By Eli Goins · FL DFS #P159790 · Reviewed: · 1 min read
Short answer: Florida requires a 3-20 Public Adjuster license to negotiate a claim on your behalf, so an out-of-state or unlicensed adjuster cannot lawfully represent you. Many storm-chasers who solicit after hurricanes lack it and operate illegally. Verify the license through the state DFS lookup before signing, since any contract is voidable and any fee recoverable.
The Florida license requirement
Fla. Stat. 626.854 and 626.8738 require a Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster license to negotiate a claim on a Florida insured's behalf.
How to verify
- myfloridacfo.com/division/agents: official DFS license lookup
- License number should be on the website, business card, and every contract
- Confirm the license is active, not suspended
Red flags
- Out-of-state business address as primary contact
- License number that can't be verified
- High-pressure door-to-door sales after a storm
- Contracts without Florida statutory disclosures