To become a public adjuster in Florida, you must follow a series of steps as well as meet specific requirements set by the Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDFS). Public adjusters help individuals as well as businesses with insurance claims by negotiating on their behalf. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a public adjuster in Florida:
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization.
- You cannot have any felony convictions.
Obtain the Required Education:
- Florida law mandates that you complete a 40-hour Public Adjuster Apprentice course approved by the FLDFS.
- The course must cover insurance policies, claims handling, ethics, as well as Florida insurance laws.
- You can find approved course providers on the FLDFS website.
Apply for a Public Adjuster Apprentice License:
- After completing the 40-hour course, you must submit an application for a Public Adjuster Apprentice license to the FLDFS.
- The application can be submitted online through the FLDFS website or by mail.
Pass the State Examination:
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification to schedule the state examination.
- You must pass the Florida public adjuster licensing examination with a score of at least 70%. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
Complete the Apprenticeship Period:
- After passing the state examination, you must work as a Public Adjuster Apprentice under the supervision of a licensed Florida public adjuster for at least 6 months. During this time, you will gain practical experience in the field.
Apply for a Public Adjuster License:
- After completing the apprenticeship period, you can apply for a full Public Adjuster license through the FLDFS website or by mail.
- You must submit your license application along with the required fees as well as documentation.
Obtain a Surety Bond:
- Florida law requires public adjusters to maintain a surety bond of $50,000. You must secure this bond prior to the issuance of your license.
Maintain Continuing Education:
- Public adjusters in Florida are required to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses. You must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
Comply with State Regulations:
- Get acquainted with the insurance laws and regulations of Florida since you will be required to adhere to them when helping clients with their insurance claims.
Begin Practicing as a Public Adjuster:
- Once you have obtained your Public Adjuster license and fulfilled all requirements, you can start practicing as a public adjuster in Florida.
In conclusion, remember that licensing requirements and regulations may change, so it's essential to verify the most up-to-date information on the Florida Department of Financial Services website or consult with a licensed public adjuster or legal professional to ensure you meet all current requirements and procedures.