How Florida’s New Public Adjuster Rules Protect Homeowners in 2025
A New Era in Claim Protection for Florida Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner in Florida, you already know that insurance claims can be confusing, frustrating, and even adversarial—especially after a hurricane or major storm. To help level the playing field, several key updates to Florida public adjuster rules took effect in 2024 and continue to shape claim protections in 2025.
These updates were designed to reduce fraud, improve transparency, and make sure licensed public adjusters operate with the policyholder’s best interest in mind. But what does that mean for you, the homeowner?
This guide breaks down the most important rule changes and how they directly protect you during the insurance claims process in 2025 and beyond.
What Is a Public Adjuster and Why Does the State Regulate Them?
A public adjuster is a state-licensed professional who represents you, not the insurance company, in evaluating, documenting, and negotiating a claim.
Because public adjusters often work on a contingency fee basis and deal with high-value claims (especially after hurricanes), the State of Florida closely regulates their conduct.
Recent changes to Florida public adjuster rules were made to address concerns around solicitation timing, fee limits, licensing requirements, and more.
Key Rule Changes Affecting Public Adjusters in Florida
1. No Solicitation Within 48 Hours of a Loss
As of the latest legislation, public adjusters are prohibited from soliciting homeowners within 48 hours of a disaster-related event (e.g., hurricane, windstorm, fire, flood). This rule is designed to:
- Give homeowners time to assess their situation safely
- Prevent aggressive door-to-door tactics when emotions are high
- Reduce the number of fraudulent actors posing as licensed professionals
What this means for you: You can still contact a public adjuster on your own—this rule only applies to unsolicited outreach. If you initiate the call, it’s fully compliant.
2. Clear Fee Limits for Hurricane and Disaster Claims
For claims related to a declared state of emergency (like hurricanes), public adjusters are now capped at charging 10% of the insurance payout, down from previous ranges of up to 20%.
This cap applies to:
- Residential property claims
- Commercial claims under certain thresholds
- Supplemental or reopened claims
Why this matters:
This rule ensures that more of your claim dollars go toward repairs and recovery, not just representation.
3. Mandatory Disclosure Forms
Florida law now requires public adjusters to present a written agreement to policyholders that outlines:
- The adjuster’s fee structure
- The scope of their representation
- Cancellation rights within 10 days of signing
Homeowners must be given time to read and sign the form before any services are rendered.
Homeowner benefit: This rule protects against hidden fees, misunderstandings, and pressure-based contracts.
4. Stricter Licensing and Continuing Education
The licensing process for Florida public adjusters now includes more extensive training in:
- Insurance law
- Building systems
- Claim ethics
- Storm-specific scenarios (wind vs. flood vs. mold)
Additionally, licensed adjusters must complete continuing education every two years, ensuring they stay updated on evolving rules and practices.
How it helps you: A more educated adjuster means fewer mistakes, stronger documentation, and better outcomes in your claim.
5. Limits on Referral Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Florida public adjusters can no longer receive referral fees or kickbacks from contractors, roofers, or remediation companies. This change was made to eliminate potential conflicts of interest where an adjuster might be incentivized to refer you to a particular vendor.
Impact: You get unbiased advice—your adjuster is focused solely on maximizing your payout, not padding a third party’s invoice.
Why These Rule Changes Came at the Right Time
In the last five years, Florida has faced back-to-back storms, mounting lawsuits, and skyrocketing property insurance rates. At the same time, bad actors in the adjusting and contracting industries took advantage of homeowners in vulnerable moments.
The updated Florida public adjuster rules aim to balance:
- Homeowner protection
- Industry accountability
- Fast, fair claims handling
These changes have already made a difference. According to Florida’s Department of Financial Services, complaints related to post-hurricane public adjuster conduct dropped 32% in 2024 following the new rules.
What to Look for in a Public Adjuster in 2025
Even with improved regulations, not all adjusters are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- A valid Florida public adjuster license (check with DFS or ask for their license number)
- Transparent contract and fee agreement
- Strong reviews or word-of-mouth referrals
- Local expertise—especially in storm, roof, water, and sinkhole claims
- No pressure or immediate signing tactics
Right Way Public Adjusting meets and exceeds all of these standards. We’ve proudly served Tampa Bay for over a decade and continue to stay at the forefront of regulatory compliance and ethical service.
Real Questions We Get from Tampa Homeowners
“Can I still use a public adjuster if I already filed my claim?”
Yes. Florida law allows public adjusters to represent you even after the initial claim is filed or if it has been denied.
“Will my insurance company treat me differently if I hire one?”
Not legally. The insurer must process your claim fairly regardless of who represents you.
“What if I signed with an adjuster and changed my mind?”
Florida’s rules require a 10-day cancellation window for most public adjuster agreements.
How These Rules Help You During Hurricane Season
Let’s say a hurricane makes landfall near Tampa. Your roof is damaged, water is entering the attic, and your personal property is getting soaked. You file a claim, but:
- The insurance adjuster’s estimate seems low
- You’re offered a quick settlement before mold can be evaluated
- You’re unsure if your policy includes ALE (additional living expenses)
This is when having a knowledgeable, licensed public adjuster who follows Florida public adjuster rules becomes critical. They’ll:
- Perform a full inspection
- Estimate damages using local contractor rates
- Review your policy line-by-line
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Avoid conflicts of interest with contractors
- Work within the legal framework designed to protect you
Know Your Rights. Use the System the Right Way.
The Florida public adjuster rules in 2025 are not just red tape—they’re homeowner protections designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency.
At Right Way Public Adjusting, we fully comply with and support these changes. Our mission has always been to advocate for homeowners with integrity and expertise, and the current laws reinforce that mission.
Need Help Understanding Your Policy or Claim?
If you’ve experienced property damage or are simply unsure what your policy really covers, we offer free claim reviews and policy evaluations. You’ll get clear, honest guidance with no pressure.
Call Right Way Public Adjusting at (877) 744-8929
Serving homeowners across Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and surrounding areas
Get answers. Get organized. Get what you’re owed.
With years of experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of policy intricacies, Hunter is dedicated to providing a personalized approach to each client’s unique situation. With a passion for advocating on behalf of policyholders, he established Right Way Public Adjusting to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing property damage challenges.
