Public adjuster fees in Florida are set and limited by state law, not by the adjuster. If you searched for public adjuster fees florida law before hiring help with a claim, here is the short answer: a licensed public adjuster works on a contingency fee tied to your claim payment, that fee is capped by Florida statute, and the terms must be in a written contract before any work starts. There is no guesswork and no surprise invoice.
How the Contingency Fee Model Works
Most public adjusters in Florida, including our firm, are paid a percentage of what you recover on your claim. You do not pay an hourly rate or a fee just to have someone look at the damage. The adjuster gets paid when you get paid, and only from the money the insurance company pays on your claim.
This model lines up the adjuster's work with your outcome. If the claim does not move forward, there is nothing owed for the effort spent building the file. Florida law requires the fee structure to be written into your contract in plain terms, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to before you sign anything.
What Florida Law Actually Sets and Limits
Florida Statute 626.854 governs how public adjusters are licensed, how they solicit business, and how they can be compensated. The statute caps how much a public adjuster may charge, and those caps depend on the type of claim. We do not publish specific percentages in a blog post, because the exact number depends on your situation and is something we discuss openly with you before any agreement is signed. If fees ever come up in a conversation with our office, we will walk through the numbers in plain language and point you to our FAQ page for more background.
The law also restricts how and when a public adjuster can contact a property owner, and it prohibits referral fees, kickbacks, and other arrangements that could put someone's interests ahead of yours. These rules exist to protect you, and they are a big part of why hiring a licensed professional matters more than hiring someone working outside the rules.
Why This Matters for Commercial Owners, Associations, and Property Managers
Commercial claims are rarely simple. A fire, hurricane, or water loss at a shopping center, office building, or condominium can involve multiple coverage lines, business income calculations, and detailed damage documentation. Our claims representation work is built around handling that complexity so an owner does not have to become a claims expert overnight.
Condo and HOA associations face their own version of this challenge. Boards are volunteers making decisions with owners' money on the line, and the claim process can feel overwhelming without someone in their corner. That is why we work closely with board members to explain each step and keep the process grounded and clear.
Property managers carry similar weight. A manager overseeing several properties needs a claims process that is organized, well documented, and easy to explain to ownership. Our work with property managers focuses on exactly that, from the first inspection through the final settlement.
What to Ask Before You Sign Anything
Before hiring anyone to handle your claim, ask how they are paid, ask to see it in writing, and ask what happens if the claim does not settle the way you hoped. A licensed Florida public adjuster should be able to answer these questions without hesitation.
James Coyne spent years working on the carrier side before becoming a public adjuster. That background means he understands how a claim looks from both sides of the table, and he believes the fee conversation should be just as straightforward as the claim itself. We work for the policyholder, not the insurance company, and every contract is discussed openly before it is signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a public adjuster cost in Florida?
Florida law caps public adjuster fees, and the fee is a percentage of your claim payment rather than a flat cost. The exact terms are set out in your written contract and discussed with you before you agree to anything.
Do I pay a public adjuster if my claim does not settle?
Under the contingency model, a public adjuster is paid from claim payments you receive. If there is no recovery, there is nothing owed under that fee structure.
Can a public adjuster charge whatever fee they want?
No. Florida Statute 626.854 sets limits on public adjuster compensation and requires the fee terms to appear in a written contract, not a verbal agreement.
Does a free claim review cost anything?
A claim review is a conversation about your property and your policy. It is a chance to ask questions and understand your options before any contract is signed.
Is a public adjuster the same as a lawyer?
No. A public adjuster helps document, prepare, and negotiate a property insurance claim. A public adjuster does not provide legal advice or legal representation. If your situation raises legal questions, we recommend speaking with a qualified Florida attorney.
If you are a commercial property owner, board member, or property manager with questions about a claim, we would be glad to talk it through with you. A conversation costs nothing and comes with no obligation. Reach out anytime for a free claim review, and see our claims representation page to learn more about how we help.
Written by James Coyne, Florida Licensed Public Adjuster (License W482618), founder of Coyne Commercial Group (Firm License G350978).