How to Become a Public Adjuster in Florida
This Florida public adjuster license guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage licensing for public adjusters in Florida. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services for the state's latest official public adjuster license requirements.
How to Become a Public Adjuster in Florida
Hurricane season brings about a time of uncertainty regarding financial and physical safety for many businesses and homeowners. Unfortunately, those in Florida know firsthand that a powerful storm can cause catastrophic property damage.
Once the hurricane is over, the process of damage assessment and clean-up begins. Licensed public adjusters in Florida are invaluable allies when it’s time to assess the damage and rebuild.
Are you interested in getting licensed? Keep reading to learn how you can become a public adjuster in Florida with this complete guide.
What Is a Florida Public Adjuster?
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) defines a public adjuster as an individual hired to help process claims in the event of an insured loss or damage.
They are not associated with any particular insurance company, but rather are hired by insured individuals to help negotiate, investigate, adjust, and settle claims. Learn how you can become a public adjuster in Florida with this comprehensive guide.
What Are the Florida Public Adjuster License Requirements?
Before you apply for a license, make sure you meet the state eligibility requirements for public adjusters:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a legal U.S. citizen or have proof of work authorization.
- You must maintain a principal place of business in Florida.
The licensing process varies depending on if you are a Florida resident or applying for an out-of-state license. We’ll outline the experience/education requirements below for various adjuster license types.
Types of Florida Insurance Adjuster Licenses
There are five main types of adjuster licenses plus an emergency license. Your options will vary based on your residency status and experience or education background.
All Lines Adjuster Licenses
Available to new adjusters
All lines or independent adjusters are employed by firms to inspect and adjust property and casualty insurance claims on behalf of the insurer. They do not work for the general public.
There are four Florida all lines adjuster license types:
- 6-20 License: Adjuster license for residents, must not be licensed in another state
- 7-20 License: Reciprocal adjuster license for non-residents licensed in other states
- 70-20 License: Designated Home State* (DHS) adjuster license for non-residents who live in a state that doesn’t license adjusters or only offers a resident independent adjuster license
- 0-70 License: Emergency adjuster license, only available in certain situations like hurricanes
*Accepted Designated Home States: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Public Adjuster Licenses
Require work experience or a degree
Florida public adjusters are not associated with any particular insurance company. They are hired by insured individuals to help with the claims process.
There are two Florida public claims adjuster license types:
- 3-20 License: Public adjuster license for residents
- 73-20 License: Public adjuster license for non-residents
Experience Requirements to Get a Public Adjuster License
If you're a state resident, you must either be licensed and appointed as an all-lines or company adjuster in Florida on a continual basis for the previous six months or be licensed as a public adjuster.
If you're a non-resident, you must be licensed for six months in your home state before becoming licensed in Florida. Or, if the state you live in doesn't issue public adjuster licenses, you need to be licensed and employed as a resident insurance adjuster for the last six months in that state.
You will need proof that your residence license is verified through the National Association Insurance Commission (NAIC) to apply for your public adjuster license. If your license can't be verified, the NAIC may request a Letter of Certification from your home state.
How to Get a Florida Public Adjuster License
Step 1: Complete 6 months of experience
Before applying, you need to meet the public adjuster experience requirements:
- Residents must complete six months of relevant employment in Florida as an all-line adjuster or company adjuster.
- Non-residents must complete six months of qualifying employment in their home state.
You’ll submit proof of experience with your license application.
Step 2: Submit fingerprints
Next, register for LiveScan fingerprints and visit your nearest IdentoGo location to submit electronic fingerprints. If you’re out-of-state, find a LiveScan location or mail in fingerprint cards.
The state will use your fingerprints to run an FBI criminal background check.
Step 3: File a surety bond
Purchase a $50,000 Florida public adjuster bond from a licensed surety provider. You can buy the bond instantly for $500 with SuretyBonds.com — no quote process or credit check required.
File the original surety bond form with the DFS by mailing it to the address below:
Department of Financial Services
Bureau of Licensing, Room 419
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319
Step 4: Apply for license
Use the MyProfile online portal to apply for your Florida public insurance adjuster license and pay the fees. You’ll receive an email when your application is approved.
Step 5: Pass the state exam
Finally, you must pass the Florida public adjuster license exam. Check your MyProfile message inbox for instructions on scheduling your exam after applying.
Watch the video below to learn more about Florida Department of Financial Services public adjuster license requirements, how to get bonded, how to submit your application, and how to renew your bond.
How Do I Check My License Status?
You’ll be able to check your license status in your MyProfile account after applying and passing the exam. Any missing documents or deficiencies will be noted.
Once all requirements are met, you’ll receive an approval email from the department. Then, you can print a copy of your official Florida public insurance adjuster license and begin work.
Licensing Costs
You can expect to pay around $710 to become a licensed public adjuster in Florida. This includes all the application fees, including the surety bond premium, exam, license fees, background check, and appointment fee.
Review the following fees required to get your Florida public adjuster license.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| License Fee | $55 |
| Appointment Fee | $60 |
| State Exam | $44 |
| State Exam | $44.00 |
| Fingerprint Submission | $49.50 + tax |
| Surety Bond Premium | $500* |
*Note: SuretyBonds.com charges a low, annual rate of $500 for the Florida public adjuster bond. You can also save 25% by purchasing a three-year term upfront for $1,250 (versus $1,500 for 3 years of coverage paid annually). Premium rates may vary with other bond providers.
What Are the CE Requirements for Licensed Public Adjusters in Florida?
Both all lines and public adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years. It must include 4 hours of Law and Ethics and 20 hours of Elective credits. This costs $250.
The hours are due by the end of your birth month. For example, if you applied for a license in January of 2025 and have a March birthday, you would need to complete your CE hours by March of 2027 to renew your license.
You can monitor your CE records in your MyProfile account. Course providers are responsible for submitting completion reports to the Department, but you should also maintain personal records for the prior five years. If you have more questions about CE requirements, email [email protected].
More Florida Adjuster Licensing FAQs
Do I need to take an exam to become a public adjuster?
Typically yes, you must either pass the Florida Adjuster State Exam, or you can complete a state-approved adjuster designation course.
However, you may qualify for an exam exemption if you:
- have a reciprocal license from another state,
- hold a qualifying insurance degree from an accredited university, or
- are already licensed as a General Lines agent.
How much do public insurance adjusters make in Florida?
In Florida, licensed public insurance adjusters of all experience levels make $74,000–$132,000 base pay per year on average, according to Glassdoor data. For new licensees, the salary range is $59,000–$102,000.
Claims adjusters make an average annual salary of $65,265 in Florida, according to Indeed, with Orlando, Miami and Tampa as the highest-paying cities.
Professionals often recommend starting your adjuster career with an established firm to develop your skills. From there, you may wish to pursue independent work or start your own venture.
Can attorneys become insurance adjusters?
According to Florida Statutes § 626.860, attorneys-at-law can become public adjusters without getting a license. If you are an attorney in Florida, you can provide insurance adjusting services as long as you pass the state exam and meet the 24 hours of continuing education biennially.
Is there a public adjuster apprenticeship in Florida?
No, as of January 1, 2018 public adjuster apprentice licenses were eliminated. Brand new adjusters can receive the 6-20 resident all-lines adjuster license and then apply to become a public adjuster after 6 months.
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
