Should you get a Florida All-Lines Adjuster License? The short answer? Yes. If you are just getting started as an independent adjuster or applying as a staff adjuster, you should consider the Florida All-Lines Adjuster License. But first, you will need to understand why and how to get it. So let’s break it down a bit.

 

Many new adjusters hear that they should obtain a Florida All-Lines Adjuster License. This makes sense if Florida is your home state, but why should someone from another state also consider licensing in Florida? The two major reasons for this advice are:

• Florida all-lines adjuster licenses are easy to obtain.
• Florida licenses are reciprocal with many other states and, if you live in a state that does not have its own adjuster licensing requirement, can be selected as your “Designated Home State”, allowing you to bypass other state licensing exams when applying for a non-resident license. Learn more about the Designated Home State License HERE.

 

What is an all-lines adjuster license?

Insurance is a highly regulated industry, where there are many different licenses. In many states, adjusters are required to hold an adjuster’s license. Depending on what type of claims you want to handle, there are often various licensing options that cover a single type of claim. The term “all-lines” means the license covers all types of claims. An adjuster holding this license can handle any type of claim on behalf of an insurance company because it covers any line of coverage. If you were an insurance agent, you would have to be licensed to sell specific “lines” of coverage. For adjusters, there is a catch-all license that covers all the various types of perils and losses. It makes the most sense not to limit yourself and your options. The all-lines license gives you the most options moving forward.

How to get a Florida All-Lines Adjuster license:

Beginning a career as an adjuster in Florida is not as complicated as you might think. While it does not require a college degree, in the state of Florida, insurance adjusters of every kind and type must be licensed. So how do you get a license?

The correct adjuster license to get in Florida depends on if you live in Florida or not. It also depends on whether or not your home state requires an adjuster license.

If you live in Florida, you should obtain the Florida All-Lines License, more specifically referred to as, a “6-20” license for Florida resident adjusters or If you live outside of Florida, and you already have a home state license in a state that is reciprocal with Florida, you should obtain the “7-20” for non-resident adjusters. If you live outside of Florida and in a state that does not require an adjuster’s license or is not reciprocal with Florida, then you should consider the “70-20” Designated Home State License.

*Note: There is one exception. Public Adjusters must hold a Public Adjuster License (3-20 license). However, one seeking licensure as a Public Adjuster must FIRST be licensed as a 620 or 720 All Lines Adjuster for 6 months prior to testing to become a Public Adjuster.

Step 1 for a 6-20 license: You must be:

• A natural person at least 18 years of age.
• A resident of the state of Florida.
• A United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.
• Not hold a resident license in another state.

Step 1 for a 7-20 or 70-20 license: You must be:

• A natural person at least 18 years of age.
• A non-resident of the state of Florid
• A United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

 

Step 2 for both the resident (6-20) and non-resident Designated Home State (70-20) is to choose your path to licensure. There are two primary paths to getting an adjuster license in the state of Florida.

1. Study for and take the state-administered test at one of the testing centers.
2. Complete and pass an approved licensing course from a certified training provider.

*If you live in a state that is reciprocal with Florida and you carry an all-lines license in that state and your license is in good standing, you will not be required to take an exam or pass a licensing course in order to obtain your Florida 7-20 license.

Most people choose the licensing course. The primary advantage is that the course provides you with more information than merely studying for an exam and the course waives the state exam requirement. To be approved by the state to waive the exam, licensing courses must contain 40 hours of material. Successful completion of an approved course allows the licensee to waive the state-administered exam. It’s important to note, though, that not all licensing courses are created equal. While all certified courses will get you the designation certificate to apply for your adjuster license, not all of them will adequately equip you to work as an adjuster. Insurance companies are expecting you to be productive the moment you start work. While you will receive some training on the company’s systems and practices, you should already have a strong foundation and understanding of claims adjusting policies and principles. The more prepared you are to jump into claims handling situations, the more desirable you will be as a candidate for employment and the more valuable you will be as an employee. The course that you choose to secure your license can make all the difference in your success as an adjuster.

AE21’s Florida Certified Claims Adjuster Licensing Program is second to none. It walks you through all aspects of being a new adjuster and provides the foundation you will need to be confident and productive from your very first day on the job. The product of 3 generations and over 60 years of combined claims adjusting experience, this online program is the finest and most comprehensive licensing program available anywhere in the United States. The building-block or “reinforced-learning” approach provides an unparalleled learning experience allowing you to not only earn your license, but to have developed a solid foundation of claims knowledge that will apply to all lines of insurance and claims adjusting.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will earn the designation of Certified Claims Adjuster, which will allow you to waive the Florida Adjuster Exam and secure your Florida All-Lines Adjuster License.

 

Step 3- Apply for your license and get your fingerprints!

Contact us at AE21 if you have any questions.

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