Updated November 2, 2026. General claim information and public-adjuster commentary. Policy dates, loss facts and later legal developments can change the answer. A Florida attorney should advise on legal rights, deadlines and litigation.
You can still seek qualified help after property damage. Florida’s AOB reform changed the transfer of insurance benefits; it did not create a blanket ban on hiring your own remediation company, roofer or expert.
What the AOB prohibition covers
Section 627.7152(13) prohibits post-loss assignments under residential and commercial property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, with specified exceptions. DFS explains that policies issued or renewed on or after that date are affected. Attempts under a policy subject to the prohibition are void and unenforceable. Older policies and the statutory exceptions need separate legal review. Current statute · DFS AOB guidance.
How the change can make recovery harder to fund
An AOB formerly allowed a qualifying vendor to take assigned claim rights and seek payment from the insurer under that arrangement. Without that option on affected policies, the owner may have to arrange deposits or pay bills while the carrier disputes coverage or price. For an owner dealing with drying, contents, temporary housing and repairs at the same time, that can create a real cash-flow problem.
This is a practical concern, not a claim that every vendor requires advance payment. Payment terms differ. The full cost of an expert or contractor is not automatically covered simply because the owner hired one.
What to check before signing
- The precise work authorized, itemized pricing, equipment charges and proposed duration.
- Who owes payment if the insurer pays less than the invoice or denies coverage.
- Deposit, cancellation, change-order, collection and lien provisions.
- Whether a direction to pay simply authorizes payment or attempts to transfer rights. The title alone does not control.
- Relevant state licenses, training, insurance and who will supervise the work.
- Documentation: photographs, moisture measurements, drying records, material decisions and itemized invoices.
Ask an attorney to explain disputed contract or lien language. A public adjuster cannot provide legal advice or replace the homeowner’s judgment about hiring a contractor.
Contractor choice and the insurance policy
Managed-repair provisions and a carrier’s repair election may affect the claim. Review those provisions promptly. The AOB ban by itself neither requires an insurer’s preferred vendor nor guarantees reimbursement for any contractor the owner selects.
Contractors may explain their construction work and pricing. They must stay within licensing limits and may not act as an unlicensed public adjuster. A public-adjusting agreement is distinct from a contractor AOB: the statutory assignment definition excludes public-adjuster fees. Public-adjuster statute.
Protect people, property and evidence
Do not delay necessary emergency protection to wait for representation. Use qualified professionals, document conditions before and during work when safe, preserve relevant evidence where feasible, and notify the insurer promptly. Discuss the scope of permanent repairs and inspection access before evidence is lost.
Florida law changes since 2022 · Choosing a restoration professional · Duties after a loss.
Concerned about a claim payment?
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