What Does a Public Adjuster Cost in Florida? The Law Sets the Answer
The number one question property owners ask before calling: what does this cost? In Florida, the answer is not a sales pitch. It is written into state law.
The Fee Caps (Florida Statute 626.854)
- 20% maximum on most claims. This is the standard cap.
- 10% maximum on claims from a governor-declared emergency, for one year after the declaration.
- 1% maximum if the insurer pays policy limits within 14 days of the loss (or within 10 days of signing with the adjuster). Almost nobody knows this rule exists.
- Zero on any money the insurer already paid before you signed. The adjuster earns a fee only on new money recovered.
- 20% of new money only on reopened or supplemental claims. The old payment is off limits.
No Recovery, No Fee
Public adjusters work on contingency. If the claim recovers nothing beyond what the insurer already paid, you owe nothing. The fee comes out of the settlement, not out of your pocket up front.
The Math That Matters
A Florida state analysis (OPPAGA) found policyholders who hired public adjusters for hurricane claims received 747% more than those who did not. Even after a 10 or 20 percent fee, the net to the owner is dramatically larger. The fee is a share of money you likely would not have received at all.
Your Right to Cancel
Florida gives you 10 days to cancel a public adjuster contract after signing, 30 days for claims from a declared emergency. Read the contract. Verify the license at the Florida Department of Financial Services. Then decide.
Questions about your specific claim? Free claim review: 800.511.2240.