Getting your Adjuster License in Florida is the first step to becoming an independent insurance adjuster.
Cost
License course: $299+
Application fee: $55
Fingerprint fee: $51
License Appointment: $60
Time
Total time: 2-4 weeks
Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Florida begins with getting your adjuster license. We’re here to make the licensing process easy.
On this page you’ll find step-by-step instructions to find the best adjuster license course, pass your exam, and apply for the Florida Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Florida Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Florida adjuster license there’s a few requirements you’ll need to ensure you qualify.
You must be 18 years of age or older
You must be a resident of Florida (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
You must be a citizen of the United States or legal immigrant with work authorization
You cannot hold a resident license in any other state
You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)
If you’re not a resident of Florida and live in a non-licensing state, the license you’ll need is the Florida 70-20 DHS license.
To get an Florida Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course including the certification exam, file your application and fees, then submit your proof of work authorization and fingerprints.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Florida adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $470.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Florida adjuster license? If you take the proper time to study and pass the certification exam on your first attempt, the process should take around 3-4 weeks.
Step 1: Florida Adjuster License Course and Certification
This course will award you with the Certified All-Lines Adjuster (CALA) certification, which looks great on a resume and precludes you from taking the state adjuster exam.
Once you’ve passed your exam, the next step is to apply for your license.
The application process starts on the Florida Department of Financial Services (FSDS) website.
Using the MyProfile system, create an account, then follow the internal steps to submit your application.
The application fee is $55.
Note
Military members and their spouses may be eligible for waived licensing fees. Check this page for more info and to apply.
Step 3: Submit Prerequisite Documentation
Note
If taking a Kaplan course, skip this step.
Once you’ve applied for your license, you’ll need to submit your course completion and certification documentation to the Florida DFS license department.
Your course provider will provide you with a certificate of completion showing that you’ve achieved a certification that allows you to skip the state exam.
Some course providers send this document to the state for you, but you should confirm this to ensure the state has what they need to move forward with your application.
Step 4: Submit Proof of Work Authorization and Fingerprints
Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to complete your proof of work authorization and submit your fingerprints.
Proof of Work Authorization – 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.
Fingerprints – Submit your fingerprints through IdentoGo electronically via LiveScan or submit through the mail via fingerprint cards. The fingerprint fee is $50.75 paid to the vendor.
Note
Submitting your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any past offenses on your record and are curious of your eligibility for an insurance license, read these guidelines for applicants with criminal histories.
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 the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Licensing’s online portal.
Step 5: Adjuster 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 are now a licensed insurance adjuster in Florida!
After Getting Your 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.
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.
The best states to start with are generally those that neighbor your home state. For Florida, this includes:
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina
Mississippi
All these 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 Adjuster License 6-20 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.