Florida residents may find it helpful to simplify and unpack the many license types and categories that are available. This will ensure that you get the best possible route to obtaining exactly what you need by using the most direct methods.
The three main categories of Florida adjuster licenses are the 6 series (the most basic), the 5 series and the 3 series.
The 6 Series Licenses Company Adjuster Licenses
The license types held by Company adjusters are listed in the 6 series. What is a Company Adjuster? Florida Dept. The Florida Dept. An employee of an insurance company is also known as a “staff” adjuster. To be eligible for this type of license, you must be employed by an insurance company. These 6 series types are discussed in detail below: 6-20, 6-44, 6-21 and 6-24.
The 5 Series- Independent Adjuster Licenses
The five series are license types held by Independent adjusters. Independent adjusters refer to adjusters who are either self-employed, associated with or employed directly by an independent adjusting company or another independent adjuster. While an independent adjuster can be an employee, as long as they are employed by an adjusting company rather than directly, they are considered independent. Many adjusters are interested in handling claims that result from catastrophic events, such as hurricane Wilma. The 5 series license would be preferred by adjusters interested in handling claims resulting from catastrophic events (e.g. Hurricane Wilma). Notably, unlike the 6 series licenses, you don’t need to be working or contracted for work when you apply for the license. The following types of licenses are available, just like the 6 series: 5-20, 5-44 and 5-21.
3 Series – Public Adjuster License
The license types that Public adjusters hold are listed in the 3 series. In that they represent the insurer, not the company, public adjusters are distinct from Independent or Company adjusters. The following is the definition of a public adjuster by FLDFS:
Any person who prepares, files, or completes an insurance claim form on behalf an insured party claimant, or who acts or assists in any way on behalf an insured party claimant in negotiating or effecting settlement of a claim for loss or damage covered under an insurance contract. This also includes anyone who solicits, investigates or adjusts such claims for any public adjuster.
License compliance and licensing for public adjusters are handled differently from Independent and Company licensing. You will need to be bonded before you can become licensed. To earn a full 3-series license, you will need to complete an apprenticeship (license type T31-20) for a year.
We’ll be focusing exclusively on the 6 and 5 series adjuster licenses, as the 3 series licenses are of a different breed. Let’s take a look at these types:
All-Lines: 6-20, 5-20
Both the 6-20 and 5-20 licenses are All-Lines. All-Lines means that you can handle all lines of insurance. You can handle all types of insurance claims, including Auto, Property & Casualty, Workers Compensation, with the 6-20 Company All-Lines and 5-20 Independent licenses.
Property & Casualty – 6-44, 5-44
The -44s are the Property & Casualty adjuster license types. Property & Casualty would cover residential and commercial property and liability cases, but it would not include Auto, Health, and Workers Comp.
Auto: 6-21, 5-21
The -21s are for Auto and Motor Vehicle Physical Damage and Motor Vehicle Mechanical Breakdown. You should only be handling damage claims for vehicles caused by weather events and accidents. This license is for you if you plan to solely handle claims for damage caused by accidents or weather events (e.g. hail).
Workers Comp. 6-24, 5-24
The -24s are Workers’ Compensation claims adjusting. Workers’ Compensation adjusters decide which benefits are to be paid to employees who have been injured at work.
What Florida License Should You Get?
First, identify the series. Follow the example of an insurance company if you are a salaried employee. However, if you’re looking to get into the independent sector and are either employed or contract to work as such, the 5 series is the best option. It is as simple as applying for the 5-20 adjuster licence as the 5-22, 5-21, and 5-24. This license gives you maximum flexibility and allows you to search for your claim niche without limitations.
You can switch to the 6 Series license by obtaining a 5 series license first and then gaining full-time employment with an insurance company. This is a simple process that doesn’t require any further coursework or examination.
The bottom line: Regardless of which license you are interested in, there are many Florida-approved Designations that you can use to instantly obtain licensure. These Designations are the fastest and most secure way to obtain the correct Florida adjuster license.
