Claims Adjuster Florida Licensing: Everything You Need to Know

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To become a licensed claims adjuster in Florida, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) oversees the licensing process.

The first step is to meet the basic requirements, which include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll also need to complete a pre-licensing course approved by the state.

You'll need to pass a licensing exam administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services. The exam is multiple-choice and covers topics such as insurance laws, regulations, and procedures. The exam fee is currently $63, and you'll need to pay an additional $22 for the license application fee.

Licensing Process

The licensing process in Florida is relatively straightforward. You'll need to submit your application and complete all the requirements, which typically takes a few days.

The application fee is $55, and you can apply online via the Florida MyProfile page. You'll also need to pay a self-appointment fee of $60, which must be renewed every 24 months as an independent adjuster.

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the state, and you may receive a request for more information or documentation based on the results of your background check.

Application Review

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The application review process is a crucial step in obtaining your insurance adjuster license. It usually takes a few days in Florida.

You'll need to wait for the results of your background check. Depending on the outcome, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.

Once the review is complete, you'll receive an approval email from the state if you've correctly completed all the previous steps.

Licensing

Licensing is a crucial step in becoming an insurance adjuster. You can operate in your home state without a license if it doesn't require one, but you won't be able to work outside your state's boundaries.

Even if your home state doesn't require a license, you might still need one to work in other states. You'll need an equivalent license to get a reciprocal license, which allows you to work in multiple states without taking additional exams.

Reciprocal licensing agreements are available in some states, such as Florida, Texas, and Indiana. These states allow you to apply for reciprocity licenses without needing to take additional exams. However, New York and California don't have reciprocal agreements with Florida, so you'll still need to pass an insurance adjuster exam in those states.

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Once you've submitted your application and completed all the requirements, your license will be reviewed by the state. This process usually takes a few days in Florida. If everything checks out, you'll receive an approval email from the state and be able to print a copy of your insurance adjuster license from your MyProfile account.

Insurance Requirements

To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Florida, you'll need to meet the state's requirements. Getting your Florida adjuster license can be a simple process.

You'll need to complete a recommended course to get started. This course will help you prepare for the licensing exam.

The licensing exam is a crucial step in becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Florida. It's a requirement that you must pass to get your license.

Florida requires a license to work as an insurance adjuster. This license is issued by the state after you've completed the necessary steps.

You'll need to study hard to pass the licensing exam. Completing a recommended course will give you a solid foundation to work from.

Maintaining Your License

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Maintaining your license is crucial to your career as a claims adjuster in Florida. Florida requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.

You need to stay updated, whether it's professionally or experientially, to handle catastrophe claims effectively. The 24 hours of CE must include the 5-hour Law and Ethics Update.

This requirement is in place to ensure you're always knowledgeable about the latest laws and regulations.

Exam and Education

To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Florida, you'll need to complete pre-exam education and pass the licensing exam. The average national pass rate for insurance exams is only 55% for first-time test-takers.

Completing a pre-licensing course is highly recommended, as it can significantly boost your confidence and understanding of the material. These courses often include videos, audio, text, quizzes, and practice exams to help you prepare.

The Florida insurance adjuster license exam consists of 100 questions and has a time limit of two hours. The exam fee is $44 per attempt, and you'll need to score at least 70% to pass.

Pre-Exam Education

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Preparing for your exam is crucial, as the average national pass rate for first-time test-takers is only 55%. This means that completing some form of pre-exam education is highly recommended.

You can complete a study guide or take a state-approved designation course, which will help you understand the material you need to know. These courses are composed of video, audio, and text, and include short knowledge quizzes and practice exams.

Over 80% of readers use AdjusterPro’s online courses, which come with a 98% satisfaction rate, when preparing for their insurance adjuster exam(s). These courses are a great way to boost your confidence and understanding of the material.

A comprehensive study package can include the Florida insurance adjuster exam, allowing you to apply for your license as soon as your course is complete.

24 Hour Agent Package

The 24 Hour Agent Package is designed to meet the Continuing Education Requirements for All Lines Adjusters.

This package includes 19 Credit Hours of State Approved Continuing Education in your line of licensing, as well as a 5 Hour Law Update Course.

Your courses are available to take for up to one year from date of purchase, giving you ample time to complete the requirements.

Agency and Licensing

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To become a licensed claims adjuster in Florida, you'll need to understand the agency and licensing requirements. DRLP must have an active appointment for at least one major LOA, such as life, health, or general lines.

As an agency, DRLP can only transact business for the lines of authority their agents are licensed and appointed for. Licensees and navigator registrants must notify the Department in writing within 30 days after a change in name, residence address, or contact information.

A Designated Home State (DHS) adjuster license is also required for career marketability and reciprocal licensing. This license is perpetual as long as the agent in charge is licensed.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

To get your insurance license in Florida, you'll need to undergo a fingerprinting and background check. The State of Florida requires this step for all insurance license applicants.

You'll process your fingerprints through IdentoGO, and the fee is $50.75. To make an appointment, you can visit their website or call them at (844) 321-2124.

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If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. You must pass your exam before making a reservation for fingerprinting.

You can reach out to the Florida Department of Insurance at (850) 413-3140 or send them an email if you have specific questions about your background check.

Choosing a Designated Home State

If you live in a state that doesn't require a license to operate, you might wonder why you need a Designated Home State (DHS) adjuster license.

You can operate in your home state without a license, but you won't be able to seek a reciprocal license in any other state, limiting your ability to work outside your state's boundaries.

