Florida Adjuster License Application Process Guide (2025)

Obtaining your Florida adjuster license is a critical step toward establishing a successful career in the insurance industry. Florida’s unique vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters creates consistent demand for qualified insurance professionals who can efficiently process claims while providing excellent customer service. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire application process for obtaining your Florida adjuster license, from understanding the different license types to maintaining your credentials once approved.

Understanding Florida Adjuster License Types

Before beginning the application process, it’s essential to understand the different types of adjuster licenses available in Florida. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) classifies adjuster licenses by numerical designations, each serving different purposes and career paths.

6-20 Resident All-Lines Adjuster License

The 6-20 license is the standard license for Florida residents who wish to work as insurance adjusters within the state. This license allows you to:

Handle all types of insurance claims (property, casualty, auto, etc.)
Work as either a company adjuster (employed directly by an insurance carrier) or an independent adjuster (contracted by multiple companies)
Qualify for reciprocal licensing privileges in many other states

The 6-20 license is the most versatile option for Florida residents and serves as the foundation for a successful adjusting career.

7-20 Nonresident Adjuster License

The 7-20 license is designed for adjusters who reside outside of Florida but wish to handle claims within the state. This license:

Requires you to hold a valid adjuster license in your home state
Provides authorization to work only in Florida
Does not offer reciprocal privileges in other states

The 7-20 license is primarily for out-of-state adjusters who need to work in Florida temporarily or occasionally.

70-20 Nonresident Designated Home State (DHS) Adjuster License

The 70-20 license serves a specific purpose for adjusters who live in states that don’t license insurance adjusters. With this license:

You can designate Florida as your “home state” for licensing purposes
You gain reciprocal licensing privileges in states that have agreements with Florida
You must comply with Florida’s licensing requirements despite not being a resident

This license is particularly valuable for adjusters from non-licensing states who want to work across multiple jurisdictions.

3-20 Public Adjuster License

The 3-20 license is specifically for public adjusters who represent policyholders rather than insurance companies. This license:

Allows you to advocate for policyholders in insurance claim negotiations
Requires additional qualifications beyond standard adjuster requirements
Involves a more rigorous application process, including a $50,000 surety bond

Public adjusters operate under different regulations and compensation structures than company or independent adjusters.

4-40 Customer Representative License

While not strictly an adjuster license, the 4-40 license is sometimes confused with adjuster credentials. This license:

Authorizes individuals to work in insurance agencies or for insurance agents
Allows for customer service functions but not claims adjusting
Has different qualification requirements than adjuster licenses

Understanding these distinctions will help you select the appropriate license type for your career goals and circumstances.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Florida Adjuster Applicants

Before beginning the application process, ensure you meet Florida’s basic eligibility requirements for adjuster licensing.

Requirements for Resident Adjusters (6-20 License)

To qualify for a Florida resident adjuster license, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be a legal resident of the state of Florida
Be a United States citizen or legal alien with proper work authorization
Not hold a resident adjuster license in any other state
Meet pre-licensing education or exemption requirements
Submit to fingerprinting and background check
Pay all applicable fees

Requirements for Nonresident Adjusters (7-20 License)

For nonresident applicants seeking a Florida adjuster license, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Hold a valid adjuster license in your home state
Be a United States citizen or legal alien with proper work authorization
Submit to fingerprinting and background check
Pay all applicable fees

Requirements for Designated Home State Adjusters (70-20 License)

If you reside in a state that doesn’t license adjusters and wish to use Florida as your designated home state, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be a resident of a state that doesn’t license adjusters
Be a United States citizen or legal alien with proper work authorization
Complete the same pre-licensing requirements as Florida residents
Submit to fingerprinting and background check
Pay all applicable fees

Meeting these basic requirements is the first step toward eligibility for a Florida adjuster license.

Step-by-Step Florida Adjuster License Application Process

The application process for a Florida adjuster license involves several distinct steps that must be completed in sequence. Following this structured approach will help ensure a smooth application experience.

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must complete pre-licensing education before applying for your Florida adjuster license.

Option 1: State-Approved Designation Course

The most straightforward path to meeting the pre-licensing requirement is completing a state-approved designation course. Florida Adjuster Licensing offers a comprehensive Florida Certified Adjuster Designation course that:

Fulfills the state’s 40-hour education requirement
Includes the state-approved licensing examination
Provides an exemption from taking the separate state exam
Covers all essential adjusting concepts and Florida-specific regulations
Offers flexible online learning options to accommodate your schedule

This approach is highly recommended for most applicants due to its convenience and comprehensive preparation.

