Role
The umpire is the tiebreaker. When the two party-appointed appraisers agree on the amount of loss, the umpire is not needed. When they disagree, the umpire reviews the evidence and decides; any two of the three signatures produce a binding appraisal award.
Selection
Umpires are typically selected by agreement of the two appraisers. If they cannot agree within a set period (usually 15-30 days), either party can petition a Florida court to appoint the umpire.
Qualifications
A good umpire is experienced in the relevant line (property claims), impartial, and willing to explain decisions in writing. Public adjusters frequently serve as umpires in other parties' appraisals.