October 22, 2026 | Florida Insurance News & Policyholder Rights
Could your homeowners insurance company deny your claim simply because you hired a licensed public adjuster to help you?
That troubling question is now at the center of a Florida Attorney General investigation.
On October 20, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into possible agreements among insurance companies to restrict homeowners from hiring licensed public adjusters. His office issued a subpoena to Velocity Risk Underwriters, LLC, seeking documents related to these practices.
For Florida homeowners, particularly those living in hurricane-prone coastal communities such as Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast, this investigation raises important questions about insurance coverage, policyholder representation, and the claims process.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is Florida Investigating Insurance Companies Over Public Adjusters?
The investigation centers on insurance policy provisions known as anti-public adjuster clauses.
These provisions may prohibit homeowners from hiring a public adjuster to assist with their property insurance claim. According to the Attorney General’s announcement, certain policies could allow an insurer to reject an entire claim if a homeowner hires one.
The investigation is examining whether Velocity Risk Underwriters and other insurance companies coordinated their efforts to restrict the use of public adjusters, potentially limiting claim payments.
The subpoena requests records involving insurance industry associations, communications with other insurers, and possible agreements concerning these restrictions.
Important: This is an ongoing investigation. The announcement does not establish that Velocity or any other insurer violated the law.
What Is an Anti-Public Adjuster Clause?
An anti-public adjuster clause is a provision in an insurance policy that restricts or prohibits a policyholder from hiring a public adjuster.
Why does this matter?
When you file a homeowners insurance claim, the insurance company typically assigns an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine what the company believes is covered.
A licensed public adjuster, on the other hand, represents the policyholder.
Public adjusters can help homeowners:
- Identify and document property damage.
- Prepare detailed repair estimates.
- Review applicable insurance policy provisions.
- Organize and submit claim documentation.
- Communicate and negotiate with the insurance company.
Restrictions on hiring a public adjuster may leave homeowners without their preferred professional representation during an already stressful process.
How Could This Investigation Affect Florida Homeowners?
The investigation raises several important concerns for policyholders.
1. Your Ability to Choose Professional Claims Assistance
Homeowners should understand the terms of their insurance policy before filing a claim or hiring professional assistance.
Florida licenses public adjusters to represent policyholders in property insurance claims. However, certain insurance contracts may contain provisions restricting that representation.
The enforceability of these particular restrictions is a matter of legal dispute.
What homeowners should do: Review your policy, including all endorsements, and seek qualified guidance if you discover language restricting public adjusters.
2. The Risk of Claim Denials
Imagine experiencing significant hurricane damage, hiring a licensed public adjuster to help document your losses, and then learning that your insurance company is relying on a policy provision to reject your claim.
That is the type of situation raising concern in the Attorney General’s investigation.
Not every Florida homeowners policy contains such a provision, and the investigation does not mean all insurers are denying claims for hiring public adjusters.
However, homeowners with affected policies should understand the potential consequences before taking action.
3. The Importance of Accurate Insurance Settlements
Property insurance claims can involve substantial repair expenses, including roofing, structural damage, water intrusion, and damaged personal belongings.
The Attorney General’s announcement stated that homeowners represented by public adjusters may receive up to 30% more in claim payments than those without representation.
That figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed increase. Individual claim outcomes depend on the damage, policy coverage, supporting evidence, and other circumstances.
The broader concern is whether homeowners should be restricted from obtaining independent professional assistance when pursuing payment for covered losses.
Are All Florida Homeowners Affected?
No. The investigation particularly concerns certain policies issued through the surplus lines insurance market.
Surplus lines policies often provide coverage for properties that are difficult to insure through traditional insurance companies.
Examples may include:
- Coastal and beachfront homes.
- Properties with older roofs.
- Homes exposed to significant hurricane risks.
- Properties that do not meet standard insurers’ underwriting requirements.
These policies can contain different terms, conditions, and regulatory protections than standard admitted-market insurance policies.
For homeowners in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, and surrounding Treasure Coast communities, understanding these distinctions is especially important.
What Should You Do If Your Insurance Policy Restricts Public Adjusters?
If you discover a provision restricting public adjusters, don’t assume the restriction is automatically enforceable—or that it can safely be ignored.
Instead:
- Review your complete insurance policy. Look for endorsements mentioning public adjusters, claim representation, or restrictions on outside assistance.
- Request clarification in writing. Ask your insurer or insurance agent to explain any restrictions and how they apply to your policy.
- Keep copies of all communications. Save correspondence, claim documents, estimates, and denial letters.
- Verify professional licenses. Make sure any public adjuster you consider hiring is properly licensed in Florida.
- Seek appropriate guidance. A Florida insurance attorney can advise you about disputed policy language and your legal rights.
If your insurer has denied or threatened to deny a claim because you hired a public adjuster, consider seeking legal advice promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Adjusters and Florida Insurance Claims
Can a Florida insurance company deny my claim for hiring a public adjuster?
Certain policies reportedly contain provisions allowing insurers to deny claims when a public adjuster is hired. Whether those provisions are legally enforceable depends on the policy and applicable law. The Florida Attorney General’s investigation is examining potentially unlawful coordination involving these restrictions.
Do I have the right to hire a public adjuster in Florida?
Florida law licenses and regulates public adjusters. However, disputes involving specific policy restrictions may require legal review. Homeowners should examine their policy terms and obtain qualified advice when necessary.
What is the difference between an insurance company adjuster and a public adjuster?
An insurance company adjuster evaluates claims for the insurer. A public adjuster is hired by and represents the policyholder in preparing, presenting, and negotiating property insurance claims.
What is surplus lines homeowners insurance?
Surplus lines insurance provides coverage for risks that may be difficult to insure through the standard admitted insurance market. These policies may have different contractual terms and regulatory protections.
Can a public adjuster help with a denied or underpaid insurance claim?
A licensed public adjuster may help review damage estimates, document losses, prepare supplemental claims, and negotiate with the insurance company, subject to applicable law and policy terms. Legal coverage disputes may require an attorney.
Claims Aid Consultants: Helping Florida Policyholders Navigate Property Insurance Claims
At Claims Aid Consultants Public Adjusters, we believe homeowners and business owners deserve clear information, careful damage documentation, and professional assistance when navigating property insurance claims.
As Florida’s Attorney General investigates restrictions on public adjusters, this development highlights the importance of understanding your insurance policy before a loss occurs.
Our team assists policyholders in Port St. Lucie, throughout the Treasure Coast, and other Florida communities with property insurance claims involving hurricane damage, windstorms, water damage, fires, and other covered losses.
Have questions about a property insurance claim?
Contact Claims Aid Consultants to discuss your situation and learn how a licensed public adjuster may be able to assist you.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. The investigation is ongoing, and no finding of wrongdoing is implied. Insurance coverage and policyholder rights depend on individual policy terms and applicable law.
