Public Adjuster: How To Become A Florida Licensed Public Adjuster
Public adjustment, while it exists in other states, is a serious and increasingly prevalent part of the claims process in Florida. New licensing rules and regulations have emerged for Florida public adjusters and the road to becoming licensed will be very difficult in February 2009. Individuals interested in public adjusting in Florida should seriously consider getting licensed before the regulations make it prohibitively difficult to do so. Follow the guidelines below to become a licensed and compliant PA in Florida before February 2009:
What do public adjusters do?
Initially, let’s be clear about what public adjusters do. According to Section 626.854, Florida Statutes, a public adjuster is “any person, except an attorney, who, for money or anything else of value (which would include obtaining a repair contract):
1) Prepare, complete, or file an insurance claim form for an insured.
2) Help in any way on behalf of an insured to negotiate or settle a claim.
3) Advertise or apply for employment as an adjuster of such claims.”
Therefore, contractors trying to help policyholders with their claim may be doing so illegally. Persons in violation are subject to arrest and could even be charged with a third degree felony as prescribed by Section 626.8738, Florida Statutes. Getting licensed as a public adjuster is the surest means of staying in compliance.
How to obtain the license
With that in mind, the Florida Department of Financial Services requires public adjusters to pass the state adjuster exam before successfully applying for the PA 3-20 All-Lines license. This exam can be difficult with an extremely low percentage of untrained people who pass. Test preparation courses, specifically designed to help you pass the exam, can dramatically increase your chances of success. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services to schedule your exam. Once you have passed the state exam, you will be able to successfully apply for any of the following licenses:
o 3-20 All Lines
3-21 Physical damage and mechanical breakdown in motor vehicles
o 3-24 Workers Compensation
or 3-40 Health
o 3-44 Property and Casualty
Keep your license in compliance
Public adjusters are required to maintain a 50k bond. In addition, 24 hours of Continuing Education are required with 2 hours of ethics every two years. After February 2009, these rules may be subject to change, so be sure to check with the Florida Department of Financial Services to keep up to date with PA compliance issues.