Navigating The Path To Becoming An Insurance Adjuster In Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Florida's high number of hurricanes and storms means that insurance adjusters are always in demand. If you're interested in becoming a claims adjuster in the state, there are a few steps you need to take.

First, you'll need to establish which Florida insurance license you need. The state offers the 6-20 Resident Adjuster license for Florida residents and the 7-20 Nonresident Adjuster license for non-residents. If you're planning on becoming a public adjuster, you'll need a 3-20 Public Adjuster license.

Next, you'll need to meet the state's requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida (for the 6-20 license), and a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization.

Once you've met the basic requirements, you can obtain your Florida Adjuster License by taking a state-approved designation course, taking and passing the Florida Adjuster Examination, or meeting certain criteria that provide an exemption from taking the exam.

After you've obtained your license, you'll need to apply for it and submit the necessary paperwork and fees. As part of the application process, you'll also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check.

Finally, you'll need to maintain your license by completing continuing education credits and renewing your appointment every 24 months.

Be 18+ years old, a Florida resident, and a US citizen or legal alien with work authorization

To become an insurance adjuster in Florida, you must be 18 years old or older. This is a basic requirement for the Florida Adjuster License.

You must also be a resident of the state of Florida. Non-residents of Florida who want to adjust claims in the state can apply for a nonresident adjuster license.

Finally, you must be a US citizen or a legal alien with work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. If you are a non-citizen, you must submit a copy of your work authorization documentation to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Take a state-approved adjuster designation course or exam

The quickest and easiest way to get your insurance adjuster license in Florida is to take a state-approved adjuster designation course. This is how most Florida adjusters obtain their licenses.

There are several options for state-approved designation courses, including:

• AdjusterPro's Florida Certified Adjuster Designation course
• Florida Insurance College's 6-20 Claims Adjuster License ACA Designation Course
• Kaplan's Certified All-Lines Adjuster (CALA) course
• OnLine Training's 40-Hr Accredited Claims Adjuster Designation Course

These courses are available online and include the exam, meaning that you will be qualified to apply for your license as soon as your course is complete. They also waive the state exam requirement.

The courses cover a range of topics, including:

• Insurance Terms and Concepts
• Personal Lines Coverages (Homeowner's Policies Form A, B, C)
• Automobile Coverages
• Standard Fire Policy
• Additional Coverages, Exclusions, and Extensions
• Adjuster Licensing Requirements
• Worker's Compensation
• Claims Adjusting Ethics
• Claims Adjusting Communication Skills
• Claims Adjusting Procedures
• Insurance Principles, Concepts, and Law
• Commercial General Liability
• Commercial Property Insurance
• Commercial Package Policies

The courses are typically self-paced and allow you to study on your own schedule. They usually include practice exams and other resources to help you prepare for the final exam.

Upon successful completion of the course and passing the included exam, you will earn a designation, such as the Certified Adjuster Designation or the Accredited Claims Adjuster (ACA) designation, which will allow you to apply for your Florida adjuster license.

Apply for a license via the Bureau of Licensing

Once you have satisfied the requirements, you can apply for your Florida Adjuster License. You will need to submit the appropriate paperwork and pay the relevant fees.

Firstly, you must submit your adjuster application through MyProfile. If you have any concerns relating to criminal background questions, you can refer to the FLCFO Criminal History page.

Secondly, you must submit your Proof of Citizenship Documentation with your application. You can check if your license has been issued by logging into MyProfile.

Thirdly, all insurance licenses in Florida require an appointment. If you are an independent adjuster, you will need to self-appoint by following these steps:

• Go to MyProfile and log in to your account.
• Select the "Access eAppoint" button under "Apply". If you are using eAppoint for the first time, you must first register and select "Register to become an appointing entity".
• Once in the eAppoint Workbench, select the required tab (New Appointment, Renew Appointment, or Terminate Appointment) and follow the instructions on the page.

Appointments must be renewed every 24 months during the appointee's birth month.

Additional Licensing Details

Florida has several types of licenses, classified by number:

• 6-20 Resident Adjuster: For Florida residents looking to be staff or independent adjusters.
• 7-20 Nonresident Adjuster: For non-residents of Florida who want to adjust claims in the state. This license is ideal if you are licensed in your home state and want reciprocal privileges in Florida.
• 70-20 Nonresident Designated Home State (DHS) Adjuster: For those who live in a non-licensing state and want to declare a home state for licensing.
• 3-20 Public Adjuster: Requires a few more steps to get licensed.
• 4-40 Customer Representative: For Florida residents working in insurance agencies or for insurance agents.

Submit fingerprints and pass a background check

The State of Florida requires that all insurance license applicants submit fingerprints before licensing. This initiates 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 before you make a reservation. Appointments can be made on their website or by phone at (844) 321-2124.

The fingerprint fee is $50.75.

Florida requires all adjuster applicants to submit fingerprints for a background check. There are two methods for submitting fingerprints: LiveScan to submit electronically or Fingerprint Cards to submit by mail. Fingerprint results are processed much faster using the LiveScan method. Instructions for each method are at the bottom of this page.

Submit your adjuster application through MyProfile. Applicants concerned with criminal background questions can get more information on the FLCFO Criminal History page.

LiveScan vs Fingerprint Cards

Florida Resident applicants should register for LiveScan and go to the nearest IdentoGo location to have their fingerprints submitted electronically.

Out-of-State applicants will enter their zip code on the registration site to view the nearest LiveScan locations. If there isn’t a location close enough, the option to submit fingerprint cards by mail is available.

Once you have submitted your fingerprints to IdentoGO by Idemia, your fingerprints are submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The results of your fingerprint-based criminal history check are then submitted electronically to Florida Department of Financial Services. IdentoGO by Idemia never has access to your fingerprint-based criminal history.

If your first fingerprint submission is returned as illegible, IdentoGO by Idemia will need you to provide another LiveScan submission at one of their sites at no additional charge if it is submitted within 90 days of the first submission.

If both fingerprint results are illegible, you are NOT required to submit new fingerprints. The Bureau of Licensing will submit a name check request to the FBI. Please allow up to 45 days for processing. Once the results are received, we will continue our review of your application.

Once your application is complete, the Florida Department of Financial Services will notify you of your license or registration status by email and your MyProfile account.

Maintain your license with continuing education

Once you have your Florida insurance adjuster license, you will need to complete some additional steps every few years to keep it active.

Continuing Education Requirements

Florida requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The 24 hours must include the state-mandated 4-hour Law and Ethics Update. The remaining 19 hours are electives. Florida Adjusters may not receive credit for any CE course taken twice in any 24-month period, regardless of their license compliance cycle. Be sure to track and plan your CE courses accordingly.

License Renewal

There is no license renewal required for Florida adjusters, provided the licensee is properly appointed when applicable. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in the cancellation of an appointment, which could lead to termination of the license. The license will also expire if more than 48 months lapse without an appointment.

Carryover of Excess CE

The state of Florida allows a maximum of 24 excess continuing education hours to be carried over into the next reporting period. Excess hours in ethics can carry over to the next reporting period; however, those hours will only be counted as general credits and will not fulfill the Ethics requirement.

Frequently asked questions