Florida property claim representation
Can a contractor handle your insurance claim?
A contractor can explain the proposed repairs and the cost of the work. Representing you in an insurance settlement involves a different role, with separate licensing and conflict-of-interest rules.
Reviewed November 2, 2026. Coverage and available remedies depend on your policy, loss facts and applicable law.
Explaining a repair bid is permitted
Section 626.854(16), Florida Statutes, allows a contractor to discuss or explain a construction or repair bid with the residential property owner or the insurer when doing so for the usual and customary fees for the contracted work. It also allows recommending that the consumer contact the insurer about potential coverage, subject to the separate solicitation restrictions in section 489.147.
For example, a contractor may explain the quantity of damaged flooring, the proposed repair method and the labor or materials in the bid. That permission does not turn a construction license into authority to act as your public adjuster.
Negotiating your insurance settlement is different
Section 626.854 defines public adjusting and prohibits unlicensed claim services for compensation or other value, subject to statutory exceptions. The restrictions include preparing or filing another person’s claim, negotiating a settlement on that person’s behalf and advertising services that require a public-adjuster license. Licensed attorneys have a separate statutory exemption. Calling the service “free help” does not, by itself, decide whether the activity is lawful.
Ask anyone offering to handle the claim to identify the precise service, the license under which it will be performed and the written agreement governing the work. The residential contractor provision must also be read with the broader restrictions in subsection (20), the policy and other applicable law.
Why the distinction matters to homeowners
A repair estimate explains the proposed construction work. A claim presentation also needs to connect the damage, scope and supporting records to the insurance policy. Keep the responsibilities clear:
- Contractor: proposed repairs, construction pricing, permits and performance of the contracted work.
- Public adjuster: policyholder claim documentation, estimating and adjusting services within the license and written agreement.
- Attorney: legal advice, disputed legal rights and litigation when appropriate.
You may need more than one professional, particularly for a complex loss involving custom finishes, multiple buildings or competing damage explanations. Hiring one does not automatically establish that every expense or proposed repair is covered.
A second license does not remove conflicts
Section 626.8795 prohibits a public adjuster from participating directly or indirectly in repairing, reconstructing or restoring the damaged property that is the subject of a claim the adjuster handles. It also restricts financial interests and other conflicts connected with the claim. Holding both licenses does not authorize both roles on the same loss. Read our guide to public-adjuster and contractor conflicts.
Do all contractor conversations violate the law?
No. The permitted bid discussion matters. At the same time, section 626.8738 makes acting or holding oneself out as a public adjuster in Florida without the required license and appointment a third-degree felony. Whether particular conduct meets that standard depends on the facts and governing law; this article is not an accusation against any contractor.
Protect your repair and claim records
Obtain a detailed scope, written pricing, proof of the appropriate license and copies of agreements before work begins. Preserve photographs, measurements, receipts and emergency-mitigation records. Do not delay necessary safety measures while deciding who will represent the claim.
Florida’s limits on assignment of benefits are a separate issue. They do not create a blanket prohibition on hiring your own contractor or qualified expert. Policy repair options, payment obligations and the agreements you sign still need careful review.
If your insurer’s estimate appears to omit necessary work, request a property-claim review. Bring the contractor’s bid and the insurer’s estimate so the differences can be evaluated. See also our estimate-transparency guide.
Concerned about a claim payment?
Experienced Public Adjusters helps Florida property owners document damage and present supported claims, with a focus on luxury homes, complex residential losses, condominium and HOA master policies, and commercial property.
Call (888) 881-8416 Request a claim review
Serving Naples, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach and surrounding communities. Find our offices and service areas.
David Dwyer, designated primary adjuster: Florida license W391016. Experienced Public Adjusters: firm license W807213. Representation is subject to a written agreement; no settlement outcome is guaranteed.