Public insurance adjusters can be useful if you think your claim was poorly handled, if your damage is severe or if you simply want an insurance professional to navigate the claims process on your behalf.

Although not required in the state of Florida, retaining the services of an adjuster can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Despite it is the client who pays a public adjuster, many times the service is invaluable.

Florida now has almost 175,000 licensed public and independent adjusters, the DFS said.

A public adjuster is a person or business that can be hired by a policyholder to negotiate an insurance claim with the insurance company. Public adjusters are hired by the policyholder; they are not employees of insurance companies.