When (and How) to Hire a Public Adjuster in Florida
A public adjuster works for you, not the carrier. Here is when it is worth engaging one, how the fee is capped by Florida law, and how to check a license.
Last reviewed July 2026. General guidance, not legal advice.
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder, not the insurer, in preparing and negotiating a claim. Knowing when to bring one in, and how the fee works, helps you decide.
When it usually makes sense
- The loss is large or complex (structure plus contents plus code upgrades).
- The carrier has denied, delayed, or clearly underpaid the claim.
- You do not have time to document and negotiate the claim yourself.
How the fee works
Public adjusters work on contingency: a percentage of the recovery, with no fee if there is no recovery. Florida caps the fee under Florida Statute 626.854, generally at 20%, and at 10% for claims made during the year after a declared state of emergency.
How to verify before you sign
- Confirm the adjuster holds a current Florida public adjuster license.
- Read the contract and the fee percentage before signing.
- Be cautious of anyone pushing an assignment of benefits (AOB) instead of representation.
Official sources
When (and How) to Hire a Public Adjuster in Florida FAQs
A contingency percentage of the recovery, capped by Fla. Stat. 626.854, generally 20%, and 10% for claims made in the year after a declared state of emergency. No recovery, no fee.
No. The carrier’s adjuster represents the insurer. A public adjuster represents you, the policyholder.
Want a professional to handle this for you?
Foremost Public Adjusters has recovered millions for policyholders across South Florida. If your claim was denied, delayed, or underpaid, we will review it for free. No recovery, no fee.