Florida property claim representation
Can your public adjuster also be your contractor?
Florida restricts public adjusters from taking part in the repair or restoration work on the same damaged property they are adjusting. A separate construction license does not remove that conflict.
Reviewed November 2, 2026. Coverage and available remedies depend on your policy, loss facts and applicable law.
The same-claim restriction
Section 626.8795, Florida Statutes, prohibits a public adjuster from participating directly or indirectly in the reconstruction, repair or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim handled by that adjuster. It also addresses other activities reasonably viewed as conflicts and financial interests in salvage, repair or other businesses obtaining work connected with the adjusting agreement.
The practical question is broader than whose name appears on a repair invoice. Ask about ownership, related companies, financial interests and compensation connected with the proposed work. A different company name or a second license does not, by itself, establish compliance.
You should understand who does what
Your contractor’s agreement should describe construction services, scope and payment obligations. Your public-adjuster agreement should describe adjusting services and compensation. A clear separation of responsibilities helps you understand who is documenting the claim, who is performing repairs and who is responsible for workmanship.
Florida’s adjuster ethics rule also restricts steering involving undisclosed financial interests or compensated referrals. It prevents a public adjuster from obtaining contractual authority to choose the repair contractor for the insured. Other statutory restrictions can apply to referral compensation. Disclosure alone should not be assumed to cure an arrangement that the law prohibits.
A contractor may still explain a legitimate repair bid
Florida permits the residential repair-bid discussions described in section 626.854(16). Explaining the proposed work and price is different from acting as the policyholder’s settlement representative. Our contractor and insurance-claim guide explains that distinction.
Questions to ask before signing
- Who will provide adjusting services, and under which individual and firm licenses?
- Does that person or firm have an ownership or financial connection with the proposed repair business?
- Will anyone receive money or another benefit for a referral?
- Who selects the repair contractor, signs the construction contract and approves changes?
- What fees, reimbursable costs or separate agreements will I be asked to pay?
Keep the answers and complete copies of the agreements. If you are already in a disputed arrangement, obtain legal advice before cancelling contracts or withholding payments. This general guide does not decide whether a specific company has violated the law.
Discuss the claim and the repair scope
Experienced Public Adjusters helps Florida property owners document damage and present supported claims. For a review of a disputed estimate or complex residential loss, bring your policy, insurer correspondence and contractor proposals. Contact our team and review the public-adjuster contract checklist.
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.