Option 2: State Examination

Alternatively, you can satisfy the pre-licensing requirement by passing the Florida state adjuster examination administered by Pearson VUE. This option:

Requires self-study of examination content
Necessitates scheduling an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
Involves a separate examination fee ($44 per attempt)
Requires a score of 70% or higher to pass
May require multiple attempts if unsuccessful initially

While this option provides more flexibility in preparation methods, it typically requires more time and effort than completing a designation course.

Step 2: Determine if You Qualify for Examination Exemptions

Florida offers several pathways to exemption from the state examination requirement. You may qualify for an exemption if you:

Currently hold a Florida public adjuster license
Have earned an insurance degree with at least 18 semester hours of college credit in property, casualty, health, and commercial insurance from an accredited institution (official transcript required)
Currently hold a General Lines (Property and Casualty) agent license in Florida
Have held an all-lines adjuster license (company or independent) for at least one year immediately prior to applying and are becoming a Florida resident within 90 days

If you qualify for an exemption, you’ll need to provide appropriate documentation during the application process.

Step 3: Submit Your Online Application

Once you’ve completed the pre-licensing requirements or qualified for an exemption, you’ll need to submit your application through the Florida Department of Financial Services’ MyProfile system.

Creating a MyProfile Account

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a MyProfile account:

Visit the Florida DFS website at www.myfloridacfo.com
Navigate to the MyProfile portal
Select “Create an Account” and follow the registration instructions
Verify your email address through the confirmation link sent to your inbox
Set up security questions and password recovery options

Completing the Application

After logging into MyProfile, follow these steps to complete your application:

Select “Apply for a License” from the dashboard
Choose the appropriate license type (6-20, 7-20, 70-20, etc.)
Complete all required personal information fields
Answer all background questions truthfully and completely
Indicate your pre-licensing education method or exemption qualification
Review all information for accuracy before submission
Pay the application fee ($55) using a credit card or electronic check

Be particularly careful when answering background questions, as inaccurate responses can lead to application delays or denials. If you have concerns about criminal history disclosures, consult the Florida DFS Criminal History guidelines before submitting your application.

Step 4: Complete the Fingerprinting Requirement

All Florida adjuster license applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check. This step can be completed before or after submitting your application, but your license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received and processed.

LiveScan Electronic Fingerprinting (Recommended)

The most efficient method for fingerprinting is through LiveScan electronic submission:

Schedule an appointment with an approved LiveScan service provider
Bring government-issued photo identification to your appointment
Provide the Florida DFS Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) number
Pay the fingerprinting fee (approximately $50.75)
Ensure your prints are submitted electronically to the Florida DFS

Electronic fingerprints are typically processed within 24-72 hours, significantly faster than traditional fingerprint cards.

Traditional Fingerprint Cards (Alternative Method)

If electronic fingerprinting is not available in your area, you may submit traditional fingerprint cards:

Request fingerprint cards from the Florida DFS
Have your fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency
Complete all required information on the fingerprint cards
Mail the completed cards to the address provided by the DFS
Include payment for the fingerprint processing fee

This method typically takes 3-4 weeks for processing, substantially longer than electronic submission.

Step 5: Submit Required Documentation

Depending on your application pathway, you may need to submit additional documentation to support your application.

Proof of Pre-Licensing Education

If you completed a state-approved designation course, you’ll need to:

Ensure your course provider submits completion records to the DFS
Retain your course completion certificate for your records
Be prepared to provide course information if requested

Proof of Examination Exemption

If you’re claiming an examination exemption, you’ll need to submit:

Official college transcripts for education-based exemptions
License verification for exemptions based on existing licenses
Letter of clearance for exemptions based on previous adjuster experience

Proof of Citizenship or Work Authorization

All applicants must provide documentation of:

U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.) or
Legal alien status with work authorization (green card, work visa, etc.)

These documents can be uploaded directly through the MyProfile system or submitted via email to the address provided in your application confirmation.

Step 6: Take the State Examination (If Required)

If you didn’t complete a designation course that includes an approved examination or qualify for an examination exemption, you’ll need to pass the Florida state adjuster examination.

Scheduling Your Examination

To schedule your examination:

Create an account on the Pearson VUE website
Select the Florida Insurance Adjuster examination
Choose a testing center location convenient for you
Select an available date and time
Pay the examination fee ($44)
Receive confirmation of your appointment

Preparing for the Examination

The Florida adjuster examination covers:

Florida insurance laws and regulations
Adjuster ethics and responsibilities
Insurance terminology and concepts
Policy interpretation and coverage analysis
Claim handling procedures
Estimating and valuation techniques

Thorough preparation is essential, as you must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass.

