What Each One Actually Does
A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who values, documents, files, and negotiates your claim to get you the full payout your policy owes. An insurance attorney is a lawyer who pursues legal action — typically for breach of contract or bad faith — when the carrier violates the policy or the law.
| Public Adjuster | Insurance Attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Valuing, documenting & negotiating the claim | Litigation, bad faith, legal disputes |
| Typical fee | Capped % of the recovery (Fla. Stat. § 626.854) | Contingency %, often higher |
| When to use | First — most claims resolve here | When the carrier breaks the contract or acts in bad faith |
| Goes to court | No | Yes, when necessary |
| Upfront cost | $0 | Usually $0 (contingency) |
Start With a Public Adjuster
The vast majority of underpaid and denied Florida claims are resolved through documentation and negotiation — no lawsuit required. A public adjuster rebuilds the claim with objective evidence and a fair estimate, then negotiates or escalates to appraisal or mediation. This is faster and less costly than litigation, and it often makes a lawsuit unnecessary.
When You Need an Attorney
If the carrier is acting in bad faith, wrongfully refuses to pay a clearly covered claim, or the dispute becomes a legal matter beyond claim valuation, an attorney becomes the right tool. The good news: a public adjuster and an attorney work well together — the public adjuster handles the valuation and documentation while the attorney handles the legal action.
For most homeowners, the smartest path is: public adjuster first, attorney only if the carrier forces it. We coordinate with attorneys when litigation is truly warranted.
This information is general and educational, not legal advice. Florida statutes and fee rules can change; review your specific fee agreement and consult the current Florida Statutes or an attorney for your situation.
