How to Deal With a Home Insurance Adjuster in Florida

Last checked against the Florida Statutes and official sources on October 25, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

To deal with a home insurance adjuster in Florida, confirm who the adjuster works for, give accurate information, and keep the claim in writing: your notice, the inspection, the estimate, every request and every disagreement. Florida law requires licensed adjusters to follow a written code of ethics, and it sets specific timelines and estimate rules for residential claims. Knowing those rules lets you measure the adjuster's work against a fixed standard instead of guessing about motives.

Who does a home insurance adjuster work for?

Most homeowners deal first with an adjuster acting for the insurance company. Florida law defines a company employee adjuster as a licensed adjuster on an insurer's staff (or a wholly owned subsidiary) who determines the amount of a claim on the insurer's behalf. An independent adjuster is also licensed and also works "on behalf of an insurer," but is self-appointed or employed by an independent adjusting firm (sections 626.855 and 626.856, Florida Statutes). Either way, that adjuster is handling the claim for the insurance company.

Florida DFS explains that a field adjuster may physically inspect the damage, while a desk adjuster reviews the photographs, videos and documents the field adjuster submits. A public adjuster is different: DFS describes a public adjuster as representing you, the policyholder, during the claim. The Krapf Legal guide to public adjusters versus independent adjusters compares those roles in more detail.

You can check an adjuster's license through the DFS licensee search. For residential claims, the licensed adjuster who physically inspects the property must give you a printed or electronic document with his or her name and state license number, and later claim communications must also include the name and license number of the adjuster communicating with you (section 627.70131(3)(b)-(c)). On request, the insurer must provide a list of the adjusters who have communicated with you (section 627.70131(4)(a)).

What rules govern adjusters in Florida?

Section 626.878 requires every adjuster to subscribe to the code of ethics in the Department of Financial Services' rules. That code is Florida Administrative Code Rule 69B-220.201, and it applies to company employee, independent and public adjusters alike. A violation is grounds for administrative action against the licensee, and the rule states that a breach "constitutes an unfair claims settlement practice."

The code of ethics states that an adjuster "shall put the duty for fair and honest treatment of the claimant above the adjuster's own interests in every instance." Among other standards, an adjuster must:

• adjust all claims strictly in accordance with the insurance contract and treat claimants equally;
• not approach investigations, adjustments and settlements in a manner prejudicial to the insured;
• make truthful and unbiased reports of the facts after a complete investigation;
• act with dispatch and due diligence once handling a claim;
• not advise a claimant to avoid legal advice, or advise against hiring a lawyer or a public adjuster;
• not seek a statement or negotiate while a claimant is, or would reasonably be expected to be, in shock or serious distress from the loss;
• not knowingly fail to advise a claimant of the claim options under the policy; and
• not steer a claimant to a repair or service provider in which the adjuster has an undisclosed financial interest.

Are there really adjuster "secret tactics"?

Searches for adjuster "secret tactics" usually reflect a homeowner who feels the process is one-sided. A more useful approach is to compare what is happening with the written rules above and the deadlines below. Common points of disagreement include the cause of loss, the repair scope and the price, and each is addressed with evidence. If you believe a specific rule was not followed, describe the facts in writing, keep a copy, and consider contacting the DFS consumer helpline listed on its mediation page.

Florida claim timelines that affect the adjuster's work

Section 627.70131 sets these requirements for residential property insurers, including surplus lines insurers providing residential coverage. Different rules can apply to commercial policies.

Step	Current rule
Acknowledge a claim communication	Within 7 calendar days, unless payment is made in that time or factors beyond the insurer's control apply (subsection (1)).
Begin the investigation	Within 7 days after receiving proof-of-loss statements, unless the policy or law provides otherwise (subsection (3)(a)).
Physical inspection, if one is part of the investigation	Within 30 days after receiving proof-of-loss statements (subsection (3)(b)).
Send you a detailed estimate	Within 7 days after the insurer's adjuster generates one; no estimate is required if it is not reasonably necessary (subsection (3)(e)).
Pay or deny the claim or a portion of it	Within 60 days after notice of an initial, reopened or supplemental claim, with a reasonable written explanation (subsection (7)).

These periods are tolled during DFS mediation or alternative dispute resolution provided in the policy. They are also tolled if you do not provide material information within 10 days after receiving a request the insurer sent at least 15 days before its pay-or-deny deadline; that tolling ends when the insurer receives the information (subsection (8)). For personal lines residential policies, section 627.7142 also requires the insurer to send a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights within 14 days after the first claim communication. For a water loss specifically, see dealing with an insurance adjuster after water damage.

Before and during the adjuster's inspection

Gather the full policy, including declarations and endorsements, before the visit. Write a short timeline: when the damage happened or was discovered, what you saw, when you reported it, and what emergency steps you took. Keep a clear line between facts you know and opinions, such as a contractor's view of how long a leak existed.

• Take your own photographs and video of every affected area before and after any emergency repairs, and keep receipts.
• Be present for the inspection if you can, and point out every area you believe was damaged, including attics, ceilings and exterior surfaces.
• Ask what the adjuster is inspecting, whether anyone else (such as an engineer) will inspect, and what documents the insurer still needs.
• Afterward, send a brief email summarizing what was inspected, what was said and what was requested.

Florida allows insurers to investigate using electronic methods, such as photographs, video conferences and drone footage, and also allows the insurer to let you use those methods. Using them does not prevent the insurer from sending a licensed adjuster to inspect in person. The same subsection warns that the insurer may void the policy if a policyholder commits insurance fraud by giving false, incomplete or misleading material information through electronic methods (section 627.70131(3)(d)). Submit only images you can accurately date and describe.

