Policyholder's appraiser
Qualifications to look for:
- Competent in the specific loss type
- Disinterested (no prior relationship with the party)
- Florida-licensed as PA, attorney, or relevant trade
- Appraisal experience (not just loss handling)
- Documentation rigor
Carrier's appraiser
- Selected by carrier
- Often works regularly with carriers
- May have relationships across the industry
- "Disinterested" is the standard; evaluate critically
Umpire selection
Two approaches:
By agreement
- Both appraisers agree on umpire
- Name passed back and forth
- Lists of qualified umpires circulated
By judicial appointment
- When 15 days pass without agreement
- Either party requests court appointment
- Court selects from qualified pool
Umpire qualifications to look for
- Experienced in the specific loss type
- Known for balanced decisions
- Reputation for speed and clarity
- No strong carrier-side pattern
Conflicts of interest
- Prior employment by carrier or PA firm
- Prior representation in similar disputes
- Financial relationships
- Personal relationships with panel members
Florida law requires disinterested panelists; conflict disqualifies.
Timeline
- Demand for appraisal → 20 days to name appraiser
- Both appraisers named → 15 days to agree on umpire
- Umpire selected → 30-60 days for panel deliberation
- Award issued → payment follows