In order to get your Florida adjuster license and become an insurance adjuster, you will need to:
- Take the Florida Pearson VUE insurance adjuster exam
- Submit an online application via the Bureau of Licensing
- Complete a fingerprint and background check
You can streamline this process by signing up for a professional course, which combines exam preparation and testing into one step (recommended), or prepare by yourself and apply for the exam separately.
In this article, we offer everything you need to know to get started, and help you find the best way of getting your Florida insurance adjuster license.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? We recommend using AdjusterPro’s online study packages, which come with a 98% satisfaction rate.
How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Florida
Getting your Florida adjuster license can be a simple and easy process, but this will ultimately depend on how you go about completing the required steps.
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 any following attempts.
This means that it is generally recommended that you complete some form of pre-exam education, such as purchasing a study guide or a state-approved pre-licensing 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 for your exam.
Another benefit of purchasing a pre-licensing course with an exam exemption is that it includes the Florida insurance adjuster exam, 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:
Step 2: Florida Adjuster License Exam
If you don’t end up purchasing an exam-exempt course, the next step you’ll need to take is to pass the Florida insurance adjuster license exam.
This is a proctored test, which means 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 through the All Lines Adjuster license exam.
This exam consists of one hundred 100 questions, and includes a time limit of two hours (2:00:00). 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 out more information — on the Pearson VUE Florida Insurance page or by calling Pearson VUE at (888) 274-2020.
Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial insurance adjuster 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 Insurance Adjuster License Application
Once you have completed all your coursework and passed your examination, you will need to submit the required paperwork and fees to the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Licensing.
The fee for an application is $55.
You can apply online through the Florida MyProfile portal. Florida residents will want to apply for the 6–20 resident adjuster license.
In Florida, all insurance licenses require an ‘appointment’. Independent adjusters need to “self-appoint” by completing the following steps.
- Go to MyProfile and log in to your account.
- Select the “Access eAppoint” button under “Apply”. If you have never used eAppoint, you must first register and will need to select the “Register to become an appointing entity” option.
- Once in the eAppoint Workbench, select the required tab (New Appointment, Renew Appointment, or Terminate Appointment), and follow the instructions on the page. You will need to remit the appropriate appointment fee(s).
Keep in mind that appointments must be renewed every 24 months during the appointee’s birth month ($60 fee).
If you’re not a resident of Florida but are looking to get registered in the state, you will need to get a Florida DHS Insurance Adjuster License instead.
Note: You must be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to be accepted.
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, although keep in mind that you must have passed your exam in order to make a reservation. Appointments can be made on their website or by phone at (844) 321-2124.
The fingerprinting 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. In Florida, this process usually takes a few days.
Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance 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.
Congratulations!
You’ve done the work, put in the time and effort, and now hold the key to your own success! We’re proud of you. Take five minutes and celebrate.
What Kind of Insurance Adjuster Will You Be?
There are four main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, catastrophe adjusters, and public adjusters.
Each of these positions accomplishes essentially the same task: assess the damage to property brought about by some event and make an evaluation of what monetary value the insurance claim should carry.
The big difference between these different types of adjusters is who pays them, and in the case of the public adjuster, who they are advocating for. Staff, independent, and catastrophe adjusters all require the same type of license, while a public adjuster license is a little different in its specifications.
- Staff Adjuster – Works directly for one insurance company in order to investigate, evaluate, and potentially settle claims.
- Independent Adjuster – Works for a third-party company, often called an Independent Adjusting Firm, which has been contracted by insurance carriers to help settle their claims.
- Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster – Can be an independent or staff adjuster who travels to an area that has been largely affected by an event (usually severe weather) and performs claims adjuster services en masse.
- Inside Adjuster – Inside adjusters, sometimes referred to as “desk” or “remote” adjusters, handle claims from an office. They are the policyholder’s main contact and the person who applies the policy terms and standards to the claim.
- Public Adjuster – Is an independent insurance adjuster that customers choose to hire in order to settle insurance claims (Florida Statute §626.854). Public adjusters are not hired by insurance companies.
Note: To become a public adjuster, you must obtain a standard adjuster license, get an appointment from a public adjusting firm, gain work experience, and eventually pass an additional exam.
Florida Department of Financial Services Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services Bureau of Licensing
Room 419 200
East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 413-3140
Email: AgentLicensing@MyFloridaCFO.com
Website: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Agents/
Florida Insurance Adjuster License FAQ
How do I get my adjusters license in Florida?
In order to get a Florida adjuster license, you will need to take the required insurance adjuster exam, submit an online application to the Florida Bureau of Licensing, and complete a fingerprint and background check. In order to ensure you pass on your first attempt, we recommend purchasing a pre-licensing course with an exam exemption to help you out. For more information, have a look at our AdjusterPro Course review.
How long does it take to become an insurance adjuster in Florida?
In Florida, the process of insurance adjuster licensing can range from a few weeks to a few months. This includes your pre-exam education, pre-license exam, background checks, license application, and application review). Have a look at our Florida Adjuster License page for more information.
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. If you live in a non-licensing state and are interested in getting licensed, we recommend having a look at our Florida DHS License overview.
How much does a Florida Adjuster license cost?
This will depend on whether you pay for a pre-licensing course.
Reputable courses (i.e., AdjusterPro) can charge as little as $299 (including state license exam fees). You will also file an application via the Florida MyProfile portal ($55) and submit a fingerprinting and background check ($50.75). If you are an independent adjuster, you will also be required to pay for your own appointment ($60 every 24 months).
What are the types of adjusters in Florida?
There are five different types of insurance adjusters in the state, four of which require the same type of Florida license:
Staff Adjuster
Independent Adjuster
Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster
Inside Adjuster
Public Adjuster (requires additional licensing)
For more information, we recommend having a look at our What is an Insurance Adjuster article.