year after the declaration. After that year the 20% cap applies.
- On a claim that is not tied to a declared state of emergency, the fee can be no more than 20% of what the insurer pays you.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)2. (show the source wording)
The source says“Twenty percent of the amount of insurance claim payments or settlements, exclusive of attorney fees and costs, paid to the insured by the insurer for claims that are not based on events that are the subject of a declaration”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - On a claim from an event the Governor declared a state of emergency for, the fee can be no more than 10% of what the insurer pays you.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)1. (show the source wording)
The source says“Ten percent of the amount of insurance claim payments or settlements, exclusive of attorney fees and costs, paid to the insured by the insurer for claims based on events that are the subject of a declaration of a state of emergency”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The 10% emergency cap lasts for claims made during the year after the emergency declaration. After that, the 20% cap applies.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)1. (show the source wording)
The source says“This provision applies to claims made during the year after the declaration of emergency. After that year, the limitations in subparagraph 2. apply.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the insurer pays or agrees in writing to pay the policy limit for a part of your coverage within 14 days after the loss or 10 days after you signed the adjuster's contract, whichever is later, the fee on that part is capped at 1%.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)3. (show the source wording)
The source says“if the payment or written commitment to pay is provided within 14 days after the date of loss or within 10 days after the date on which the public adjusting contract is executed, whichever is later”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster gets nothing on money the insurer paid, or agreed in writing to pay, before you signed the adjuster's contract.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)4. (show the source wording)
The source says“where the claim payment or written agreement by the insurer to pay occurs before the date on which the public adjusting contract is executed”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The fee cannot be charged on your deductible.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“Insurance claim payments made by the insurer do not include policy deductibles, and public adjuster compensation may not be based on the deductible portion of a claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The fee cannot be charged on additional living expense payments unless you agree to that in a separate signed agreement.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“Public adjuster compensation may not be based on amounts attributable to additional living expenses, unless such compensation is affirmatively agreed to in a separate agreement”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - On a reopened or supplemental claim, the fee can be no more than 20% of the new money the adjuster gets for you, and it cannot be based on what the insurer already paid.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Compensation for the reopened or supplemental claim may not exceed 20 percent of the reopened or supplemental claim payment.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster cannot raise the fee percentage just because the claim ends up in a lawsuit.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(e) (show the source wording)
The source says“Public adjuster rate of compensation may not be increased based solely on the fact that the claim is litigated.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot collect a fee on payments made to you without a written contract with you.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(6)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“May not collect a fee for services on payments made to a named insured unless they have a written contract with the named insured, or the named insured’s legal representative.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster cannot be paid for work done before you received your copy of the signed contract or before the signed contract was sent to the insurer.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“The public adjuster shall not receive compensation for services provided before the date the insured receives an unaltered copy of the executed contract or the date executed contract is submitted to the insurer.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - These fee caps, along with the cancellation and solicitation rules in the same statute, apply only to residential property policies and condominium unit owner policies.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(19) (show the source wording)
The source says“Subsections (5)-(18) apply only to residential property insurance policies and condominium unit owner policies as described in s. 718.111(11).”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What must the contract say?
The contract must be in writing, titled Public Adjuster Contract, and show the fee percentage and your cancellation rights in large bold type above your signature. You must also be given a separate state disclosure form to sign before you sign the contract, and a contract that skips these rules cannot be enforced.
Your right to cancel: 10 calendar days. The statute says 10 days after the contract is signed and does not say business days, so count calendar days to be safe (a DFS consumer page says 10 business days). For a claim from a Governor-declared emergency you get 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after signing, whichever is longer. Cancel in writing by certified mail or another mailing method that gives you proof.