Examination Day Procedures

On the day of your examination:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time
Bring two forms of identification, including one government-issued photo ID
Leave personal items, including electronic devices, outside the testing room
Follow all testing center protocols and instructions
Complete the examination within the allotted time
Receive your results immediately upon completion

If you pass, your results will be electronically transmitted to the DFS. If you fail, you can reschedule after waiting at least 24 hours.

Step 7: Obtain Your Adjuster Appointment

In Florida, all licensed adjusters must be appointed by an insurer or adjusting firm, or self-appointed as an independent adjuster. This appointment must be completed within one year of license issuance.

Company Adjuster Appointments

If you’ll be working directly for an insurance company:

Your employer will initiate the appointment process through their MyProfile account
They will submit the required appointment fee ($60)
You’ll receive notification when the appointment is approved

Independent Adjuster Self-Appointment

If you’ll be working as an independent adjuster:

Log into your MyProfile account
Select “Access eAppoint” under the “Apply” section
If you’ve never used eAppoint, register to become an appointing entity
Select “New Appointment” from the eAppoint Workbench
Follow the instructions to complete your self-appointment
Pay the appointment fee ($60)

Your license is not fully activated until the appointment process is completed, so this step is essential before beginning work as an adjuster.

Tracking Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress through the MyProfile system.

Application Status Indicators

The MyProfile system uses several status indicators:

Pending: Your application has been received but not yet reviewed
Deficient: Additional information or documentation is needed
Under Review: Your application is being evaluated by DFS staff
Approved: Your license has been issued
Denied: Your application has been rejected

Responding to Deficiency Notices

If your application status shows as “Deficient,” you’ll receive a notice specifying what additional information is needed. Common deficiencies include:

Incomplete background information
Missing documentation of pre-licensing education
Insufficient proof of citizenship or work authorization
Fingerprint results not yet received

Respond promptly to deficiency notices to avoid delays in processing your application.

Expected Processing Timeframes

Under normal circumstances, application processing times are:

Complete Applications: 7-10 business days
Applications with Examination Requirements: 10-15 business days after exam results are received
Applications with Background Issues: 30+ days, depending on complexity

Processing times may be longer during peak application periods or following major catastrophic events.

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Several common challenges can arise during the Florida adjuster license application process. Understanding these potential issues and how to address them can help you navigate the process more smoothly.

Background Check Concerns

If you have criminal history or financial responsibility issues:

Disclose all required information truthfully on your application
Provide detailed explanations for any “Yes” answers to background questions
Submit court documents, disposition records, or other supporting documentation
Consider consulting with a licensing attorney if you have serious concerns

The Florida DFS evaluates each application individually, considering factors such as the nature and severity of offenses, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Education Verification Issues

If your pre-licensing education is not properly verified:

Contact your education provider to ensure they’ve submitted completion records
Retain copies of all certificates and course completion documents
Be prepared to provide course information, including provider name, course dates, and completion certificate number

Fingerprint Processing Delays

If fingerprint results are delayed:

Verify that you provided the correct ORI number to the fingerprinting service
Confirm that your demographic information (name, date of birth, etc.) matches on all application documents
Consider resubmitting fingerprints if more than 30 days have passed without results

Application Fee Payment Problems

If payment issues arise:

Ensure your credit card information is entered correctly
Verify that your card has sufficient available credit
Consider using an alternative payment method if problems persist
Contact the DFS Licensing Bureau for assistance with payment issues

Reciprocity and Nonresident Application Challenges

Nonresident applicants may face unique challenges:

Ensure your home state license is in good standing before applying
Verify that your home state has a reciprocal agreement with Florida
Provide clear documentation of your resident state license
Be aware of any additional requirements for nonresident applicants

After Your License Is Approved

Once your Florida adjuster license is approved, several important steps remain to fully establish your adjusting career.

Accessing Your Digital License

Florida no longer issues physical license documents. To access your digital license:

Log into your MyProfile account
Select “Print License” from the available options
Download and save the PDF license document
Print copies as needed for your records or employer requirements

Your digital license serves as official verification of your authorization to work as an adjuster in Florida.

Understanding License Limitations and Restrictions

Be aware of any limitations or restrictions on your license:

Appointment Requirements: You must be appointed within one year of license issuance
Scope of Authority: Your license only authorizes the specific activities covered by your license type
Geographic Limitations: Nonresident licenses may have restrictions on permanent operations within Florida
Continuing Education Requirements: You must fulfill CE requirements to maintain your license

Understanding these limitations will help you operate within the bounds of your authority and avoid potential regulatory issues.

