If your Florida home has been damaged by a storm, leak, fire, or other disaster, you may be asking yourself: “Should I call a public adjuster?” In this guide, we’ll break down what a public adjuster is, how they work, and how they help homeowners like you maximize your property insurance claim.
🔎 What Is a Public Adjuster?
A Public Adjuster (PA) is a licensed professional who represents you — the policyholder — when filing a property insurance claim. Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster, who works for them, a public adjuster works exclusively for you to ensure your damages are properly assessed and your settlement is fair.
In Florida, public adjusters are regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services and must pass a state licensing exam, meet ethical standards, and comply with state laws that govern the profession.
💡 Why Homeowners in Florida Use Public Adjusters
Florida homeowners often face complex, high-stakes property claims due to:
- 🌪️ Hurricanes and windstorms
- 💧 Roof leaks, pipe bursts, and water damage
- 🦠 Mold growth following water intrusion
- 🔥 Fire and smoke damage
- 🏠 Roof or structural collapse
Many insurance companies try to minimize payouts or delay claim responses. A public adjuster ensures the damage is thoroughly documented and that you’re paid what your policy entitles you to — not a lowball offer.
🛠️ What a Public Adjuster Does for You
Here’s how a public adjuster helps during the insurance claim process:
- Conducts a detailed on-site inspection of the damage
- Documents the loss with photos, measurements, and evidence
- Prepares a professional estimate using industry-standard tools like Xactimate®
- Communicates with the insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiates your settlement to maximize your payout
- Reviews policy language to identify coverage benefits you may not know about
- Supports denied or underpaid claims with supplemental documentation
👥 Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Company Adjuster
| Public Adjuster | Insurance Adjuster |
|---|---|
| Represents you | Represents the insurance company |
| Works to maximize your payout | May try to minimize payout |
| Hired by the policyholder | Assigned by the insurer |
| Paid a small percentage of your settlement | Paid by the insurer regardless of payout |
⚖️ What Does It Cost to Hire a Public Adjuster in Florida?
In most cases, public adjusters work on a contingency basis, meaning:
- You pay nothing upfront
- They are paid only if you receive a settlement
- In Florida, fees are capped (e.g., 10% for hurricane or declared emergency claims, 20% for others)
It’s a risk-free way to gain professional representation and avoid leaving money on the table.
🧾 When Should You Call a Public Adjuster?
You should call a public adjuster before you file a claim, or if you’ve already filed and you’re unhappy with the results. Common situations include:
- You received a low or confusing estimate
- Your claim was denied or delayed
- You’re overwhelmed by documentation or inspection requirements
- You want an experienced advocate to handle the process
👋 Need Help With a Claim? Start With a Free Review
As a Licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice in Florida, working under the supervision of Jacob Moss at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc., I help homeowners like you navigate the insurance claim process — from inspection to negotiation — every step of the way.
📞 Contact Mike — Start Your Free Claim Review
Think you have a valid insurance claim? Let’s take a closer look.
I offer free, no-obligation claim reviews for homeowners and business owners across Florida.
As a licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice FL DHS 3120 Lic.#G232590, I work under the supervision of Jacob Moss PA at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc. All inspections, documentation, and insurance communications are performed under licensed supervision, in full compliance with Florida law.
💬 Let’s Connect:
📞 Call or Text: (754) 223-0959
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Or complete our Free Claim Review Form
We’re here to help — before you call your insurance company.
“We represent policyholders, not insurance companies.”
I am a Licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice in Florida under the supervision of Jacob Moss at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc. I bring over 20 years of experience in construction project management and disaster recovery. As a Senior Project Manager with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), I led major federal building renovations and infrastructure upgrades. With the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), I conducted over 500 disaster damage assessments after major hurricanes. I now assist Florida property owners in documenting losses and preparing insurance claims to help secure fair settlements under licensed supervision.