Florida Non-Resident Adjuster License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

Last updated:

Florida Non-Resident Adjuster License

Getting a Florida non resident adjuster license — also known as a Florida designated home state (DHS) license — can be a great idea If you live in a non-licensing state.

This is because Florida has:

  • Great reciprocity (30 states + Puerto Rico)
  • Online pre-licensing education and exams
  • The quickest application process
  • Relatively short exams in comparison to other states

This article breaks down what a DHS adjuster license is, why it may be a good idea to get one, and how you can go about doing so.

Note: If you are already licensed in your state and are looking for a reciprocal Florida license, we recommend having a look at our Adjuster License Reciprocity overview instead.

Recommended: Interested in getting started? We recommend using AdjusterPro’s online study packages, which come with a 98% satisfaction rate.

4.8 out of 5 starsAdjusterPro ($299+)

How to Get a Florida Designated Home State Insurance Adjuster License

Step 1: Complete Pre-Exam Education

Preparing for your exam is not something to take lightly; this is because the average pass rate of insurance exams nationwide is around 55% for first-time test-takers, and even less for consecutive attempts.

This means that it is generally recommended that you complete some form of pre-exam education before you take your exam, such as completing a study guide or taking a state-approved designation course.

These courses are composed of video, audio, and text, and include short knowledge quizzes and practice exams which will help you obtain the necessary understanding of the material that you will need to know.

Another benefit of purchasing an all-inclusive course is that it includes the Florida insurance adjuster exam within it, meaning that you will be qualified to apply for your license as soon as your course is complete.

Recommended Course

Over 80% of our readers use AdjusterPro’s online courses — which come with a 98% satisfaction rate — when preparing for their insurance adjuster exam(s). For comprehensive study packages, StateRequirement recommends:

4.8 out of 5 starsAdjusterPro ($299+)

Step 2: Florida DHS Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the Florida insurance adjuster license exam.

This is a proctored test, meaning that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. It is therefore a good idea to work on both your timing and nerves prior to sitting for the exam.

In Florida, one line of authority is offered for adjusters, which is the All Lines Adjuster license exam. This is the case regardless of whether you are a resident or not.

The exam consists of one hundred 100 questions and includes a time limit of two hours (2:00). The fee for the exam is $44 per attempt, and a score of 70% or higher is required in order to pass.

The Pearson VUE Florida Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook further explains the scoring of the exam:

Score Reporting

When candidates complete the examination, they will receive a photo-bearing score report marked “pass” or “fail”. Candidates who pass the examination will receive a score report that includes a numeric score and diagnostic information relating to the examination. Candidates who fail the examination will receive a score report that includes a numeric score and diagnostic information relating to the examination, as well as information about reexamination. The passing score for all examinations is 70%. This score is computed by dividing the number of questions answered correctly by the total number of examination questions. Score reports are confidential and will be revealed only to the candidates and to the Department.

Note: You can register to take your exams — as well as find more information — on the Pearson VUE Florida Insurance page or by calling Pearson VUE at (888) 274-2020.

Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial course that comes with the Florida state licensing exam. This will allow you to avoid having to independently find and book your test through Pearson VUE.

Step 3: Florida DHS Insurance Adjuster License Application

Once you have completed all your coursework and passed your examination, you will then need to apply for your license.

The fee for an application is $55and you can apply online via the Florida MyProfile page.

Note: All Florida insurance licenses require an appointment. As an independent adjuster, you will be required to “self-appoint” ($60 fee). This must be renewed every 24 months.

Step 4: Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of Florida requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. If you have specific questions regarding things that may come up on your background check, you may call the Florida Department of Insurance at (850) 413-3140 or send them an email.

You will process your fingerprints through IdentoGO. You must pass your exam before you make reservations. Appointments can be made on their website or by phone at (844) 321-2124.

The fee for fingerprinting services is $50.75.

Step 5: Application Review

Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes a few days.

Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Financial Services may request more information or documentation.

After the review is complete, you will receive an email from the state regarding the status of your license. You may also check your MyProfile account for the status of your application.

What is a Designated Home State (DHS) Adjuster License?

A designated home state (DHS) license is an insurance adjuster license offered specifically to allow people to become a licensed adjuster in states that don’t provide their own licensing.

Example: The State of Illinois does not offer or require any licensing in order to conduct insurance adjusting practices, so if people need to get their license for one reason or another, they would go to a state that offers a designated home state license, such as Florida.

Essentially, this allows the applicant to act as though Florida is their “home state” (thus the name!) in licensing terms.

So does this mean that a person in ANY state can get a designated home state license?

