What Does a Public Adjuster Cost in Florida? Understanding Fees, Caps, and Value

How Much Does a Public Adjuster Cost in Florida?

A homeowner’s guide to fees, caps, and what you actually get for your money

If you’ve ever filed a home insurance claim and felt shortchanged, you’re not alone. Many Florida homeowners discover—too late—that their insurance company’s adjuster doesn’t work for them. That’s where public adjusters come in.

But one of the first questions people ask is:
“How much does a public adjuster cost in Florida?”

The answer depends on the type of claim, when you hire them, and whether you’re dealing with a hurricane, fire, flood, or water loss. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents you—the policyholder—during an insurance claim. Unlike the adjuster sent by your insurance company, public adjusters work independently to:

• Inspect and document all property damage
  
  

• Interpret your policy and coverage
  
  

• Build a detailed claim package
  
  

• Negotiate directly with your insurance company
  
  

• Maximize your payout
  
  

They are especially helpful when a claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid.

What Do Public Adjusters Charge?

In Florida, public adjusters typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you get paid. Their fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement amount.

Average cost range:

10% – 20% of your insurance payout

However, Florida law places specific limits on what public adjusters can charge, depending on the type of claim.

Florida Fee Caps and Legal Limits

The Florida Department of Financial Services regulates public adjuster fees and has set clear caps on what they can charge:

1. Hurricane or State of Emergency Claims

• 10% fee cap on claims filed within 1 year of the date of loss
  
  

• 20% fee cap after the first year
  
  

This applies to any claim resulting from a named storm, like a hurricane or tropical storm, declared under a state of emergency.

2. Non-catastrophic Property Claims

• Adjusters may charge up to 20%
  
  

This includes water damage, fire, vandalism, sinkholes, or any other covered peril that isn’t part of a declared disaster.

3. Reopened or Supplemental Claims

• The same caps apply (usually 20%)
  
  

• Many homeowners hire public adjusters after a claim has been denied or underpaid
  
  

Are There Any Upfront Costs?

Generally, no. Reputable public adjusters in Florida do not charge any upfront fees. Their services are tied to performance—they only get paid if they recover money for you.

This makes it a low-risk way to get help with complex or contested claims.

Example: What That Fee Might Look Like

Let’s say your insurance company initially offers you $15,000 for roof and interior damage from a storm. A public adjuster evaluates your loss and negotiates an increase to $45,000.

If the fee is 10%, the adjuster earns $4,500, and you walk away with a net of $40,500, which is still nearly three times more than the original offer.

In many cases, public adjusters help homeowners recover more than they could on their own, even after the fee is deducted.

Are Public Adjusters Worth the Cost?

Here’s when hiring a public adjuster makes the most financial sense:

• You’ve received a lowball offer
  
  

• Your claim was denied
  
  

• You’re facing complex damage (roof, water intrusion, mold, structural)
  
  

• You don’t have the time or experience to fight the insurer
  
  

• The value of the claim exceeds $10,000
  
  

According to a report by Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), policyholders who used public adjusters received up to 747% higher settlements on hurricane claims compared to those who didn’t.

What Should Be Included in the Fee?

The fee should cover the public adjuster’s:

• Full property inspection
  
  

• Damage documentation
  
  

• Policy review and interpretation
  
  

• Claim estimate and submission
  
  

• All communication with the insurer
  
  

• Settlement negotiation
  
  

• Help with supplemental claims, if needed
  
  

There should be no additional hourly fees, hidden charges, or third-party costs unless clearly disclosed in the contract.

What to Watch Out For

While most Florida public adjusters operate legally and ethically, always be cautious of:

• Anyone soliciting door-to-door within 48 hours of a storm (this is illegal in Florida)
  
  

• Unlicensed contractors posing as adjusters
  
  

• Vague or confusing contracts
  
  

• Fees higher than the state’s legal limit
  
  

• Anyone who wants payment before services are rendered
  
  

Always ask for a license number and verify it with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Understanding the Value

Hiring a public adjuster is not just about the cost—it’s about the value they bring to your claim. From navigating dense policy language to standing up to insurance company tactics, a good adjuster protects your interests at a time when you’re vulnerable.

And in Florida, where storm damage is common and claims often get complicated, working with a licensed, experienced public adjuster can help you recover more and stress less.

Want a Free Claim Review?

If you’ve received an insurance settlement that seems too low—or you haven’t filed because the process feels overwhelming—Right Way Public Adjusting can help.

Call (877) 744-8929

Serving Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and all of Central West Florida.
No recovery, no fee.

How to Reopen a Denied Hurricane Helene Insurance Claim

Denied After Helene? 3 Steps to Re-Open a Hurricane Claim

If your insurance claim from Hurricane Helene was denied, or underpaid, you’re not alone. Across Florida, thousands of homeowners faced delays, confusing denials, or lowball offers after the storm. The good news? You still have options.

Under Florida law, you may be able to reopen your claim if new damage appears, if the original inspection missed something, or if you believe the settlement was unfair.

Here are the three key steps to reopening your hurricane claim the right way.

1. Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied

Before taking action, review the denial letter or explanation of benefits from your insurance company. Common reasons for hurricane claim denials include:

• “Pre-existing damage”
  
  

• “Lack of maintenance”
  
  

• “Not covered under your policy.”
  
  

• “Insufficient documentation”
  
  

Sometimes these are valid, but in many cases, they’re based on incomplete inspections or flawed interpretations of your policy.

You have the right to challenge that decision, especially if new information has come to light or you’ve received a second opinion from a professional.

2. Gather Evidence That Supports Your Re-Opening

To reopen a hurricane claim in Florida, you’ll need documentation showing one or more of the following:

• New or worsening damage that wasn’t visible during the first inspection
  
  

• Structural issues that were missed (such as roof decking, attic water damage, or moisture in walls)
  
  

• Independent estimates from contractors or public adjusters showing the true cost of repairs
  
  

• Photos, videos, or receipts that were not included in the original claim
  
  

Even if repairs have already been made, photos from the time of damage—plus repair invoices—can still support a supplemental claim.

3. Contact a Public Adjuster for a Second Opinion

One of the most effective ways to reopen a denied claim is by hiring a licensed public adjuster. Unlike the adjuster assigned by your insurance company, a public adjuster works for you, not the insurer.

They will:

• Reinspect your property
  
  

• Compare your damage to your policy’s coverage
  
  

• Identify any areas that were missed or undervalued
  
  

• Handle communication and negotiation with your insurance company
  
  

Most importantly, they understand the legal and technical nuances of hurricane claims in Florida and can often recover significantly more than the original payout or denial.

What’s the Time Limit to Re-Open a Claim?

In Florida, most hurricane insurance claims—including those related to Hurricane Helene—can be reopened up to two years from the date of loss. However, if the storm caused damage in stages or new issues arise (such as mold or roof sagging), you may still be eligible for a supplemental claim.

You Don’t Have to Accept the Denial as Final

If you were told your damage wasn’t covered—or received a settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the cost of repairs—it’s worth getting a second opinion. Many Tampa Bay homeowners are finding they left thousands of dollars on the table by accepting the first offer or giving up too soon.

Need Help? Right Way Public Adjusting Can Re-Evaluate Your Claim

Right Way Public Adjusting specializes in helping homeowners throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas reopen denied or underpaid hurricane claims.

If your Helene claim was closed with no payment—or a payout that didn’t match your loss—contact us today for a free claim review.

Call: (877) 744-8929
Visit: RightWayPA.com

Don’t let one letter from the insurance company be the end of your story. You have the right to fight for a fair resolution—and we’re here to help you do it the right way.