- You can cancel without penalty within 10 days after the contract is signed.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“An insured or claimant may cancel a public adjuster’s contract to adjust a claim without penalty or obligation within 10 days after the date on which the contract is executed.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the claim comes from an event the Governor declared a state of emergency for, you can cancel within 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after signing, whichever is longer.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“without penalty or obligation within 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after the date on which the contract is executed, whichever is longer”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must print the cancellation notice in at least 18-point bold type right above your signature line.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“The public adjuster’s contract must contain the following language in minimum 18-point bold type immediately before the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the insured or claimant”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To cancel, send written notice to the adjuster by certified mail with return receipt, or another mailing method that gives proof, at the address in the contract.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“submitted in writing and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other form of mailing that provides proof thereof, at the address specified in the contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - You can also cancel with no penalty or fee if the adjuster does not give you a written estimate within 60 days after signing, unless the delay was outside the adjuster's control. That right ends on the day the estimate is provided.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(12)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“An insured may cancel the contract with no additional penalties or fees charged by the public adjuster if such an estimate is not provided within 60 days after executing the contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must be in writing, in at least 12-point type, and titled Public Adjuster Contract.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“All contracts for public adjuster services must be in writing in at least 12-point type, be titled “Public Adjuster Contract,””
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The fee percentage must appear in at least 18-point bold type above your signature line.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“The contract must state the percentage of compensation for the public adjuster’s services in minimum 18-point bold type before the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the insured”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must list the adjuster's full name, business address, phone, email and license number, and the adjusting firm's name and license number.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“must contain the full name, permanent business address, phone number, e-mail address, and license number of the public adjuster; the full name and license number of the public adjusting firm”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must say what type of claim it is (emergency, nonemergency or supplemental), carry your initials on every page you do not sign, and be signed and dated by the adjuster and all named insureds.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“the type of claim, including an emergency claim, nonemergency claim, or supplemental claim; the initials of the named insured on each page that does not contain the insured’s signature”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - You must get an unaltered copy of the signed contract when you sign it, and the insurer must get a copy within 7 days.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“An unaltered copy of the executed contract must be remitted to the insured at the time of execution and to the insurer, or the insurer’s representative within 7 days after execution.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must display a fraud warning in at least 18-point bold type above your signature line.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“prominently display the following statement on the contract in minimum 18-point bold type before the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the insured”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Before you sign the contract, the adjuster must give you a separate disclosure form about the claim process, on a form adopted by the state, for you to sign.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(6) (show the source wording)
The source says“Before the signing of the contract, the public adjuster shall provide the insured with a separate disclosure document to be signed by the insured, on a form adopted by the department”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A contract that does not follow these rules is invalid and cannot be enforced against you.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“A contract that does not comply with this section is invalid and unenforceable.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How can a public adjuster approach me?
- A public adjuster may contact you to ask for your business only Monday through Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. No Sunday solicitation.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(5) (show the source wording)
The source says“solicit an insured or claimant by any means except on Monday through Saturday of each week and only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on those days”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Ads and pitches cannot invite you to file a claim by offering money or anything else of value.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)2. (show the source wording)
The source says“A statement or representation that invites an insured policyholder to submit a claim by offering monetary or other valuable inducement.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Ads and pitches cannot tell you there is no risk in filing a claim.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)3. (show the source wording)
The source says“A statement or representation that invites an insured policyholder to submit a claim by stating that there is “no risk” to the policyholder by submitting such claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Ads cannot look like they come from, or are endorsed by, a government agency.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)4. (show the source wording)
The source says“implies or could mistakenly be construed to imply that the solicitation was issued or distributed by a governmental agency or is sanctioned or endorsed by a governmental agency”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Written ads (newspapers, magazines, flyers and bulk mail) must carry a bold, all-capitals notice saying the ad is a solicitation and you can ignore it if you are satisfied with your insurer's payment.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS ADVERTISEMENT.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot lend or advance money to a client or a prospective client.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(9) (show the source wording)
The source says“may not give or offer to give a monetary loan or advance to a client or prospective client”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot give you a gift worth more than $25 to win your business.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(10) (show the source wording)
The source says“any article of merchandise having a value in excess of $25 to any individual for the purpose of advertising or as an inducement to entering into a contract with a public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot pay anyone other than another public adjuster for sending business their way.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster may not compensate any person, except for another public adjuster, directly or indirectly, for the principal purpose of referring business to the public adjuster.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot offer you a rebate, gift card, cash, a waived deductible or anything else of value in exchange for a roof inspection or for filing a roof claim.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(23)(a)1. (show the source wording)
The source says“Offering to a residential property owner a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, waiver of any insurance deductible, or any other thing of value in exchange for”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster can be disciplined for soliciting or taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable or upset after a traumatic event.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8698(5) (show the source wording)
The source says“Soliciting or otherwise taking advantage of a person who is vulnerable, emotional, or otherwise upset as the result of a trauma, accident, or other similar occurrence”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How long does my insurer have in Florida?
