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
No recovery, no fee.
