FL Public Adjuster key terms

A person licensed by the state who, for compensation, prepares, presents, or negotiates a first-party property claim on behalf of the insured rather than the insurance company.

The state agency that licenses and regulates insurance professionals, including public adjusters, handles consumer complaints, and imposes discipline for violations of the insurance code.

The credential DFS issues once an applicant meets education, fingerprint, background, and examination requirements; negotiating claims for pay without it violates state law.

The written agreement required before an adjuster works a claim; it must state the fee, describe the services, include statutory disclosures, and explain the insured's cancellation right.

The insured's legal right to cancel a public adjuster contract in writing within three business days after signing, without owing the adjuster any fee or penalty.

Florida limits public adjuster compensation to 20 percent of the claim payment, dropping to 10 percent for claims that arise from a declared state of emergency.

Replacement cost of the damaged property minus depreciation for age and condition; the usual measure for personal property and older buildings under many policies.

The cost to repair or replace damage with new materials of comparable kind and quality with no deduction for depreciation; commonly paid in two stages.

The portion of a covered loss the insured pays before policy benefits apply; it may be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the dwelling limit for storm claims.

A separate deductible, usually stated as a percentage of the dwelling limit, that applies to hurricane losses occurring during the dates the policy defines as hurricane season.

Coverage that pays added costs to rebuild to current building codes, or to demolish and replace undamaged portions required by law, which the base policy excludes.

The principle that repaired or replaced materials should reasonably match the undamaged areas that remain; Florida requires insurers to consider matching when settling personal lines property claims.

Payment for the extra cost of temporary housing, meals, and similar expenses above normal living costs while a covered loss makes the home uninhabitable.

The insured's obligation to take reasonable steps after a loss to protect property from further damage, such as tarping a roof; failing to do so can reduce the payment.

A signed statement from the insured giving the date, cause, and itemized amounts of the loss, usually due within a period the policy specifies, such as 60 days.

A recorded, sworn interview of the insured conducted by the insurer under the policy's cooperation condition; an unjustified refusal can bar the claim.

A policy provision for resolving disputes over the amount of loss: each side names a competent appraiser, and an umpire settles any differences between them.

The analysis of what physically caused the damage, such as wind versus rising water, which determines the applicable policy, exclusions, and deductible.

An itemized written description of the damage found and the repairs or replacement required, forming the basis for the estimate and for negotiation with the insurer.

The adjuster's organized record of inspections, photographs, measurements, correspondence, and reasoning; it is the primary evidence if the claim is disputed or audited.

A voluntary process offered through the state in which a neutral mediator helps an insured and an insurer resolve a disputed residential property claim without going to court.

Florida's requirement that an insurer pay or deny a property claim generally within 90 days after receiving notice of the claim or proof of loss, subject to statutory exceptions.

The amount subtracted from replacement cost to reflect an item's age, wear, and remaining useful life; it is what converts replacement cost into actual cash value.

An improvement that leaves the property in better condition than before the loss; insurers generally do not owe it, so adjusters must separate it from covered repair costs.

A contractor's indirect business costs plus profit, added to an estimate; insurers typically owe O&P when the job requires several trades and a general contractor.

A unit of roof area equal to 100 square feet; roofing materials, labor, and pricing are commonly quoted per square.

Metal or membrane material installed at roof valleys, walls, and penetrations to keep water out of seams; damaged flashing is a frequent cause of interior leaks.

Emergency extraction, drying, and dehumidification performed soon after a water loss to stop secondary damage, documented with moisture readings and daily monitoring logs.

A classification of water by contamination level, from clean water through gray and black water, that determines which materials may be dried and which must be removed.

The adjuster's obligation to put the insured's interests first, handle claim funds honestly, and avoid using the professional relationship for personal gain.

An act the insurance code defines as deceptive or improper, such as misrepresentation, coercion, or unfair claim settlement, subject to fines and license discipline.

Specific conduct such as misstating policy terms, failing to investigate promptly, or offering far less than the claim is worth; regulators may investigate and penalize it.

A false or misleading statement about coverage, the damage, or the adjuster's authority; it is a ground for discipline and can amount to insurance fraud.

A situation in which the adjuster's financial or personal interests, such as close ties to a repair contractor, could improperly influence the advice given to the insured.

Dividing or giving away part of a public adjuster fee to a person who referred the claim, such as a contractor or unlicensed solicitor; Florida treats this as an unlawful inducement.

Limits on how adjusters may seek business, including no solicitation between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. and restrictions on approaching claimants immediately after a loss or during a declared emergency.

An insurer's failure to handle a claim fairly and promptly, exposing it to damages beyond the policy limits; adjusters should document the facts that support reasonable handling.