Florida, the third most populated state in the country, sees a high volume of insurance claims every year. Whether you’re a resident or a nonresident, holding a Florida insurance adjuster license can unlock major career opportunities. But choosing the right license can be confusing—especially with terms like 6-20, 7-20, 70-20, and 3-20 thrown around.
This guide breaks down the differences, helps you pick the right path, and shows how our Florida Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course can help you get licensed faster.
Snapshot: Which Florida Adjuster License Do You Need?
Keep reading to see important details about Florida adjuster licensing, but here’s your TL; DR version:
| License | Who It’s For | Resident? | Exam Exempt w/ Pre-Licensing Course? | Good Fit If… |
|---|
| 6-20 | Staff or Independent Adjusters | Yes | Yes | You live in Florida and want to handle insurance claims. |
| 7-20 | Nonresident Adjusters | No | Yes (or reciprocity) | You’re licensed in your home state and want to work Florida claims. |
| 70-20 | Designated Home State (DHS) | No | Yes | You live in a nonlicensing state but need a license for work/reciprocity. |
| 3-20 | Public Adjusters | Yes | No (state exam required) | You want to work directly for policyholders, not insurance companies. |
Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License
This license is for Florida residents who want to become staff (employed by one insurer) or independent adjusters (contracted by firms working with multiple insurers).
This license is also a required first step for the 3-20 public adjuster license, but we will cover it more below.
Bottom Line: If you live in Florida and want to be an insurance adjuster, this is the license for you. Details are available on the Department of Financial Services 6-20 page.
Florida 7-20 Nonresident All-Lines Adjuster License
This is the license for nonresidents who already hold an adjuster license in their home state and want to adjust claims in Florida. Just like the 6-20, this all-lines license is good for both staff and independent adjusters. The requirements are also the same, but most adjusters will get this license through reciprocity.
Bottom Line: If you’re already licensed in your home state and want to handle Florida claims, apply for the 7-20 license. More information is available on the Department of Financial Services 7-20 page.
How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in 5 Steps
Getting your home state or designated home state license is a great start. See what else it takes to establish a successful career in the insurance claims industry.
Florida 70-20 Nonresident Designated Home State (DHS) License
This license is for nonresidents of Florida who live in states that do not license insurance adjusters. Designating Florida as your “home state” gives you access to reciprocal licenses in other states. This is referred to as a Designated Home State or DHS License.
If you live in Illinois, for example, you don’t need an adjuster license to handle claims in that state. However, if you want to handle claims in any licensing state, or be employed by an IA Firm and deployed to handle disaster claims, you will still need a license. The industry’s answer to this issue is the Designated Home State (DHS) License.
Bottom Line: If you live in a nonlicensing state, get this license. It’s your best option for reciprocity and employment. More information is available on the Department of Financial Services 70-20 page.
Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster License
Florida’s 3-20 license is exclusively for public adjusters. Public adjusters represent claimants, not insurance companies. The 3-20 license cannot be used to work for any insurance company or independent adjusting firm.
The process for becoming a Public Adjuster in Florida is a bit more complex than the previous license designations, but the first step is to obtain the 6-20 license discussed earlier in this article. After receiving the 6-20 license, you must train under another public adjuster for six months and then pass the 3-20 exam to become a licensed public adjuster.
Bottom Line: If you want to become a public adjuster in Florida, the first step is to obtain the 6-20 resident license. You can read detailed licensing instructions in our Florida Public Adjuster Blog Article.
BONUS: Florida 4-40 Customer Representative License
This license (offered through our sister site All-Lines Training) is for Floridians working in insurance agencies, not claims. More information about customer reps and the 440 license is available in their Florida 440 License Blog Article.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed Adjuster in Florida?
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| AdjusterPro Pre-licensing course (6-20, 7-20, 70-20) | $299 |
| Application fee | $55 |
| Appointment fee | $60 |
| Fingerprinting/background check | $50–$80 |
| State exam (3-20 only) | $44 |
| Continuing Education (CE) | Varies |
Ready to Start Your Adjusting Career?
Our Florida Certified Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course fulfills the state requirements for the 6-20, 7-20, and 70-20 licenses. Complete the course, pass the included exam, and you can apply for your license. We’re available by phone at 214-329-9030 or by live chat if you have any questions.
