Florida property claim representation
Before signing a public adjuster contract
Understand who will represent you, how the fee works, what the agreement requires and when you can cancel. Keep a complete copy of everything you sign.
Reviewed November 2, 2026. Coverage and available remedies depend on your policy, loss facts and applicable law.
Why this guide no longer stops at 2023
Florida’s 2023 reforms changed public-adjuster contract and disclosure requirements. Later statutory and administrative changes also matter. This guide replaces our older 2023 overview with a current consumer checklist; it is not a certification of any particular contract.
Check the people, services and payment terms
- Confirm identity. Check the individual and firm license information against Florida DFS records. Ask who will handle your claim and how to reach that person.
- Read the whole agreement. The required written contract identifies the parties and loss, states compensation prominently, includes required signatures and contains the statutory fraud warning. Do not sign blank spaces or an incomplete description of the work.
- Understand the fee calculation. Ask which payments are included, how prior payments are treated, and whether any reimbursable expenses apply. All compensation methods and fees must be stated; reimbursable costs must be specified in the agreement or a signed, dated addendum.
- Keep both documents. A separate claim-process disclosure must be provided before signing. You should receive unaltered copies of the executed contract and disclosure. The contract must also be sent to the insurer or its representative within seven days.
The governing sources are section 626.8796 and rule 69B-220.051. The rule identifies the DFS Claim Process Disclosure Form and limits how that form may be modified. A public-adjuster apprentice cannot execute the adjusting contract.
Know the cancellation periods
For residential property and condominium unit-owner policies within section 626.854(19), section 626.854(7) provides an ordinary cancellation period of 10 calendar days after execution, without penalty or obligation. For an agreement based on events covered by a Governor’s state-of-emergency declaration, the period is 30 days after the loss or 10 days after execution, whichever is longer. Follow the statute’s written-notice and delivery requirements, and retain proof.
There is also a separate rescission right if a written estimate is not submitted to the insurer within 60 days after execution, subject to factors beyond the adjuster’s control. That cancellation period ends when the estimate is provided. A disagreement about a contract’s validity, cancellation or fees should be reviewed by an attorney.
A percentage is not the whole fee answer
Florida law has different compensation limits and restrictions depending on the claim and circumstances. A single advertised percentage does not answer every situation. Ask for a written explanation of the applicable limit, the payment base and any separate costs before deciding to hire an adjuster. See our public-adjuster fee guide.
The statute also restricts compensation for services performed before the required contract delivery and insurer submission. A later payment date alone does not resolve whether the earlier services were compensable. Keep records of both delivery and submission.
You remain involved in your claim
You are not required to hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster represents the policyholder’s claim interests and is not the insurer’s employee or a substitute for legal counsel. You may communicate directly with your insurer and attorney; settlement terms require your approval before the public adjuster accepts them.
Written or electronic claim-status requests now require a specific response within 14 days under section 626.854(24). For more on conduct and estimate documentation, read our Florida adjuster ethics guide.
Bring these documents to a claim review
Have your policy and endorsements, date-of-loss information, photographs, insurer’s estimate or decision letter, and any existing representation or contractor agreements available. We can discuss the claim documentation and proposed adjusting services. Questions about cancelling an existing contract, attorney representation or disputed legal rights require individual legal advice.
Request a claim review or call the number above to discuss your Florida property loss. For the wider reform background, visit our Florida insurance-law changes 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.