Ten Steps to Become a Florida Licensed Public Adjuster

Introduction

In the world of insurance, a Florida Licensed Public Adjuster plays a vital role in helping policyholders navigate the complex process of filing and negotiating insurance claims. These professionals are experts in assessing property damage, documenting losses, composing construction repair estimates, and advocating on behalf of policyholders to ensure they receive fair compensation from their insurance companies who commonly underpay or improperly deny an insurance claim. Becoming a Florida Licensed Public Adjuster requires dedication, education, and a commitment to helping others in their time of need. This article, will guide you through the steps to become a Florida Licensed Public Adjuster.

Step 1: What is the Role of a Public Adjuster?

It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the role you'll be taking on before discussing the steps. Public Adjusters are hired by policyholders to represent their interests during the insurance claim process. A public adjuster determines what “is” and “is not” property damage, review insurance policies, and negotiate with insurance companies’ field and desk adjusters to ensure that policyholders receive the maximum dollar amount they are entitled to. Public Adjusters must have strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as a deep knowledge of insurance policies, claims processes and craft accurate repair estimates for covered damages.

Step 2: Meet the Requirements to make a License Application

You must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). These requirements include:

a) Be a minimum of 18 years old.

b) Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

c) You must be licensed in the state of Florida as an all-lines adjuster (6-20 resident license or 7-20 non-resident license), and appointed on a continual basis for 6 months as a public adjuster apprentice under Florida Statute (FS) s. 626.8561, as an independent adjuster under FS s. 626.855, or as a company employee adjuster under FS s. 626.856 before applying. An apprentice must have an active $50,000 surety bond to guarantee the payment to the insured for any funds the insurance company forwards to the public adjuster. The cost of the bond is mostly based on your credit score – a better score equals less cost to you and are issued for one or more years.

Step 3: After the required time period you can apply at the online portal of the FL Division of Financial Services’ Bureau of Licensing (MyProfile).

Step 4: Pay a $50 license application fee.

Step 5: Obtain and pay for fingerprinting using, “IdentoGo” for Florida residents, “LiveScan” for non-residents, or using traditional fingerprint cards. Processing is much faster with the first two options versus the traditional fingerprint cards.

Step 6: Upon approval of your license application the Department of Financial Services (DFS) will email you a notice to check at their MyProfile portal for an “authorization for an examination.” Instructions to schedule the exam will be provided in the email. The author highly recommends to take a pre-licensing course by a private school before taking the exam. As some of the questions are written is a confusing manner (trick questions). It is essential to thoroughly study the course materials and practice sample questions to prepare for the exam.

Step 7: Take and pass the mandatory 3-20 Public Adjuster exam. This test is only administered by PearsonVue a private vendor authorized by the state of Florida. The exam consists of a 100 scored question multiple-choice section, with a two hour time limit. This is more than enough time if you have prepared for the test.

Step 8: Obtain or continue the $50,000 surety bond.

Step 9: Check status notifications at the MyProfile portal. Upon satisfaction of the above steps the DFS will send approval by email. You may then return to MyProfile account and click “Wallet” and/or “Letter” hyperlinks, under the “Print Licenses” section, to generate a copy of your license for printing. Recently passed legislation requires all Public Adjusters to have a copy of their license at all times whilce conducting business.

Step 10: Launch Your Public Adjuster Career - here are some tips to help you get started:

a) Build a strong network: Networking is crucial in this industry. Establish connections with insurance agents, attorneys, contractors, and other professionals found at groups like Business Network International (BNI) who can refer clients to you.

b) Join professional organizations: Consider joining associations such as the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) to stay updated on industry trends and regulations.

c) Continuously educate yourself: Insurance policies and regulations can change, so it's essential to stay informed and take continuing education courses to maintain your license. Insurance adjusters licensed for six years or less are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education bi-annually; more than six year require only 20 hours.

d) Provide outstanding customer service. As building a reputation for honesty, dependability, and professional technical skills will help you attract and retain clients.

e) Market your services: Create a professional website, engage in digital marketing, and use social media to promote your services and reach potential clients.

Conclusion

Becoming a Florida Licensed Public Adjuster is a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about helping individuals and businesses navigate the often complex world of insurance claims. If one follows the above steps you will obtain your public adjuster license which will enable you to make a difference in the lives and pocketbooks of your customers (the policy holder) after they have suffered property damages. Don’t forget that continued success will require frequent continuing education, learning new software and technology improvements, networking and most importantly providing excellent communication and customer service.

Gregory Siviur is a Florida licensed building contractor with decades of experience in building construction project management, and construction cost estimating. Additionally he has 12 years experience successfully adjusting insurance claims.

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The insurance company has field and desk adjusters, engineers, and building consultants representing them. Who is representing YOU in your claim dispute?

Gregory has obtained the following credentials:

·       Florida Certified Building Contractor # CBC 036484

·       FL Licensed Adjuster # W061551

·       University of Florida’s School of Building Construction – Masters Degree

·       University of S. Florida – BA Business Administration

·       Xactimate Level 1 & 2

·       HAAG Residential Roof Inspector

·       NCI Commercial Roof Inspector

·       IICRC Water (WTR), Fire & Smoke (FSRT), Odor (ORD) certifications

·       Florida Association Public Insurance Adjuster (FAPIA) member

·       Wind Network member