Top 10 FAQs About Hiring a Public Adjuster in Tampa Bay

Top 10 FAQs About Public Adjusters in Tampa Bay

Clear answers for homeowners navigating storm damage, denied claims, or underpaid insurance settlements

Thinking About Hiring a Public Adjuster in Tampa Bay?

When disaster strikes—whether it's a hurricane, pipe burst, fire, or roof damage—understanding your insurance rights can be overwhelming. That’s where a public adjuster comes in.

But what exactly do they do? How are they different from the adjuster your insurance company sends? And how much do they cost?

Here are the top 10 most frequently asked questions about working with a public adjuster in Tampa Bay, so you can make informed decisions and protect your property and wallet.

1. What is a public adjuster?

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents you—the policyholder—in a property damage claim. Unlike insurance company adjusters, public adjusters work exclusively on your behalf to document losses, estimate repair costs, and negotiate a fair settlement.

2. How is a public adjuster different from an insurance company adjuster?

Insurance company adjusters are paid by your insurance company and tasked with minimizing the insurer’s financial exposure. Public adjusters are independent professionals who advocate for your maximum recovery under the terms of your policy.

3. When should I hire a public adjuster?

You can hire a public adjuster:

• Immediately after damage occurs, to handle the entire process
  
  

• After receiving a lowball settlement
  
  

• If your claim has been denied
  
  

• When you discover new damage after the claim was closed
  
  

In Florida, many homeowners turn to public adjusters after a hurricane, fire, or flood when claims are complicated or underpaid.

4. How much does a public adjuster cost?

In Florida, public adjusters typically work on a contingency basis. That means:

• No upfront costs
  
  

• They only get paid if you get paid
  
  

• Fees are capped by law (usually 10% to 20% of the claim settlement)
  
  

This model ensures your adjuster is motivated to maximize your payout.

5. Can I hire a public adjuster even after I’ve filed a claim?

Yes. You can bring in a public adjuster at any stage of the claim:

• Before filing
  
  

• After an initial offer
  
  

• After a denial
  
  

• During repairs
  
  

• Even up to two years after a hurricane or named storm
  
  

They can reopen or supplement a claim if it’s still within the legal timeframe.

6. What kinds of claims do public adjusters handle?

Common claims in the Tampa Bay area include:

• Hurricane and wind damage
  
  

• Roof damage
  
  

• Flood and water damage
  
  

• Fire and smoke damage
  
  

• Sinkholes and foundation shifting
  
  

• Mold
  
  

• Burst pipes and plumbing leaks
  
  

If your home or property was damaged, and you're unsure how to proceed, a public adjuster can help assess whether you have a valid claim.

7. Is it legal to use a public adjuster in Florida?

Absolutely. Public adjusters are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). They must meet strict education and ethics requirements, and their fees are capped by state law.

8. How long do I have to file or reopen a claim in Florida?

Under Florida law (Section 627.70132):

• You must file a new claim within 1 year of the date of damage
  
  

• You may reopen or supplement a claim within 2 years
  
  

• You have up to 5 years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract
  
  

A public adjuster can help you act within these legal deadlines and preserve your right to recover.

9. Can a public adjuster increase my settlement?

Yes, often significantly. According to a Florida OPPAGA report, homeowners who used a public adjuster received settlements that were 747% higher on average than those who did not, especially for hurricane-related claims.

Why? Because public adjusters:

• Provide detailed estimates
  
  

• Gather proper documentation
  
  

• Understand your policy’s fine print
  
  

• Negotiate directly with your insurer
  
  

10. How do I find a reputable public adjuster in Tampa Bay?

Look for:

• State license verification via Florida DFS
  
  

• Local experience with hurricane and storm claims
  
  

• Clear contingency fee structure
  
  

• Strong reviews or referrals from past clients
  
  

• A firm that offers free consultations or claim reviews
  
  

Avoid anyone who asks for payment up front or approaches you aggressively right after a storm—those are red flags.

Need Help With a Property Claim?

Whether you're facing damage from hurricanes Helene or Milton, dealing with roof leaks, or wondering if you were underpaid, Right Way Public Adjusting is here to help. We serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and all of Central West Florida with trusted, experienced claim advocacy.

Contact Right Way Public Adjusting for a Free Claim Review

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

We’ll review your policy, inspect your damage, and fight for the compensation you’re owed, with no upfront cost to you.

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.