Free Claim Review

What We Do

A Public Adjuster exists to protect you and your claim

In the aftermath of a fire, you’re suddenly expected to make high‑stakes decisions while you’re still processing the shock of what happened. As a Public Adjuster in Jacksonville, FL, we provide clear, professional insurance claim help so you don’t have to go through this process alone.

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What is a Public Adjuster?

Insurance companies have their own adjusters whose job is to protect the insurer’s interests. As your licensed Public Adjuster in Jacksonville, we protect your interests.

When you hire a Public Adjuster, you get an advocate who helps you:

  • Understand what your insurance policy actually covers
  • Prepare and document your fire damage claim correctly
  • Comply with your insurer’s requirements
  • Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Negotiate a fair, full settlement

You have the right to choose your own Public Adjuster

Many homeowners don’t realize this, but you are not required to rely solely on the insurance company’s adjuster.

You have the legal right to hire your own fire damage Public Adjuster in Jacksonville who will:

  • Advocate for you
  • Protect your claim
  • Help you make informed decisions
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What are the different types of adjusters?

Insurance company adjuster Independent adjuster Public adjuster
Who hires them Employed directly by the insurance company Hired by the insurance company on contract Hired by you, the policyholder
Who they represent The insurance company The insurance company The policyholder
Primary responsibility Protect the insurance company’s interests Protect the insurance company’s and Third-Party Administrator’s interests Protect your interests
Whose side they’re on The insurer The insurer Your side
Who controls their work The insurance company The insurance company The policyholder
Focus of their role Managing and settling claims for the insurer Managing and settling claims for the insurer Preparing, documenting, and negotiating your claim, protecting your interests at all times
Fiduciary duty to act in your best interest No No Yes
Licensed to advocate for you No No Yes, this is their sole role

All three types of adjusters may be licensed by the State of Florida, but a Public Adjuster is the only one legally licensed and required to represent you.

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National attention on the role of Public Adjusters

We were glad to see Good Morning America highlight the important role Public Adjusters play in helping homeowners navigate insurance claims and protect their interests during difficult moments.

What we offer you

Clear direction and peace of mind

You receive step-by-step insurance claim help after fire damage through our GPS approach: Guidance, Preparation, and Settlement. You always know what’s happening and what comes next.

We manage communication with the insurance company and help you meet your policy obligations, reducing frustration and uncertainty.
We make sure nothing important is overlooked. Your fire damage claim is fully documented using reports, photos, measurements, estimates, and expert input.
You receive direction on protecting your property, documenting additional living expenses, and understanding what your policy allows.
We will advise against the premature hiring of contractors until damages, job specifications, and the cost of the job are known, agreed to, and paid for by the carrier.
SEE HOW WE’VE HELPED OUR CLIENTS

Why should I hire a Public Adjuster?

After a fire or major loss, you’re suddenly expected to prove your claim, understand a complex insurance policy, and meet strict requirements—all while you’re dealing with disruption, stress, and real life.

A Public Adjuster helps because:

  • The burden of proof is on you. Your policy requires you to document and justify your loss in specific ways.
  • Insurance policies are complex. They’re often dozens of pages long, filled with exclusions, conditions, and technical language that can affect your settlement.
  • Missing a requirement can cost you. Overlooking a policy condition or deadline can reduce your payment or even jeopardize your claim.
  • The process is time-consuming and detailed. Preparing, documenting, and negotiating a claim properly takes time, experience, and organization.

You’ve paid your premiums, now get what you deserve

A Public Adjuster helps you pursue the settlement you’re entitled to, with guidance, advocacy, and support every step of the way.
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What important people say about Public Adjusters