Florida, Texas, and Indiana are states that offer a DHS adjuster license, which can give you the flexibility to apply for reciprocity licenses in other states without needing to take additional exams.

New York and California, however, don't have reciprocal agreements with Florida, so you'll still need to pass an insurance adjuster exam to become licensed in those states.

Having a DHS adjuster license can open up more career opportunities and make you more marketable in the industry.

What Is a DHS

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So, what is a DHS? It's an acronym that stands for Department of Homeland Security.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from various threats.

DHS was created in 2003 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

It has a broad range of responsibilities, including border security, disaster response, and cybersecurity.

One of the key roles of DHS is to coordinate efforts between different government agencies and organizations to prevent and respond to threats.

DHS also works to ensure the security of the country's transportation systems, including airports, seaports, and railroads.

Agency

To maintain a valid agency, DRLP must have an active appointment for at least one major LOA, such as life, health, or personal lines.

The license for an agency is perpetual as long as the agent in charge is licensed, so you don't have to worry about renewal.

However, the agency can only transact business for the lines of authority their agents are licensed and appointed for, so it's essential to keep this in mind.

You'll need to register your branch with the Department, but a license isn't required for this step.

If there's a change in your agency's details, such as a name or address change, you must notify the Department in writing within 30 days.

Appointments & Terminations

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Appointments are a crucial part of the insurance licensing process in Florida. Appointments must be submitted within 45 days of the appointment effective date, which is determined by the carrier and listed on the appointment form.

A $60 additional fee per county and a $6 fee must be paid for every county in which a nonresident agent intends to physically transact insurance. Nonresident Adjusters do not pay a county fee.

The effective date of an appointment is the date supplied on the transaction. It must not precede the effective date of the appointee's license, the appointer's license, or be in the future.

A $60 per appointment fee is required. This fee is non-negotiable and must be paid in full.

To ensure your license remains active, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements and maintain an active appointment. Operating without an appointment can cause your license to be placed inactive, and failure to complete CE can also lead to inactivity.

If you have a contract with a carrier that states notification can be via email, then email is a permissible method of notification.

Display Class on PDB

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Florida has made changes to display certain license classes on the PDB. Effective October 19, 2022, the Emergency Adjuster license class will be displayed.

If you're an insurance professional, it's essential to know that Florida is now including two new firm license classes on the PDB. These classes are Resident Insurance Adjuster Firm and Nonresident Insurance Adjuster Firm.

The Emergency Adjuster license class will be displayed on the PDB as of October 19, 2022. This change aims to provide more transparency and clarity for insurance professionals and consumers alike.

Florida has added Resident Insurance Adjuster Firm and Nonresident Insurance Adjuster Firm business entity license classes to the PDB. This update will help ensure that accurate information is readily available.

Continuing Education

Florida's continuing education requirements are a crucial part of maintaining your claims adjuster license. Effective December 20, 2024, Florida will start populating the Continuing Education Renewal Date on the Producer Database for Florida license classes that require Continuing Education.

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Florida has also granted a 60-day continuing education extension to all licensees with continuing education due in October, November, and December 2024, effective October 7, 2024. This extension can provide some much-needed breathing room for those who may be struggling to meet the deadline.

The All Lines Adjuster 6-20 Credit Hour Package is a great option for meeting your continuing education requirements, offering 19 Credit Hours of State Approved Continuing Education and a 5 Hour Law Update Course.

60-Day CE Extension

In Florida, a 60-day CE extension has been granted to all licensees with continuing education due in October, November, and December 2024.

This extension is effective as of October 7, 2024, and provides an extra two months for licensees to complete their required continuing education.

For more information on this extension, please see the attached document.

Populating Continuing Education Renewal Date in Producer Database

Florida is taking steps to make it easier for license holders to keep track of their continuing education requirements. Effective December 20, 2024, the state will start populating the Continuing Education Renewal Date on the Producer Database for Florida license classes that require Continuing Education.

This change will likely be a welcome relief for many license holders who currently have to manually track their renewal dates. The Producer Database will now automatically show the Continuing Education Renewal Date for eligible license classes.

Same Day Credit Hour Reporting

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You can rest assured that your credit hours will be reported to your State Department of Insurance on the same day as each course is completed, as long as it's done before 6 p.m. or later if closer to the expiration date.

We'll send you a confirmation email with directions on how to verify reporting and renew your license if necessary. This is a huge time-saver and helps you stay on top of your continuing education requirements.

If you need to make changes to your course selection, such as switching out courses for your All Lines Adjuster 6-20 24 Credit Hour Package, you can simply contact our office after purchase and we'll take care of it for you.

Your courses are available to take for up to one year from the date of purchase, giving you plenty of time to complete them at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two types of adjusters licenses in Florida?

In Florida, there are two types of adjuster licenses: the 6-20 Resident Adjuster for Florida residents and the 7-20 Nonresident Adjuster for non-residents. These licenses cater to different adjuster needs, with the 6-20 license allowing for staff or independent adjusting within the state.

What can I do with a 620 license in Florida?

With a 6-20 license in Florida, you can determine claim payouts and settle insurance claims, losses, or damages. This license allows you to handle various insurance-related tasks with authority.

How long does it take to get a Florida insurance adjuster license?

Licensing for a Florida insurance adjuster typically takes a few weeks to a few months to process. The exact timeframe may vary depending on individual circumstances.

How much does it cost to get your adjuster license in Florida?

To get your adjuster license in Florida, the license fee is $55. However, additional costs may apply for designations like PCA, which requires a course completion.

Sheldon Kuphal

Writer

Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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