How To Get A Florida 70-20 DHS License

If you are working to become an independent insurance adjuster, but live in a state that doesn’t license insurance adjusters, the Florida 70-20 DHS license is what you need.

Most IA firms only work with licensed adjusters – and if you live in one of the 16 non-licensing states – this is where the designated home state license comes in.

The Florida 70-20 DHS license has the same reciprocity as other DHS states (like Texas), but the licensing process is faster and the exam is easier – which is why we recommend Florida as the best adjuster DHS state.

Florida 70-20 DHS Adjuster License Requirements

Before getting into the steps required to get the license, there are a few pre-requisite requirements you’ll need to fill.

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must not be a resident of Florida (FL residents use the Florida 6-20 Adjuster License)
• You must be a citizen of the United States or legal immigrant with work authorization
• You must not have a resident adjuster license or DHS adjuster license in any state
• You must be able to pass a criminal history background check

Florida DHS Adjuster Pre-License Course

We mentioned above that the Florida adjuster licensing process has been streamlined, which is why we recommend it as the best state to get your DHS license in.

The area of the process that has been streamlined is the exam step. The original process requires purchasing an exam-prep course, then studying for and taking an in-person state adjuster exam. 

The new method is much simpler. Certain companies offer adjuster courses that grant you an adjuster certification, which allows you to skip the state exam.

Check out our review of the Best Adjuster License Courses of 2026!

You’ll still take a comprehensive exam to show that you have the knowledge required to hold the license, but instead of paying a per-attempt fee and driving to a testing center, you’ll take the test in your own home – covering the specific material from the course.

This improves your chances of passing the exam the first time, and saves time and money through the licensing process.

How to Get Your Florida 70-20 DHS Adjuster License

To get a Florida DHS Adjuster license, you’ll file your application and fees, submit fingerprints, complete a test-prep course, pass the exam, then appoint your license.

A common question we receive is: How much is the Florida 70-20 DHS adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $410.

Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Florida 70-20 DHS adjuster license? If you take the proper time to study and pass the exam on your first attempt, the process should take around 3-4 weeks.

Step 1: Florida 70-20 Adjuster License Application – FDFS

The first step towards getting your Florida DHS license is to complete and submit your application.

The application is located in the MyProfile system on the FLDFS (Florida Department of Financial Services) website. You’ll use MyProfile throughout the license process.

The total application fee is $55.

Step 2: Submit Fingerprints and Background Check

After applying, the next step is to have your fingerprints taken.

The vendor you’ll use in this process is IdentoGo. Schedule an appointment using their online system.

In the dropdowns, choose DFS – Dept. of Financial Resources as the agency, then FDOI APPLICANT INSURANCE AGENT as the ori number.

The fee for fingerprinting services is $50.75.

Your appointment will be at a LiveScan location nearest you. If there is no location close enough to you, you can choose to submit your fingerprints through the mail. Only choose this option if you truly can’t travel to a LiveScan location. 

If you are not a US citizen, you will need to submit your proof of your Legal Alien With Work Authorization status by emailing Florida Department of Financial Services or uploading the documents in MyProfile.

Step 3. Florida 70-20 Adjuster Exam

Once you’ve submitted your application and fingerprints, the next step is to pass the Florida DHS Adjuster Exam.

To register to take the exam, use the Pearson VUE Florida Insurance page. 

The price for each attempt of the exam is $44.

You must score at least 70% on the exam to pass.

Is the Florida DHS Adjuster Exam Hard?

A common question we receive is: Is the adjuster exam hard?

Difficulty is a subjective matter, but we answer this question with: Yes. The exam is intentionally tough.

Don’t let this discourage you. Keep in mind that most folks who take this exam haven’t taken any formal tests since high school or college. The state intentionally makes these tests difficult in the hopes of protecting the average citizen from working with adjusters who don’t understand the laws and guidelines surrounding insurance.

The key to passing the exam is to take your exam-prep course seriously and allow yourself time for in-depth study. 

Check out our Adjuster Exam Study Guide for tips and strategies to pass your exam on the first attempt.

Application and Background Check Processing

Once you’ve completed all of the steps above you’ll just need to wait for the background check to come back and the licensing department to process all the paperwork. The FDFS will contact you if they need any supporting documentation or have any questions. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests.

If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive a message from the licensing department within a week or so containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using MyProfile.

Step 4. License Appointment

In order to activate your license, Florida requires one more step: appointing your license.

If your plan is to be an independent adjuster, you will “self-appoint” – meaning you will use your own name in the appointment section.

If you will be a staff adjuster, your employer will give you the information to put in the appointment section – or they may set your appointment for you.

If you aren’t yet sure which direction you’ll take, go ahead and self appoint for now. You can always change this in the future.

Appointments are set through your MyProfile account. The fee for setting a license appointment is $60. 

Congratulations! You’ve got your DHS license, and can call yourself a licensed insurance adjuster in Florida!

After Getting Your DHS License

Now that you’re licensed, you can get to work! Most folks take one of two paths at this point. They choose to become an independent adjuster or a staff adjuster.

The main difference is that staff adjusters are employed by one firm, usually an insurance company, whereas independent adjusters operate as contractors, normally being “rostered” to multiple Independent Adjusting (IA) firms.

If you’re interested in becoming a staff adjuster, check out the current job openings on StateRequirement Jobs. 

If the independent adjuster role is more alluring (we think it is), check out this IA Directory.

Adjuster Certifications

To be considered a great candidate for IA firms or insurance companies, you’ll need to prove that you know how to actually work an insurance claim. Certifications show that you know your stuff and will give you a strong advantage over other candidates. 

While there are several adjuster certifications available, focus on Xactimate and Insurance Company certs first.

Xactimate Certifications

Xactimate is the industry standard software used by adjusters and insurance companies. There are three levels of certification offered by Xactimate. 

You should strongly consider levels one and two now, and look into level three after you’ve spent some time in the field.

Insurance Company Adjuster Certifications

Large insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and others require that adjusters (staff or independent) get their specific certifications. 

To get these certs, you’ll need to be on the roster of an IA firm that works with that company. They offer courses to their adjusters throughout the year. Staff adjusters that work for the insurance company will be provided training and certification through their employer.

It’s widely accepted that State Farm’s adjuster certification is the most valuable insurance company cert. They are the largest insurer in the US, and therefore have more claims than other insurers.

Out-of-State and Reciprocal Licensing

Most claims, especially catastrophe (CAT) claims come from weather events. And since you can’t control the weather, you should get licenses in states outside your home state. These are called Non-Resident Adjuster Licenses.

IA firms are much more likely to both roster you and select you for work if you are licensed in states where they operate. If you’re already on a roster or two, talk with your contact there to see if they recommend a state to get licensed in.

Other states offer what’s called reciprocation with Florida. This means that you don’t need to take a pre-licensing course or pass an exam in order to get their license. All you need to do is apply, pay the fee, and you’ll be licensed quickly.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

The Florida DHS Adjuster License 70-20 expires every two years. To keep your license active, you must:

• Complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework

Any additional non-resident licenses you hold will also expire. Most state licenses expire every two years and require a renewal fee. Note that unless the state specifically requires it, you will not be required to take CE courses for each state – just your home state.