Short answer: A public adjuster is someone you hire, usually for a percentage of the claim payment, to handle a property claim with your insurer. In the states below, public adjusters must be licensed, and the law gives you a short window to cancel the contract: 3 business days in California (5 calendar days after a disaster), 72 hours in Colorado, 3 business days in Nebraska and 10 days in Florida. Colorado, Florida and Iowa cap fees, at least after a declared disaster or emergency.
You don't have to hire a public adjuster to file a claim. If you do, read the contract before you sign, especially the fee and cancellation terms.
The table
| State | License | Fees and cancellation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Must be licensed by the Department of Insurance; unlicensed activity carries civil penalties up to $10,000, or $25,000 if willful | Contract must state the fee percentage and base and the $20,000 surety bond notice. You can cancel within 3 business days, or 5 calendar days after a disaster. Fee can't all come from the first insurer check; no soliciting during the loss event or 6 p.m.–8 a.m. contact unless you ask | Cal. Ins. Code §§15006, 15027 |
| Colorado | Must be licensed as a public adjuster to act or advertise as one | Fee capped at 10% of the settlement after a catastrophic disaster, and no fee before settlement. You can rescind in writing to the insurer and adjuster, mailed within 72 hours of signing | C.R.S. §10-2-417 |
| Florida | Public adjusters are licensed and regulated by statute | Fees capped at 10% of payments for claims tied to a governor's state of emergency (during the year after the declaration) and 20% otherwise, with lower caps when the insurer quickly pays policy limits. You can cancel within 10 days of signing, or after an emergency within 30 days of the loss or 10 days of signing, whichever is longer | Fla. Stat. §626.854 |
| Iowa | You can't act as, or claim to be, a public adjuster without a license; services require a written contract on a form approved by the commissioner | Fees can't exceed 15% of claim payments approved by the insurer for noncatastrophic claims, or 10% for catastrophic disaster claims. You can rescind as provided in Iowa Code ch. 555A, and anything of value must be returned within 15 business days | Iowa Code §§522C.4, 522C.10 |
| Kentucky | Must be licensed and work only on a written contract using a form prefiled with and approved by the commissioner. Fees may be hourly, flat or a percentage, but must be reasonable and can't exceed 10% of settlement proceeds you actually receive | You can rescind in writing within 5 business days after getting the physical contract, or 10 days after signing if it relates to a declared state of emergency. Services generally can't start until the rescission period ends (2026 amendments apply to contracts from July 15, 2026) | KRS 304.9-433, 304.9-4333 |
| Louisiana | Must be licensed; the contract must be in writing, titled "Public Adjuster Contract," and show the license number and full fee. Under R.S. 22:1703 as posted on legis.la.gov, the fee must be reasonable, and a fee contingent on or calculated as a percentage of the claim payment makes the contract void | You can rescind in writing within 3 business days after signing; anything you paid is returned within 15 business days. If the insurer pays or commits to pay policy limits within 72 hours of the report, the adjuster gets only reasonable time-and-expense pay | La. R.S. 22:1703, 22:1704 |
| Massachusetts | Must be licensed by the commissioner (exam, 2 years of property-loss adjusting experience, background check; renewed every 3 years with 15 hours of continuing education). Acting without a license can mean a fine up to $10,000 or up to 6 months in jail | The contract must use a commissioner-approved form. You can cancel without penalty within 3 calendar days of receiving your copy, and revoke later, subject to the adjuster's lien for the agreed percentage fee on proceeds secured through their work | Mass. G.L. c. 175, § 172 |
| Nebraska | Contracts must be in writing, titled "Public Adjuster Contract," and list the adjuster's license number and a bond attestation | You can rescind in writing within 3 business days after signing; anything of value must be returned within 15 days of the rescission notice. Fee percentages and expenses must be stated in the contract | Neb. Rev. Stat. §44-9214 |
| New York | Must be licensed as a public adjuster to act for an insured; licensees must file a $1,000 surety bond | No right to a fee unless it's in a written memorandum you sign that defines the amount. The maximum fee is set by Department of Financial Services regulation. Public adjusters must act in your best interests and disclose referral fees | N.Y. Ins. Law §2108 |
| Texas | Must hold a Texas public insurance adjuster license to act or advertise as one | Total commission can't exceed 10% of the settlement; no percentage fee if the insurer pays or commits to pay policy limits within 72 hours of the loss report. Contract must let you cancel by written notice within 72 hours of signing | Tex. Ins. Code §§4102.051, 4102.103, 4102.104 |
We list only states where we read the official text ourselves in October 2026. A state that is missing is not covered here; check that state's statute or insurance department.
Before you hire a public adjuster
- Verify the license on your state insurance department's website.
- Read the fee terms: the percentage and what it applies to.
- Note your cancellation deadline and how notice must be sent.
- Be cautious with door-to-door offers right after a disaster. California bars soliciting during the loss event itself.
See also insurance claim deadlines by state and Illinois public adjusters after storms.
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Methodology
Each row was read from the official source linked in the Source column in October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See also the state insurance rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
Do public adjusters need a license?
Yes, in each state in this table. California's penalties for unlicensed activity reach $10,000, or $25,000 if willful.
How much can a public adjuster charge?
Florida caps fees at 10% for emergency-related claims during the year after the declaration and 20% otherwise. Colorado caps fees at 10% after a catastrophic disaster. California requires the fee percentage in the contract.
Can I cancel a public adjuster contract?
Yes, within 3 business days in California (5 calendar days after a disaster), 72 hours in Colorado, and 10 days in Florida, longer after a declared emergency.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.