What does a public adjuster cost?

Start with the written agreement

A free conversation and paid representation are different steps. Before you hire a public adjuster, ask what services are included, how the fee is calculated, which payments it can apply to, and whether any separate expenses require your approval. A legal fee limit is a ceiling, not a required rate.

The general fee limits

These statutory restrictions apply to residential property insurance and condominium unit owner policies under section 626.854(19). They should not be copied automatically to a commercial policy or an association’s master policy.

Florida Statutes 626.854(11) generally limits public adjuster compensation to 20% for claims not based on a declared state of emergency. For claims based on a Governor-declared emergency and made during the year after the declaration, the limit is generally 10%. After that year, the 20% limit applies. Attorney fees and costs are excluded from these calculations. Specific rules can reduce what may be charged. F.S. 626.854(11).

When the 1% or 0% rules can apply

The 1% rule is more specific than “the damage exceeds the policy limit.” It applies to a coverage part when the insurer pays, or agrees in writing to pay, at least that coverage-part policy limit within 14 days after the loss or 10 days after the adjusting contract is executed, whichever is later.

The statute also provides a 0% rule for a coverage part when payment or the written agreement to pay occurs before the public adjusting contract. Ask how these rules apply to any payment or written commitment already in your file. Do not assume that an informal offer and a written commitment mean the same thing.

Reopened claims, deductibles, and living expenses

For reopened or supplemental claims, a fee cannot be based on the insurer’s previous payment for the same loss. The statute limits the fee to qualifying additional payments obtained through the adjuster’s work after the contract, subject to applicable caps. Public adjuster compensation cannot be based on the deductible portion of a claim.

Additional living expense payments have a separate rule: compensation based on them requires a separate affirmative agreement with the statutory disclosure. Third-party services paid by the homeowner also have written-consent requirements. Read each agreement before signing.

Your cancellation rights

The ordinary cancellation period under section 626.854(7) is 10 days after the contract is executed—not 10 business days. For a contract based on a declared emergency, it is 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after the contract, whichever is longer. The statute specifies how cancellation notice must be sent.

There may also be a cancellation right if the required written estimate is not provided within 60 days, subject to statutory exceptions and notice requirements. Use the exact terms in the current law and your agreement; ask for legal advice if a cancellation is disputed.

How to decide whether representation makes sense

Compare the work you need with the services offered. A complicated damage scope, an unclear coverage explanation, or a disagreement about the insurer’s estimate may justify professional help. A straightforward claim that you are comfortable handling may not. No one should promise that a higher payment will cover the fee.

• Verify the individual and firm license.
• Ask which payments the fee applies to, with a worked example.
• Understand who approves outside experts and their costs.
• Keep a complete copy of your agreement and cancellation instructions.

Care Claims offers a free initial claim review. Any representation and fee terms are explained in writing before you choose to hire the firm.

Does every hurricane claim have a 10% fee cap?

No. Section 626.854(11)(b) ties the 10% cap to claims based on events subject to a Governor-declared state of emergency and made during the year after the declaration. After that year, the 20% limit applies. Confirm the declaration and when the claim was made; do not measure the year only from the date you hire an adjuster. The special 1% or 0% rules may further restrict the fee.

How can I compare the options before I sign?

Read the public adjuster, attorney and appraisal comparison and ask for written service and expense terms. The cap is not a required charge, and no one can promise a recovery that pays for the fee.