When your property is damaged, you'll deal with an "adjuster" — but not every adjuster is on your side. Understanding the difference is one of the most valuable things a Florida homeowner can learn, because it directly affects how much of your claim actually gets paid.
Three kinds of adjusters — only one works for you
- Company (staff) adjuster — employed by your insurance company. Their job is to evaluate the claim on the carrier's behalf, which usually means keeping the payout controlled.
- Independent adjuster — hired by the insurer during busy periods (like after a hurricane). They still represent the company's interests, not yours.
- Public adjuster — licensed to represent the policyholder only. A public adjuster works exclusively for you to maximize your recovery.
What a public adjuster actually does
A public adjuster manages your entire claim from start to finish. That means inspecting the property and identifying damage the insurer's adjuster missed, reviewing your policy to find every applicable coverage, preparing a fully documented claim with photos and detailed estimates, and negotiating directly with the insurance company until you reach a fair settlement. You stay focused on your family and your home while a professional handles the paperwork and the pushback.
Why it matters in Florida
Florida claims are uniquely complex — hurricane deductibles, strict deadlines, flood and sinkhole rules, and carriers that are quick to deny or underpay. A public adjuster who knows the local carriers and building codes can prove storm causation, capture hidden damage, and counter lowball estimates that an unrepresented homeowner would have no way to challenge.
New, underpaid, and denied claims
Public adjusters don't only handle fresh claims. Some of the largest recoveries start as a denial or a lowball offer. If your claim was closed for less than the damage cost to repair, it can often be reopened, supplemented, and renegotiated with stronger documentation.
How public adjusters get paid
Most Florida public adjusters, including People Claims, work on a contingency basis — a percentage of what they recover for you. If there's no recovery, there's no fee, and nothing is owed upfront. Because adjusters frequently secure settlements well above the carrier's first offer, the net to the homeowner is often higher even after the fee. Florida also caps public adjuster fees, with stricter limits during declared states of emergency.
The bottom line
The insurance company has trained professionals protecting its money. A public adjuster levels the field so you have a licensed expert protecting yours. If your property has been damaged and you're unsure whether the offer is fair, a free claim review costs nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.
FAQs
Is hiring a public adjuster worth it?
For larger or disputed claims, usually yes — public adjusters often recover more than their fee, and you typically pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
When should I bring in a public adjuster?
As early as possible is ideal, but you can engage one at any stage — including after a claim has been underpaid or denied.
Are public adjusters licensed in Florida?
Yes. People Claims is a licensed and bonded Florida public adjusting firm (FL License # W315061).