Setting Up Your MyProfile Notifications

Configure your MyProfile account to receive important notifications:

Log into your MyProfile account
Navigate to the “Profile” or “Account Settings” section
Verify and update your email address and contact information
Enable notification preferences for license renewal reminders, continuing education deadlines, and regulatory updates

Staying informed about licensing requirements and deadlines is essential for maintaining your professional credentials.

Maintaining Your Florida Adjuster License

Once licensed, you must fulfill several ongoing requirements to keep your Florida adjuster license in good standing.

Continuing Education Requirements

Florida adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including:

A mandatory 4-hour Law and Ethics update course
20 hours of elective courses relevant to adjusting practice
Courses from approved CE providers registered with the Florida DFS

CE compliance periods run based on your birth month, with requirements due by the end of your birth month in even-numbered years for licensees with even-numbered birth years, and odd-numbered years for those with odd-numbered birth years.

Appointment Renewal

All adjuster appointments must be renewed every 24 months. For company adjusters, your employer will handle this process. Independent adjusters must renew their self-appointment through the eAppoint system:

Log into your MyProfile account
Access the eAppoint Workbench
Select “Renew Appointment” from the available options
Pay the renewal fee ($60)
Confirm successful renewal

Failure to renew your appointment will result in your license becoming inactive, even if it hasn’t expired.

Address and Contact Information Updates

You’re required by law to update your address and contact information within 30 days of any change:

Log into your MyProfile account
Select “Manage My Profile” from the dashboard
Update your residential and mailing addresses
Verify and update email and phone contact information
Save your changes

Failure to maintain current contact information can result in missed renewal notices and potential license lapse.

License Renewal Process

Your Florida adjuster license must be renewed every four years. The renewal process includes:

Completing all required continuing education
Logging into your MyProfile account
Selecting “Renew License” from the available options
Updating any changed information
Paying the renewal fee ($55)
Confirming successful renewal

Renewals can be completed up to 90 days before the expiration date. Failing to renew on time will result in your license becoming inactive and may require reinstatement procedures.

The Florida Adjuster Licensing Advantage

For those pursuing adjuster careers in Florida, Florida Adjuster Licensing offers comprehensive preparation and ongoing support throughout the licensing process.

Specialized Florida Training Programs

Florida Adjuster Licensing provides Florida-specific education that addresses:

State-Specific Regulations: Detailed coverage of Florida insurance laws and regulations
Exam-Focused Preparation: Materials designed specifically for Florida licensing requirements
Practical Application: Real-world claim scenarios relevant to Florida adjusters
Licensing Guidance: Step-by-step assistance with the application process
Continuing Education: Courses for ongoing professional development and license maintenance

This specialized approach ensures candidates are thoroughly prepared for both the licensing process and professional practice in Florida.

Comprehensive Course Packages

Florida Adjuster Licensing offers tiered training options to match different career goals:

Basic Florida Adjuster Course ($229)

Complete 40-hour pre-licensing education
State-approved licensing exam included
Essential claims adjusting fundamentals
Study materials and practice questions
License application guidance

This entry-level package provides everything needed to obtain the 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License.

Enhanced Starter Package ($458)

All components of the Basic package
Xactimate software training (industry-standard estimating platform)
Practical adjusting techniques instruction
Additional practice scenarios and case studies
Extended support during the licensing process

This intermediate option adds practical skills training to basic licensing requirements.

Complete Florida Adjuster Program ($529)

All components of the Enhanced package
Construction fundamentals for accurate damage assessment
Advanced claims handling techniques
Business development guidance for independent adjusters
Comprehensive career planning support

This premium package provides complete preparation for a successful adjusting career.

Application Process Support

Beyond education, Florida Adjuster Licensing offers valuable support throughout the application process:

Application Guidance: Step-by-step instructions for completing the online application
Documentation Assistance: Help identifying and preparing required supporting documents
Status Monitoring: Support tracking your application progress
Deficiency Resolution: Assistance addressing any application deficiencies
Appointment Guidance: Help navigating the appointment process

This comprehensive support helps streamline the licensing process and minimize potential delays or complications.

Real-World Application Experiences

The experiences of successful Florida adjusters illustrate the practical aspects of the licensing process.

From Application to First Assignment: A Staff Adjuster’s Journey

Michael, a recent college graduate, decided to pursue a career as a staff adjuster with a major insurance carrier. His licensing journey included:

Completing the Florida Adjuster Licensing Basic Course over three weeks
Passing the included examination with a score of 82%
Creating his MyProfile account and submitting his application
Completing LiveScan fingerprinting at a local service provider
Receiving license approval within 12 business days
Being appointed by his employer within one week of license issuance
Beginning his training program immediately after appointment

“The structured approach of the Florida Adjuster Licensing program made the application process straightforward,” Michael explains. “Having the examination included in the course eliminated a major source of stress and allowed me to focus on learning the material thoroughly.”

