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Florida Department of Financial Services 3-20 Public Adjuster State Licensing Examination | Core
Domains: Florida Insurance Code (Chapter 626, Part VI), Public Adjuster Contract & Fee Regulations,
Property Insurance Policy Analysis, Loss Estimation & Evaluation Procedures, Claim Handling &
Negotiation Ethics, Florida Building Code Applications, Mediation & Appraisal Processes, and
Prohibited Practices & Disciplinary Actions | Insurance Adjuster Licensing Focus | State-Specific
Licensing Exam Format
Exam Structure
The Florida 3-20 Public Adjusters State Exam for the 2026/2027 licensure cycle is a 150-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This Florida 3-20 Public Adjusters State Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares candidates for the
state licensing examination required to practice as a public insurance adjuster in Florida. The content
tests in-depth knowledge of Florida-specific insurance statutes, ethical claim handling practices, policy
interpretation, and the regulatory framework governing public adjuster conduct and client representation.
Answer Format
All correct answers and regulatory standards must be presented in bold and green, followed by detailed
rationales that cite specific Florida Statutes (Chapter 626), Florida Administrative Code rules, official DFS
bulletins, and ethical guidelines from the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA).
Full 150-Question Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster Exam
1. Under Florida Statute §626.854(1), what is the maximum fee a public adjuster may charge for services
related to a residential property insurance claim?
A. 15% of the total settlement
B. 10% of the total settlement
C. 20% if the claim is disputed
D. No limit if agreed in writing
Per Florida Statute §626.854(1), a public adjuster may not charge more than 10% of the total
settlement for services rendered on a residential property insurance claim. This cap applies regardless
of dispute status and is designed to protect consumers from excessive fees. Any contract exceeding this
limit is void and unenforceable under Florida law.
,2. When must a public adjuster provide a written contract to the insured under Florida law?
A. Within 48 hours of verbal agreement
B. Before performing any services or receiving payment
C. After the insurance company issues payment
D. Within 7 days of initial consultation
Florida Statute §626.854(2) requires that a public adjuster must provide a written contract to the
insured before performing any services or receiving payment. The contract must include
specific disclosures, including the 10% fee cap, the right to cancel within 3 business days, and the
adjuster’s license number. Failure to comply constitutes a violation subject to disciplinary action by the
DFS.
3. How long does an insured have to cancel a public adjuster contract without penalty under Florida law?
A. 24 hours
B. 48 hours
C. 3 business days
D. 7 calendar days
Florida Statute §626.854(3) grants the insured the right to cancel a public adjuster contract within 3
business days after signing, without penalty or obligation. The contract must clearly state this right
in at least 12-point bold type. Business days exclude weekends and legal holidays.
4. Which of the following actions is prohibited for a public adjuster under Florida Statute §626.854(8)?
A. Negotiating directly with the insurance company
B. Submitting a proof of loss on behalf of the insured
C. Soliciting business door-to-door within 72 hours after a natural disaster
D. Charging a contingency fee
Florida Statute §626.854(8) explicitly prohibits public adjusters from soliciting business
door-to-door within 72 hours after a natural disaster. This “cooling-off” period protects
vulnerable homeowners from high-pressure tactics during emergencies. Violation is a misdemeanor
and grounds for license suspension or revocation.
,5. What must be included in a public adjuster’s contract under Florida Administrative Code Rule
69B-180.003?
A. Estimated time to settle the claim
B. Name of the insurance company
C. The public adjuster’s license number and expiration date
D. Guarantee of claim approval
Florida Administrative Code Rule 69B-180.003 mandates that every public adjuster contract must
contain the public adjuster’s license number and expiration date. Additional required elements
include the 10% fee cap notice, cancellation rights, and a statement that the adjuster does not guarantee
claim outcomes. Omission renders the contract non-compliant.
6. Under Florida law, when may a public adjuster share fees with an unlicensed person?
A. If the unlicensed person referred the client
B. Never
C. Only if the person is a licensed attorney or another licensed public adjuster
D. With written consent from the insured
Florida Statute §626.854(6) permits fee sharing only with a licensed attorney or another licensed
public adjuster. Sharing fees with unlicensed individuals (e.g., contractors, real estate agents) is
strictly prohibited and considered rebating, which is a disciplinary offense under Chapter 626.
7. What is the minimum surety bond amount required for a Florida 3-20 public adjuster license as of
2026?
A. $10,000
B. $50,000
C. $100,000
D. $25,000
Per Florida Statute §626.854(10), the minimum surety bond required for a 3-20 public adjuster license
is $50,000. This bond protects consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, or financial misconduct.
The bond must remain active for the duration of licensure.
, 8. Which entity regulates public adjusters in Florida?
A. Florida Bar Association
B. Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)
C. Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)
D. Florida Real Estate Commission
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) is the primary regulatory body for public
adjusters under Chapter 626, Part VI. While the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) oversees insurers,
DFS handles licensing, complaints, and discipline of public adjusters.
9. A public adjuster must notify DFS of a change in address within how many days?
A. 10 days
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. Immediately
Florida Administrative Code Rule 69B-180.004 requires licensees to notify DFS of any change in
business or mailing address within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in administrative penalties or
license non-renewal.
10. Under Florida law, can a public adjuster also act as a contractor on the same claim?
A. Yes, if disclosed in writing
B. No, it is a prohibited conflict of interest
C. Only for minor repairs
D. Yes, with insurer approval
Florida Statute §626.854(7) explicitly prohibits a public adjuster from acting as a contractor on the
same claim, deeming it a prohibited conflict of interest. This prevents self-dealing and ensures the
adjuster’s loyalty remains solely with the insured.