Public Adjusters in Florida

Florida is the busiest public adjuster market in the United States, and it's not close. The state's unique combination of hurricane exposure, year-round severe weather, and aging housing stock generates more residential property damage claims per capita than any other state. For homeowners navigating the aftermath of a hurricane, tropical storm, or water damage event, a licensed public adjuster is often the difference between a lowball settlement and a fair payout that actually covers the cost of repairs.

Public adjusters in Florida are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). Unlike company adjusters who work for your insurance carrier, or independent adjusters hired by the carrier to assess damage, a public adjuster works exclusively for you — the policyholder. They inspect your property, document the damage, prepare a detailed claim estimate, and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. In Florida, their fees are capped by statute: 10% of the claim amount under normal circumstances, or 20% for claims arising from a state of emergency declared by the Governor.

Florida's property insurance market has been turbulent in recent years, with multiple carriers leaving the state, rising premiums, and tighter claims handling. In this environment, having a licensed public adjuster review your claim before you accept a settlement is increasingly important. Many homeowners discover that their initial insurance offer covers only a fraction of the actual repair cost — particularly for hidden damage like moisture intrusion behind walls, compromised roof decking, or mold growth that develops weeks after the initial event.