-
You report the claim
The first clock starts here.
-
Insurer's first response
7 calendar days
counted from the day you report the claim
-
Insurer accepts or denies
60 days
counted from the day you report the claim
-
Insurer pays
20 days
counted from the insurer accepting the claim or an agreed amount
Residential property insurers, including surplus lines insurers that provide residential coverage. The 60-day pay-or-deny rule also covers commercial property claims where the insured building or rented space is 10,000 square feet or less (§ 627.70131(5)(b), (7)(b), (9)). The 20-day settlement payment rule in § 627.4265 is a general insurance rule.
- To acknowledge your claim. Your insurer must review and acknowledge any communication about your claim within 7 calendar days, unless it pays within that time.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(1)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Upon an insurer’s receiving a communication with respect to a claim, the insurer shall, within 7 calendar days, review and acknowledge receipt of such communication”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To accept or deny. Your insurer must pay or deny the claim, or part of it, within 60 days after it gets notice of the claim. The clock starts at notice of the claim, not at proof of loss.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(7)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To pay. Once you and the insurer agree in writing to settle a claim, the insurer must send payment within 20 days. Late payment earns 12% yearly interest.
Fla. Stat. § 627.4265 (show the source wording)
The source says“the insurer shall tender payment according to the terms of the agreement no later than 20 days after such settlement is reached”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Only the 7-day rule says calendar days; the 60-day and 20-day rules say days, recorded here as calendar days. After the insurer gets your proof of loss it must start investigating within 7 days and do any physical inspection within 30 days. The deadlines pause while a mediation or policy dispute process is pending, or if you do not answer the insurer's request for claim information within 10 days. The state can give insurers up to 30 extra days to pay or deny after a declared emergency or similar event. Payments made after the 60 days carry interest from the date the insurer got notice of the claim.
What deadlines apply to me?
Your policy sets its own deadlines too, and they can be shorter. These are the ones written into Florida law.
- You must give your insurer notice of a new or reopened property claim within 1 year after the date of loss, or the claim is barred.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“is barred unless notice of the claim was given to the insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy within 1 year after the date of loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - You must give notice of a supplemental claim (more damage from the same event, or extra repair costs) within 18 months after the date of loss.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“A supplemental claim is barred unless notice of the supplemental claim was given to the insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy within 18 months after the date of loss.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - For hurricane and other weather claims, the date of loss is the day the hurricane made landfall or the day NOAA verified the weather event.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“the date of loss is the date that the hurricane made landfall or the tornado, windstorm, severe rain, or other weather-related event is verified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Condo owners claiming loss assessment coverage must give notice within 1 year after the date of loss or within 90 days after the association votes to levy the assessment, whichever is later, and never more than 3 years after the date of loss.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(4)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“A notice of claim for loss assessment coverage under s. 627.714 may not occur later than 3 years after the date of loss and must be provided to the insurer the later of”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A lawsuit for breach of a property insurance contract must be filed within 5 years, counted from the date of loss.
Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) (listed under the heading "(2) WITHIN FIVE YEARS") (show the source wording)
The source says“Notwithstanding paragraph (b), an action for breach of a property insurance contract, with the period running from the date of loss.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Before suing your property insurer you must file a notice of intent to sue with the Department of Financial Services at least 10 business days before filing suit, and only after the insurer has made its coverage decision.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70152(3)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Such notice must be given at least 10 business days before filing suit under the policy, but may not be given before the insurer has made a determination of coverage under s. 627.70131.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What can I do if I disagree with the insurer?
- DFS residential property mediation. The Department of Financial Services runs a mediation program for disputed home insurance claims. The insurer pays the cost of the conference, and you can use it before appraisal or a lawsuit.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“the insurer must bear all of the cost of conducting mediation conferences, except as otherwise provided in this section”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - DFS mediation: what it costs you. DFS says the insurer pays the full $350 cost of a residential mediation. You pay only if you miss the conference and want it rescheduled.
Florida DFS, Mediation and Neutral Evaluation page (show the source wording)
The source says“The insurance company pays the entire cost ($350) of the mediation unless you fail to appear at the conference and want to reschedule the mediation.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - DFS mediation: not binding, and you can back out. Mediation does not bind you. If you sign a settlement at mediation you have 3 business days to cancel it, as long as you have not cashed or deposited the check.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(6)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Mediation is nonbinding; however, if a written settlement is reached, the policyholder has 3 business days within which the policyholder may rescind the settlement”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - DFS mediation: who qualifies. The dispute must be worth at least $500 unless both sides agree to mediate a smaller one, and the claim must have been reported on time. The program covers personal and commercial residential policies, not other commercial coverage.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(9)(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“With respect to which the amount in controversy is less than $500, unless the parties agree to mediate a dispute involving a lesser amount”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - DFS insurance help and complaints. You can file an insurance concern with the DFS Division of Consumer Services online. DFS contacts the company, which has 14 days to answer, and DFS aims to resolve the issue within 30 days.
Florida DFS, Get Insurance Help page (show the source wording)
The source says“insurance companies/agencies have 14 days to respond to the Department once an insurance concern has been filed. We strive to resolve the issue within 30 days.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Sinkhole neutral evaluation. For sinkhole claims, DFS runs a neutral evaluation program using an engineer or geologist. It is not binding, but the other side must take part if you or the insurer ask for it.
Florida DFS, Mediation and Neutral Evaluation page (program under Fla. Stat. § 627.7074) (show the source wording)
The source says“Neutral Evaluation is mandatory if requested by you or your insurance company. The Neutral Evaluation is non-binding, and both parties retain their right to pursue legal action.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Appraisal under your policy. Appraisal is a process written into most home policies, not a state program. State mediation is available before appraisal starts.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“This section is available with respect to claims under personal lines and commercial residential policies before commencing the appraisal process, or before commencing litigation.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - When you can skip appraisal. If the insurer never told you about your right to mediation, or the insurer asked for mediation and its result was rejected, you do not have to go through appraisal before suing.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“the policyholder is not required to submit to or participate in any contractual loss appraisal process of the property loss damage as a precondition to legal action for breach of contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Also worth knowing
- New in the 2026 statutes: a public adjuster must answer your written or electronic request for a claim status update within 14 days.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(24) (added by s. 29, ch. 2026-174) (show the source wording)
The source says“must respond with specific information to a written or electronic request for claims status from a claimant or insured or their designated representative within 14 days after the date of the request”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The 2026 bill that would have changed public adjuster contract cancellation rights (SB 266, companion HB 427) did not pass. It died in a Senate committee on March 13, 2026.
Florida Senate, SB 266 (2026) bill page (show the source wording)
The source says“Died in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot take part in repairing or rebuilding the property on a claim they are handling, and cannot have a financial stake in a repair or salvage business that gets work from the claim.
