Raising the Bar: Reforming Public Adjuster Licensing Standards in Florida
As a candidate for Florida Chief Financial Officer, one of my top priorities is restoring credibility, professionalism, and public trust in the insurance claims process. At the center of that effort is the reform of how Florida licenses public adjusters. Today, the path to becoming a public adjuster is vague, inconsistent, and too often abused by individuals who are unqualified or unwilling to do the work necessary to serve policyholders with integrity. My licensing reform proposal establishes a clear, structured, and professional framework that strengthens consumer protection while ensuring that only competent and ethical individuals are allowed to advocate on behalf of Florida’s homeowners and businesses. Under my proposal, the State of Florida will formally recognize three distinct tiers of public adjusting professionals. Each tier is designed to match experience and education levels with appropriate scopes of responsibility. This approach protects consumers from unqualified or predatory practices, while offering meaningful professional pathways for those who truly want to build a career in this important field.
The highest level of licensure is the Public Adjuster, who is fully authorized to represent policyholders, negotiate claims, sign contracts, and supervise other adjusters. To become a licensed Public Adjuster under my plan, an individual must either hold a bachelor’s degree and complete one year of supervised apprenticeship, or work for five consecutive years as a licensed Public Adjuster Agent. In both cases, the applicant must pass a state licensing examination, submit a sworn affidavit of competency from a supervising adjuster, and maintain a fifty thousand dollar surety bond. This ensures that the individuals handling high-stakes claims have the education, field experience, and ethical standards necessary to do the job with professionalism and precision.
The second tier is the Public Adjuster Apprentice, reserved for individuals who already possess a bachelor’s degree but lack hands-on experience. Apprentices must work directly under the supervision of a licensed Public Adjuster for a full year before becoming eligible to apply for a full license. During this time, they may perform many of the tasks involved in adjusting a claim, such as inspections, estimates, and communications, but they may not independently sign contracts or finalize negotiations without their supervisor’s approval. This apprenticeship period is vital. It creates a controlled learning environment where individuals can be trained and mentored properly before being entrusted with full authority.
The third and most innovative tier is the Public Adjuster Agent, a new license classification for individuals who may not hold a formal degree but have committed themselves to this profession through long-term, full-time service. Public Adjuster Agents must complete five consecutive years of supervised work under a licensed Public Adjuster and receive formal training approved by the Department of Financial Services. They are permitted to sign contracts and assist in claim negotiations, but they must do so under the supervision of a licensed Public Adjuster and cannot operate independently. This classification creates a practical and accessible path to licensure for experienced individuals who have developed their skills in the field but lack a traditional academic background.
This reform is about more than licensure. It is about protecting Florida families from fly-by-night adjusters and unethical actors who sign contracts with no intention of working the claim. It is about ensuring that our profession is one of knowledge, discipline, and service. By creating clear standards for entry, clearly defined scopes of practice, and strong supervisory requirements, we ensure that every policyholder in Florida is served by someone who knows what they are doing and is committed to doing it right. These changes will also empower the Department of Financial Services to enforce ethical conduct more effectively. Supervising Public Adjusters will be held accountable for those under their direction, and the Department will maintain a registry of all apprentices and agents to ensure compliance with training and supervisory rules. Public trust must be earned, and that trust begins with proper licensure, proper training, and a clear commitment to serve.
I believe that when public adjusters are held to a higher standard, the entire insurance system benefits. Claims are resolved more accurately. Consumers are treated with dignity. And the profession gains the respect it deserves. With these reforms, we are building a culture of professionalism, not shortcuts. We are making sure that those who speak on behalf of the policyholder have the qualifications, the training, and the integrity to do it well. As your next Chief Financial Officer, I will fight to make these reforms law. It is time to bring structure, credibility, and accountability back to public adjusting in Florida. It is time to put Florida families first.
Accountability. Integrity. Florida First.
