Florida Insurance Statutes, Rules and Licensing Requirements
The statutory framework
Public adjusting in Florida is governed by Chapter 626, Part VI, Florida Statutes (licensing and regulation of insurance adjusters), with implementing detail in Rule Chapter 69B-220, F.A.C. Know these sections: 626.854 (definitions, including what makes a person a public adjuster), 626.865 (public adjuster qualifications), 626.8651 (public adjuster apprentice), 626.8795 (solicitation restrictions), and 626.8796 (contract requirements).
License paths and renewal
Two credentials exist: the public adjuster license and the public adjuster apprentice license. An apprentice works only under a supervising licensed public adjuster and cannot independently contract with insureds. Applicants must be 18+, of good reputation, pass the examination, complete the required prelicensing education, and pass fingerprint-based background screening. Licenses renew biennially, with continuing education including an ethics component. Adjusters who work for insurers must hold an appointment; a public adjuster is not appointed by an insurer but is retained by the insured under a written contract.
Contract and conduct rules
The contract must be in writing, signed by the insured, state the fee, and give the insured a right to rescind within three business days with a bold-type notice. Fee caps apply to claims arising from a Governor-declared state of emergency. Unlicensed adjusting - including a roofer who "handles the claim" for compensation - is both a crime and grounds for discipline. Emergency adjuster licenses are issued for declared catastrophes and expire automatically.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps: three business days is not three calendar days; only the insured may rescind; solicitation between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prohibited. Worked example: contract signed Thursday; a rescission received Monday is timely, because Friday, Monday, and Tuesday are the three business days.