Technically, yes. A person from any state can designate Texas as their home state. But, if you live in a state that requires its own adjuster license, then you should absolutely get that license first. This will allow you to conduct business in your own state without spending unnecessary time with licensing.

Remember: Insurance licenses do not cross state lines.

Why Do I Need a Designated Home State (DHS) Adjuster License?

If you live in a state that allows you to operate without being licensed, it may seem like a waste to go out of your way in order to obtain a DHS adjuster license; this is not the case.

While you may be able to go without a license for a while, there will come a time where this will begin to significantly handicap your work.

There are two main reasons why a person would need a designated home state license: reciprocal licensing and career marketability.

Reciprocal Licensing

Even though you will be able to operate in your home state without a license if it does not require one, you will not be able to seek a reciprocal license in any other state, meaning that you will not be able to work outside of your state’s boundaries.

This is because, in order to get a license in a state other than your home state without needing to re-take an exam, you will be required to hold an equivalent license (e.g., same insurance lines, etc.).

Therefore, if your state does not offer an insurance adjuster license, it is generally recommended that you obtain a DHS adjuster license in another state, such as Florida, Texas, or Indiana.

This will allow you to apply for reciprocity licenses in other states without needing to take additional exams!

Note: New York and California do not have reciprocal agreements with Florida, meaning that you will still need to pass an insurance adjuster exam in those states in order to become licensed.

Career Marketability

While it is true that some states don’t require you to have a license in order to practice insurance adjusting, you may come to a situation where a potential employer prefers insurers with licenses.

Think about this: if you apply for a position at an adjusting firm with no real-world experience, and someone else without any experience applies for the same position — except they also have a license — who do you think that position will go to?

This is because having a license offers certain geographical flexibility benefits.

Florida Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Department of Financial Services Bureau of Licensing
Room 419 200
East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Phone: (850) 413-3140

Email: AgentLicensing@MyFloridaCFO.com

Website: https://myfloridacfo.com/

Florida Designated Home State Insurance Adjuster License FAQ

How much is a non resident insurance adjuster license in Florida?

If you purchase a commercial course, you will likely be required to pay around $299, which will include the cost of your preparation and exam.
You will then need to file an application via the Florida MyProfile portal ($55), as well as submit a fingerprinting and background check ($50.75+). Independent adjusters are additionally required to “self-appoint” ($60 fee). See our AdjusterPro course review for more information.

How do I get a Florida adjuster’s license?

You can get a Florida adjuster license by:
Passing the Florida insurance adjuster exam
Submit an online application via the Florida Bureau of Licensing and paying the $55 fee
Completing a fingerprint and background check ($50.75)
For more information, have a look at our Florida Insurance Adjuster License page.

How do I get fingerprinted for a Florida non resident adjuster license?

You can submit your fingerprints through IdentoGo; keep in mind that you will be required to have passed your exam in order to book a reservation. Appointments can be made via website or phone, and you can also call the Florida Department of Insurance in order to ask questions at the following number: (850) 413-3140.

Which states are reciprocal with Florida insurance licenses?

The majority of states have a reciprocity agreement with Florida, including:
Delaware
Arizona
Kentucky
Wyoming
Texas
Rhode Island
South Carolina
New Mexico
Nevada
Maine
North Carolina
Oregon
New Hampshire
Note: Florida additionally has a reciprocity agreement with Puerto Rico. For more information, have a look at our Adjuster License Reciprocity article.

Do you need a license to become an insurance adjuster?

Yes. Earning an insurance adjuster license allows you to increase your income potential, add to your credibility, and qualify for advanced employment opportunities. Keep in mind that you are not required to be a Florida resident in order to get licensed within the state.

What skills are needed to be an insurance adjuster?

Insurance claims adjusters typically investigate insurance claims and travel to locations to inspect property (such as automobiles, buildings, etc.), assess damage, and make notes on repairs and costs. Insurance adjusters deal with individuals in high-stress situations a lot so you must have a professional attitude at all times. Due to the nature of the job, insurance claims adjusters must have excellent communications skills, write clearly, be comfortable with math and basic computer software, and have a flexible schedule since they travel a lot to areas hit by disasters with irregular work hours. Insurance adjusters must have specific industry knowledge to interpret contracts, determine insurance claim payouts, and make recommendations for how the insurance company proceeds in resolving the claim.

Do you need a degree to be an insurance adjuster?

You don’t need a four-year degree to become licensed as an insurance adjuster. However, you will need to complete your education requirements and pass the Florida insurance adjuster exam. For more information, we recommend having a look at our What is an Insurance Adjuster page.

Ready for more?

Start Studying

Learn More