Who needs a public adjuster license in Florida?

The Department of Financial Services defines a public adjuster as a person (other than an attorney) that completes or files an insurance claim for a third party in exchange for any form of payment.

It is important to distinguish between public adjusters and individual or staff adjusters. Independent adjusters work as contractors to represent independent insurance companies while a staff adjuster is a person that works for the insurance company to help with claims.

Steps to obtain a Florida public adjuster license

Step 1. Meet the state’s prerequisites

The Department of Financial Services has established a preliminary set of requirements a person must meet to be eligible for a public adjuster’s license.

Adjusters must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen or a temporary resident with work authorization.

The Department issues different licenses for residents and non-residents of the State of Florida. Florida residents must not be licensed in any other state. Non-residents must be licensed as a resident insurance adjuster in their home state for the past six months.

Step 2. Submit your fingerprints

Florida public adjusters are required to provide copies of their fingerprints as part of the licensing process. When you submit your fingerprints, you consent to the Department conducting a criminal background check.

You can submit your fingerprints by mail or online using LiveScan. There is a $48.05 fee for having the vendor take your fingerprints.

Step 3. Get a public adjuster surety bond

The final step you need to take before applying for a public adjuster license is to get a public adjuster surety bond. The Department of Financial Services requires adjusters to be bonded as a way to help protect their clients.

The required bond amount for a Florida public adjuster bond is $50,000. To get your bond, you need to pay a percentage of the bond value as a premium. EZ Surety Bonds can issue premiums as low as $500 for Florida public adjuster bonds.

Step 4: Submit your application to the Department of Financial Services

Once you get your surety bond, you will be ready to complete your public adjuster license application. The application process is conducted online. Upon creating a MyProfile account, you will be able to submit your application through your account on the Department’s website.

Step 5: Pass the Florida public adjuster exam

The final step to becoming a licensed public adjuster in Florida is to pass the knowledge exam. After the Department approves your application, you will receive a message in your MyProfile account directing you to schedule a time to take the exam.

The exam contains 85 questions with a two-hour time limit. There are also 15 pre-test questions. For more information on the topics covered in the exam, check out the Examination Content Outlines.

You can find a list of testing centers by visiting the PearsonVue website. There is a $44 examination fee that you must pay when you schedule your exam.

Once you pass the exam, your license will appear in your MyProfile account. You can save a copy and print a physical version.

Florida public adjuster license frequently asked questions

How do you renew a Florida public adjuster license?

Unlike many other types of licenses, Florida public adjuster licenses do not expire at the end of a set period of time. To keep a license active, a public adjuster must complete 24 hours of continuing education courses every two years. You can track how many hours you have completed from your MyProfile account.

How much does it cost to get a Florida public adjuster license?

There are several fees you need to pay to get a Florida public adjuster license:

  • $50 application fee
  • $5 license ID fee
  • $48.05 fingerprint fee
  • $44 examination fee
  • $60 appointment fee
  • $250 continuing education fee (payable every two years)

Get bonded online with EZ Surety Bonds

You now have what you need to become a licensed public adjuster in Florida. If you want to learn more about the requirements, be sure to review the Department of Financial Services website.

When you’re ready to get your public adjuster bond, EZ Surety Bonds can issue your bond instantly for as low as $500. Apply online today or get in touch with any questions.