Recorded statements and examinations under oath

An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement about how the loss happened. Before agreeing, ask what topics will be covered, who will be present, and whether you can receive a copy. Answer only what you know, say so when you do not know, and do not estimate dates or causes you cannot support. The ethics rule bars an adjuster from seeking a statement while you are, or would reasonably be expected to be, in shock or serious distress from the loss (Rule 69B-220.201(3)(i)), so it is reasonable to ask to schedule the statement for a later time.

An examination under oath is a more formal sworn statement that some policies list among the policyholder's duties after a loss. Read the policy's duties section and the insurer's request letter carefully, because failing to meet a policy condition can affect the claim. The Krapf Legal article on examinations under oath in Florida explains that process.

How to review the adjuster's estimate

For residential claims, Rule 69B-220.201(3)(m) sets specific estimating standards. The adjuster must use an electronic estimating program that produces an itemized, per-unit estimate based on market price data for the local area. Changing the program's prices or other inputs is prohibited unless the adjuster documents why each change is needed and that it reflects current local market prices. The estimate you receive must include the line-item estimate, a variation or similar report showing whether the program was modified, and supporting documentation. The rule also requires any change to a prior detailed estimate to include an explanation of the reason for the change.

Section 627.70131 adds two related protections. A preliminary or partial estimate must carry a printed statement that it is the insurer's current evaluation and may be revised (subsection (6)). If the insurer pays less than its own detailed estimate, it must explain the difference in writing (subsection (7)(a)).

Compare the estimate with your photographs and an itemized estimate from a contractor of your choosing. Check room names, measurements, quantities, materials and repair methods, and identify missing items one by one.

How to document a disagreement with the adjuster

A specific, written disagreement is easier for an insurer to evaluate than a general objection. Keep each request focused:

1. Identify the item. Quote the estimate line, denial sentence or request you disagree with.
2. State the facts. Explain what your photographs, invoices or contractor's estimate show.
3. Ask for the basis. Request the policy provision and facts the insurer relies on, which section 627.70131(7)(a) requires it to explain in writing for a payment, denial or partial denial.
4. Attach support. Send copies, not originals, and keep proof of delivery.
5. Log every contact. Record the date, the adjuster's name and license number, and what was said or requested.

If additional damage appears later from the same peril, it may be a supplemental claim. Under section 627.70132, notice of an initial or reopened claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and notice of a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes and other weather events, the date of loss is the landfall date or the date the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration verifies the event.

Re-inspections and what happens if you still disagree

An insurer may inspect again as the claim develops. If a lawsuit is being considered after a denial of coverage, the pre-suit process also allows the insurer to respond by asserting a right to reinspect; it then has 14 business days to reinspect and accept or continue to deny coverage (section 627.70152(4)(a)). Make the property available and keep the same documentation routine for each visit.

If disagreement remains, Florida provides several paths:

• DFS mediation. Section 627.7015 provides a nonbinding mediation program for personal lines and commercial residential claims, with the insurer bearing the cost, subject to eligibility rules. DFS states that the dispute must be $500 or more after the deductible is applied.
• Appraisal. If the policy has an appraisal clause, it may resolve a dispute over the amount of loss. See the Krapf Legal guide to the insurance appraisal process in Florida.
• Pre-suit notice. Before suing under a property policy, section 627.70152 requires written notice of intent to initiate litigation through DFS at least 10 business days before filing, and not before the insurer has made a coverage determination under section 627.70131.

Section 95.11(2)(e) sets a five-year period, running from the date of loss, for an action for breach of a property insurance contract. A Florida property damage attorney can review the policy, the adjuster's estimate and the deadlines that apply to a specific claim.

Frequently asked questions

Does the insurance company's adjuster work for me?

No. A company employee adjuster or an independent adjuster works on behalf of the insurer. Florida's ethics rule still requires that adjuster to treat you fairly and honestly and to adjust the claim strictly according to the policy. A public adjuster is the type of adjuster who represents the policyholder.

Do I have to give the adjuster a recorded statement?

Check your policy's duties after loss and ask the adjuster which provision the request is based on. Some policies require cooperation and, on request, an examination under oath. Whatever you provide should be accurate and limited to what you know.

Can I get a copy of the adjuster's estimate?

For residential claims, the insurer must send you any detailed estimate within 7 days after its adjuster generates it, under section 627.70131(3)(e). If you have not received one, ask for it in writing.

Can an adjuster tell me not to hire a lawyer or public adjuster?

Rule 69B-220.201(3)(h) states that an adjuster shall not advise a claimant to refrain from seeking legal advice, or advise against retaining counsel or employing a public adjuster.

What if a different adjuster takes over my claim?

Ask for the new adjuster's name and license number, which later claim communications must include for residential claims. Send a short summary of the file and confirm that the new adjuster has your prior documents and estimates.

Sources

• Florida Statutes, section 626.855 (independent adjuster)
• Florida Statutes, section 626.856 (company employee adjuster)
• Florida Statutes, section 626.878 (adjuster code of ethics)
• Florida Administrative Code Rule 69B-220.201 (ethical requirements for adjusters)
• Florida Statutes, section 627.70131
• Florida Statutes, section 627.70132
• Florida Statutes, section 627.70152
• Florida Statutes, section 627.7015
• Florida Statutes, section 627.7142
• Florida Statutes, section 95.11
• Florida DFS: Insurance professionals
• Florida DFS: Licensee search
• Florida DFS: Mediation and Neutral Evaluation