“I understand what an important place public insurance adjusters have in the whole scheme of the world of insurance. What would we do without Public Adjusters? Where would people go if they had no other place to turn?”
Alex SinkFormer Florida Chief Financial Officer
“Many people describe their insurance claim experience as a full-time job. Negotiating a fair claim settlement can be very challenging, especially after an emotionally devastating catastrophe… If you rely completely on your insurance company to calculate the amount of damage and what you’re owed, you are unlikely to recover a full or fair settlement.”
Amy BachCo-founder of United Policyholders
“Since I was President of the Senate during Hurricane Andrew, I can tell how much I appreciate the fact that Public Adjusters are waging this campaign and making people understand that there’s help out there.”
Gwen MargolisFlorida State Senator
“Your interests and the interests of your insurance carrier are not aligned, despite what the commercials say. A public adjuster is experienced when it comes to handling insurance claims and can efficiently guide you through the process. Nine times out of ten, this will lead to a more accurate initial estimate from the carrier, which will eliminate the need for numerous claim supplements and lead to a much faster resolution of the claim.”
Chip MerlinFounder and President of Merlin Law Group
“Anybody who thinks you don’t need help as a consumer, stand there on your own and fight a company that has the level of expertise and sophistication and economic leverage of an insurance company when all these complex issues related to the technical language of your policy… this is complex. Just the nature of this… I might just want to seek out some help from somebody.”
Keith PerryFlorida Senator
“The best time to hire an adjuster is at the beginning of a big claim. This allows the adjuster the most time—and therefore, the best chance—to expedite your claim. If you didn’t hire a public claims adjuster, you could find yourself in the midst of a claims-related nightmare. However, you can still bring in a public adjuster to help after you have started your claim.”
insure.com
"Some people say, 'Oh, you don't need to give that percentage to a public adjuster.’ But it was so much worth it, and it was a good deal, and it was absolutely worth it."
Kimberly DanielsFlorida Representative

FAQ about hiring a Public Adjuster

A Public Adjuster is a licensed and bonded professional who assists policyholders with their property damage claims. A Public Adjuster represents you, not the insurance company.

Florida began licensing Public Adjusters in 1957, but they were practising in Florida before this. The Public Adjusting profession has been in America since the 1880s, and every state except two has licensed Public Adjusters.
A FAPIA Public Adjuster belongs to the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and are able to take advantage of the best quality continuing education training in the country. FAPIA members also have access to a network of resources to best assist you in handling your insurance claim.

Yes, you can. But be prepared to document all aspects of your loss, try to understand the insurance policy you purchased, and follow through with the agent and the company. Your insurance policy is a binding contract, and both parties have obligations and duties to fulfill within certain time frames. Navigating all of this while suffering a loss is stressful, and if not done properly, you can give up some of your rights and find yourself in an unfavorable position.

The insurance company has its own insurance professional expert representing it. Shouldn’t you have professional representation too? You deserve to have someone looking out for your best interests.

No, they are not. Their services are available only to the insured public, not the insurance company. We’re here to represent you.
A licensed Public Adjuster works only for you, making sure your loss is fully documented, policy conditions are met, and your claim is presented clearly and accurately so you don’t leave money on the table or risk costly mistakes.
Public adjusters are licensed professionals who know how to interpret complex insurance policies, document losses to insurer standards, and negotiate claims based on current insurance laws and regulations. They handle the technical work, like preparing detailed documentation, meeting policy requirements, and advocating directly with the insurance company. They ensure your claim is presented properly and your interests are protected.

Hiring us at the beginning of your fire claim puts you in the strongest possible position. When we’re involved from day one, we can guide the strategy, shape communication with the insurance carrier, and help prevent costly missteps before they happen.

Waiting until after a coverage decision or initial payment has been made limits what can be influenced. In many cases, supplemental claims require more work, which means higher fees.

No, many homeowners contact a fire damage Public Adjuster in Jacksonville days or even weeks after a fire. In many cases, help is still possible even if your claim has already started.
No, a good Public Adjuster keeps you informed and involved while handling the technical and time-consuming work for you.
Proper preparation often prevents delays caused by missing documentation, disputes, or rework later in the process.
You’re not required to accept the first offer. A Public Adjuster can review it and help determine whether it reflects the full scope of your loss.
Public adjusters are typically paid based on recovery. At First Coast Claim Consultants, you don’t pay unless you recover. Our typical fire claim fee is 10%, or 20% for supplemental claims.
  • Who is adjusting and handling your claim? Is it the first person you spoke to and decided to trust, or have you been handed over to someone else?
  • License and appointment: Make sure their license and appointment are up-to-date with the State of Florida.
  • FAPIA membership: A public insurance adjuster who is a member of their state association of public insurance adjusters takes their profession seriously and subscribes to a strict code of ethics.
  • Experience: Ask about experience, training, and references.
  • Transparency: A professional public insurance adjuster will explain the fee structure up-front so you understand why and what you’re paying for.
  • Comfort level: This person will be helping you through a very traumatic time, and resolving the claim could take some time, so find someone whom you instinctively trust.
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