Fla. Stat. § 626.8795 (show the source wording)
The source says“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”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot use the contract or a power of attorney to choose who repairs your home.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(18) (show the source wording)
The source says“the effective authority to choose the persons or entities that will perform repair work in a property insurance claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A contractor cannot act as your public adjuster or advertise claim-handling services unless separately licensed as a public adjuster.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(16) (show the source wording)
The source says“may not advertise, solicit, offer to handle, handle, or perform public adjuster services as provided in subsection (1) unless licensed and compliant as a public adjuster under this chapter”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Your public adjuster must give you a written, itemized estimate of the loss within 60 days after the contract date.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(12)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Each public adjuster must provide to the claimant or insured a written estimate of the loss to assist in the submission of a proof of loss or any other claim for payment of insurance proceeds within 60 days after the date of the contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot give legal advice or handle bodily injury, death or pain-and-suffering claims.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster may not give legal advice or act on behalf of or aid any person in negotiating or settling a claim relating to bodily injury, death, or noneconomic damages.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The insurer's adjuster or other representative must give you at least 48 hours' notice before a meeting or an on-site inspection. You can refuse access if notice was not given, or you can waive the notice.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(14) (show the source wording)
The source says“must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to the insured or claimant, public adjuster, or legal representative before scheduling a meeting with the claimant or an onsite inspection of the insured property”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The insurer cannot shut your public adjuster out of its in-person meetings with you.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(15)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“The insurer may not exclude the public adjuster from its in-person meetings with the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Hiring a public adjuster does not block the insurer from inspecting. If your adjuster is unavailable and that would delay the inspection, the insurer must be let in without them.
Fla. Stat. § 626.854(15)(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“the public adjuster or the insureds must allow the insurer to have access to the property without the participation or presence of the public adjuster or insureds”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Your insurer must send you the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights within 14 days after you first contact it about a claim.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7142 (show the source wording)
The source says“must provide a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights to a policyholder within 14 days after receiving an initial communication with respect to a claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If you ask in writing, the insurer must tell you within 30 days after you send a complete proof of loss whether the claim is covered, partly covered, denied or still being investigated.
Fla. Stat. § 627.7142 (Bill of Rights item 2) (show the source wording)
The source says“Upon written request, receive from your insurance company within 30 days after you have submitted a complete proof-of-loss statement to your insurance company, confirmation that your claim is covered in full, partially covered, or denied”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the insurer inspects the property in person, it must do so within 30 days after it gets your proof of loss.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(3)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“An insurer must conduct any such physical inspection within 30 days after its receipt of the proof-of-loss statements.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The insurer must send you a copy of any detailed estimate its adjuster prepares within 7 days after it is created.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(3)(e) (show the source wording)
The source says“The insurer must send the policyholder a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss within 7 days after the estimate is generated by an insurer’s adjuster.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Missing the 60-day pay-or-deny deadline makes the insurer owe interest, but that alone does not give you a right to sue.
Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(7)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“However, failure to comply with this subsection does not form the sole basis for a private cause of action.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Recent federal disaster declarations in Florida
After a declared disaster, the fee limit in Florida is 10%. The 10% cap covers claims from an event the Governor declared a state of emergency for, and only claims made during the year after the declaration. After that year the 20% cap applies.
- Hurricane Isaias · Major disaster declared October 27, 2026 · 15 areas: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and more
- Hurricane Isaias · Emergency declared October 9, 2026 · 27 areas: Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin and more
Federal declarations from FEMA as of November 12, 2026. A state fee limit or deadline may depend on a state declaration instead; check the cited rule. All recent declarations.
Florida by the numbers
From 2016 to 2025 the National Weather Service logged 11,638 storm event reports in Florida, with property damage estimates totalling $42 billion, the 2nd highest of the 50 states and D.C. Hurricane and tropical storm accounted for the most reported damage.