Navigating Challenges: An Independent Adjuster’s Experience

Jennifer transitioned to adjusting after a career in construction. Her licensing journey included several challenges:

Completing a designation course while maintaining her full-time job
Addressing background questions related to a minor financial issue from years earlier
Providing additional documentation requested during application review
Experiencing a delay in fingerprint processing due to a technical issue
Working with Florida DFS staff to resolve the fingerprinting problem
Receiving license approval after 28 days
Completing her self-appointment as an independent adjuster

“Despite a few hurdles in the process, the support I received from Florida Adjuster Licensing helped me navigate each challenge,” Jennifer shares. “Their guidance on addressing the background questions and fingerprinting issue was invaluable in keeping my application moving forward.”

Designated Home State Licensing: An Out-of-State Adjuster’s Path

Robert lived in a state that doesn’t license adjusters but wanted to work catastrophe claims nationwide. His licensing journey included:

Researching license options and selecting the Florida 70-20 DHS license
Completing the Florida Adjuster Licensing Enhanced Starter Package
Submitting his application as a nonresident with Florida as his designated home state
Arranging fingerprinting through a service provider in his home state
Providing additional documentation of his residence in a non-licensing state
Receiving license approval after 15 business days
Self-appointing as an independent adjuster

“Using Florida as my designated home state opened doors to work in multiple states through reciprocity agreements,” Robert notes. “The process required some additional documentation compared to resident licensing, but the end result gave me the flexibility to work claims nationwide.”

Common Questions About the Florida Adjuster License Application Process

Prospective adjusters often have questions about specific aspects of the application process.

How long does the entire application process typically take?

The timeline varies based on several factors:

Pre-Licensing Education: 1-4 weeks, depending on your study pace
Application Processing: 7-15 business days for complete applications without background issues
Fingerprint Processing: 1-3 days for electronic submission, 3-4 weeks for fingerprint cards
Total Time: Most applicants can complete the entire process within 4-8 weeks

Expedited options are available through certain pre-licensing providers that include the state-approved examination.

What is the total cost to obtain a Florida adjuster license?

The typical costs include:

Pre-Licensing Education: $229-$529, depending on the course package
Application Fee: $55
Fingerprinting Fee: Approximately $50.75
State Examination Fee: $44 (if not included in pre-licensing course)
Appointment Fee: $60
Total Cost: $394.75-$694.75

These costs represent the initial licensing expenses. Additional costs for continuing education and license renewal will apply throughout your career.

Can I apply for multiple adjuster license types simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply for multiple license types, but each requires a separate application and fee. For example, you could apply for both the 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License and the 3-20 Public Adjuster License simultaneously, though the requirements for each differ significantly.

What happens if my application is denied?

If your application is denied:

You’ll receive a written notice explaining the reasons for denial
You have the right to appeal the decision within 21 days
The appeal process typically involves providing additional information or documentation
In some cases, you may request an administrative hearing

Working with a licensing attorney may be advisable if your application is denied due to background issues.

Can I work while my application is pending?

No, you cannot legally work as an adjuster in Florida until your license is approved and you have received an appointment. Working without proper licensure can result in regulatory penalties and may negatively impact your application.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Your Florida Adjuster Career

The Florida adjuster license application process, while detailed, follows a logical progression that can be navigated successfully with proper preparation and guidance. By understanding the requirements, completing the necessary education, and carefully following application procedures, you can join the ranks of licensed Florida adjusters and begin a rewarding career in the insurance industry.

Florida Adjuster Licensing provides the foundation for success with comprehensive, Florida-specific training programs designed to prepare you for both the licensing process and professional practice. Their tiered course options allow you to select the appropriate level of preparation based on your background and career objectives.

As Florida’s insurance needs continue to evolve, qualified adjusters will remain essential to the state’s economic resilience and recovery from inevitable catastrophic events. By investing in proper training and navigating the licensing process effectively, you can build a rewarding career in this vital industry.

Take the first step toward your future as a Florida insurance adjuster by exploring the training options available through Florida Adjuster Licensing. Their experienced team can guide you through the licensing process and help you launch a successful career in this dynamic field.

Business Name: Florida Adjuster Licensing
Website: https://floridaadjusterlicensing.com/
Phone: (972) 767-7699
Owner Name: Dave

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