$42B
reported storm damage, 2016 to 2025
44
major disaster declarations since 2000
$6.8B
home damage verified by FEMA since 2002
Licensed public adjusters in Florida
4,955 individuals and firms hold a Florida public adjuster licence in the state's own records, and 4,267 of them are based in Florida.
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services, retrieved November 10, 2026.
Browse the Florida directoryCommon questions about Florida
Can I hire a public adjuster in Florida?
Yes. Florida licenses public adjusters through the Department of Financial Services, and only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney may be paid to handle your insurance claim for you. Public adjusters must hold a Florida license and appointment from the Department of Financial Services. To get one they must pass the state exam and keep a $50,000 surety bond on file.
How much can a public adjuster charge in Florida?
A public adjuster can charge at most 20% of what the insurer pays on a regular residential claim and 10% on a claim from a Governor-declared emergency made in the first year. The fee drops to 1% or 0% when the insurer pays policy limits fast or paid before you signed.
Can I cancel a public adjuster contract in Florida?
Yes. Florida law gives 10 calendar days to cancel. The statute says 10 days after the contract is signed and does not say business days, so count calendar days to be safe (a DFS consumer page says 10 business days). For a claim from a Governor-declared emergency you get 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after signing, whichever is longer. Cancel in writing by certified mail or another mailing method that gives you proof.
How long does an insurance company have to handle a claim in Florida?
Your insurer must review and acknowledge any communication about your claim within 7 calendar days, unless it pays within that time. Your insurer must pay or deny the claim, or part of it, within 60 days after it gets notice of the claim. The clock starts at notice of the claim, not at proof of loss. Once you and the insurer agree in writing to settle a claim, the insurer must send payment within 20 days. Late payment earns 12% yearly interest.
Where do I complain about an insurer or a public adjuster in Florida?
Complaints go to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Consumer line: 1-877-693-5236.
Sources
Every rule above was matched to the exact words below on November 10, 2026.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(20)
no person, except an attorney at law or a licensed and appointed public adjuster, may for money, commission, or any other thing of value, directly or indirectly
- Fla. Stat. § 626.112(1)(a)
unless he or she is currently licensed by the department and appointed by an appropriate appointing entity or person
- Fla. Stat. § 626.865(2)
a bond executed and issued by a surety insurer authorized to transact such business in this state, in the amount of $50,000
- Fla. Stat. § 626.865(3)
The department may not issue a license as a public adjuster to any individual who has not passed the examination for a public adjuster’s license.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)2.
Twenty percent of the amount of insurance claim payments or settlements, exclusive of attorney fees and costs, paid to the insured by the insurer for claims that are not based on events that are the subject of a declaration
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)1.
Ten percent of the amount of insurance claim payments or settlements, exclusive of attorney fees and costs, paid to the insured by the insurer for claims based on events that are the subject of a declaration of a state of emergency
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)3.
if the payment or written commitment to pay is provided within 14 days after the date of loss or within 10 days after the date on which the public adjusting contract is executed, whichever is later
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b)4.
where the claim payment or written agreement by the insurer to pay occurs before the date on which the public adjusting contract is executed
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(c)
Insurance claim payments made by the insurer do not include policy deductibles, and public adjuster compensation may not be based on the deductible portion of a claim.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(d)
Public adjuster compensation may not be based on amounts attributable to additional living expenses, unless such compensation is affirmatively agreed to in a separate agreement
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(a)
Compensation for the reopened or supplemental claim may not exceed 20 percent of the reopened or supplemental claim payment.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(e)
Public adjuster rate of compensation may not be increased based solely on the fact that the claim is litigated.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(6)(a)
May not collect a fee for services on payments made to a named insured unless they have a written contract with the named insured, or the named insured’s legal representative.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(3)
The public adjuster shall not receive compensation for services provided before the date the insured receives an unaltered copy of the executed contract or the date executed contract is submitted to the insurer.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(19)
Subsections (5)-(18) apply only to residential property insurance policies and condominium unit owner policies as described in s. 718.111(11).
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7)
An insured or claimant may cancel a public adjuster’s contract to adjust a claim without penalty or obligation within 10 days after the date on which the contract is executed.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(12)(b)
An insured may cancel the contract with no additional penalties or fees charged by the public adjuster if such an estimate is not provided within 60 days after executing the contract
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(1)
All contracts for public adjuster services must be in writing in at least 12-point type, be titled “Public Adjuster Contract,”
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(2)
The contract must state the percentage of compensation for the public adjuster’s services in minimum 18-point bold type before the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the insured
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(6)
Before the signing of the contract, the public adjuster shall provide the insured with a separate disclosure document to be signed by the insured, on a form adopted by the department
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8796(7)
A contract that does not comply with this section is invalid and unenforceable.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(5)
solicit an insured or claimant by any means except on Monday through Saturday of each week and only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on those days
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)2.
A statement or representation that invites an insured policyholder to submit a claim by offering monetary or other valuable inducement.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)3.
A statement or representation that invites an insured policyholder to submit a claim by stating that there is “no risk” to the policyholder by submitting such claim.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(a)4.
implies or could mistakenly be construed to imply that the solicitation was issued or distributed by a governmental agency or is sanctioned or endorsed by a governmental agency
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(8)(b)
THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS ADVERTISEMENT.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(9)
may not give or offer to give a monetary loan or advance to a client or prospective client
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(10)
any article of merchandise having a value in excess of $25 to any individual for the purpose of advertising or as an inducement to entering into a contract with a public adjuster
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(13)
A public adjuster may not compensate any person, except for another public adjuster, directly or indirectly, for the principal purpose of referring business to the public adjuster.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(23)(a)1.
Offering to a residential property owner a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, waiver of any insurance deductible, or any other thing of value in exchange for
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8698(5)
Soliciting or otherwise taking advantage of a person who is vulnerable, emotional, or otherwise upset as the result of a trauma, accident, or other similar occurrence
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(1)(a)
Upon an insurer’s receiving a communication with respect to a claim, the insurer shall, within 7 calendar days, review and acknowledge receipt of such communication
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(7)(a)
Within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim
- Fla. Stat. § 627.4265
the insurer shall tender payment according to the terms of the agreement no later than 20 days after such settlement is reached
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(2)
is barred unless notice of the claim was given to the insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy within 1 year after the date of loss
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(3)
the date of loss is the date that the hurricane made landfall or the tornado, windstorm, severe rain, or other weather-related event is verified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70132(4)(a)
A notice of claim for loss assessment coverage under s. 627.714 may not occur later than 3 years after the date of loss and must be provided to the insurer the later of
- Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) (listed under the heading "(2) WITHIN FIVE YEARS")
Notwithstanding paragraph (b), an action for breach of a property insurance contract, with the period running from the date of loss.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70152(3)(a)
Such notice must be given at least 10 business days before filing suit under the policy, but may not be given before the insurer has made a determination of coverage under s. 627.70131.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(3)
the insurer must bear all of the cost of conducting mediation conferences, except as otherwise provided in this section
- Florida DFS, Mediation and Neutral Evaluation page
The insurance company pays the entire cost ($350) of the mediation unless you fail to appear at the conference and want to reschedule the mediation.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(6)(a)
Mediation is nonbinding; however, if a written settlement is reached, the policyholder has 3 business days within which the policyholder may rescind the settlement
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(9)(d)
With respect to which the amount in controversy is less than $500, unless the parties agree to mediate a dispute involving a lesser amount
- Florida DFS, Get Insurance Help page
insurance companies/agencies have 14 days to respond to the Department once an insurance concern has been filed. We strive to resolve the issue within 30 days.
- Florida DFS, Mediation and Neutral Evaluation page (program under Fla. Stat. § 627.7074)
Neutral Evaluation is mandatory if requested by you or your insurance company. The Neutral Evaluation is non-binding, and both parties retain their right to pursue legal action.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(1)
This section is available with respect to claims under personal lines and commercial residential policies before commencing the appraisal process, or before commencing litigation.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7015(7)
the policyholder is not required to submit to or participate in any contractual loss appraisal process of the property loss damage as a precondition to legal action for breach of contract
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(24) (added by s. 29, ch. 2026-174)
must respond with specific information to a written or electronic request for claims status from a claimant or insured or their designated representative within 14 days after the date of the request
- Florida Senate, SB 266 (2026) bill page
Died in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
- Fla. Stat. § 626.8795
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
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(18)
the effective authority to choose the persons or entities that will perform repair work in a property insurance claim
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(16)
may not advertise, solicit, offer to handle, handle, or perform public adjuster services as provided in subsection (1) unless licensed and compliant as a public adjuster under this chapter
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(12)(a)
Each public adjuster must provide to the claimant or insured a written estimate of the loss to assist in the submission of a proof of loss or any other claim for payment of insurance proceeds within 60 days after the date of the contract.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(3)
A public adjuster may not give legal advice or act on behalf of or aid any person in negotiating or settling a claim relating to bodily injury, death, or noneconomic damages.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(14)
must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to the insured or claimant, public adjuster, or legal representative before scheduling a meeting with the claimant or an onsite inspection of the insured property
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(15)(a)
The insurer may not exclude the public adjuster from its in-person meetings with the insured.
- Fla. Stat. § 626.854(15)(c)
the public adjuster or the insureds must allow the insurer to have access to the property without the participation or presence of the public adjuster or insureds
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7142
must provide a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights to a policyholder within 14 days after receiving an initial communication with respect to a claim
- Fla. Stat. § 627.7142 (Bill of Rights item 2)
Upon written request, receive from your insurance company within 30 days after you have submitted a complete proof-of-loss statement to your insurance company, confirmation that your claim is covered in full, partially covered, or denied
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(3)(b)
An insurer must conduct any such physical inspection within 30 days after its receipt of the proof-of-loss statements.
- Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(3)(e)
The insurer must send the policyholder a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss within 7 days after the estimate is generated by an insurer’s adjuster.
What we looked for and could not confirm
We leave a rule off the page when we cannot match it to a primary source. These are still open:
- Cancellation period unit: Fla. Stat. § 626.854(7) (2026) says "within 10 days after the date on which the contract is executed" with no mention of business days. The DFS consumer page at https://myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm/public-adjusters says "within ten (10) business days after it is executed". The two conflict. The JSON records calendar days because the statute controls and it is the safer reading for a homeowner.
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 69B-220.051 (public adjuster conduct and extra contract terms) was amended effective 9/28/2026 according to flrules.org. The official current text is only offered as a Word download, which was not opened. The Cornell LII mirror still shows the 4/29/2024 version, so no facts from the rule are included.
- No waiting period after a loss before a public adjuster may contact a homeowner appears in the 2026 text of § 626.854. Other statutes and rules were not searched for one.
- Whether DFS must pre-approve a public adjuster's contract form: no such requirement was found in §§ 626.854 or 626.8796, but this was not confirmed against the administrative rules. Only the separate claim-process disclosure is on a department-adopted form.
- The 60-day pay-or-deny deadline (§ 627.70131(7)(a)) and the 20-day settlement payment deadline (§ 627.4265) say "days" without saying calendar or business. They are recorded as calendar days.
- The session law text of ch. 2026-174 was not opened. New subsection (24) of § 626.854 was confirmed by reading the 2026 statute and comparing it word for word with the 2025 statute; it is the only difference between the two years.
- Any emergency orders from the Office of Insurance Regulation that currently extend insurer deadlines for a specific storm were not checked.
- The DFS consumer helpline number 1-877-693-5236 (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) was read from the footer of myfloridacfo.com. The Division of Consumer Services page also lists (850) 413-3089 for insurance assistance.