Industry Insight: Florida AG Probes Anti-Public Adjuster Policy Endorsements

Overview

On October 21, 2026, Insurance Journal reported that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced his office will investigate so-called anti-public adjuster endorsements in some Florida insurance policies. The report describes the announcement as a notable development in the long-running clash between property insurers and public adjusters, and says it puts the state's chief law enforcement officer on the adjusters' side.

A note on scope: this article is based on the initial published summary of the announcement. The full details of the investigation, including which carriers or endorsements are involved, were not available to us when we wrote it. We describe only what has been reported and will not speculate beyond it.

Background: Insurers and Public Adjusters

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who represent policyholders, not insurers, in preparing, presenting and negotiating property insurance claims. After a hurricane, fire, water loss or roof failure, many Florida homeowners hire a public adjuster to document the damage, interpret policy language and press the claim with the carrier.

Florida's property insurance market has been under strain for years, and the relationship between carriers and public adjusters has often been contentious. Carriers have raised concerns about claim costs and the role of intermediaries. Public adjusters respond that policyholders are entitled to professional help when they dispute the scope or value of a loss. The newly announced investigation adds a state enforcement dimension to that debate.

What Is an Anti-Public Adjuster Endorsement?

An endorsement is a policy provision that modifies the base coverage form. The term "anti-public adjuster endorsement" is how the Insurance Journal report refers to endorsements that are designed to discourage, limit or interfere with a policyholder's use of a public adjuster. The exact wording and operation of any particular endorsement will depend on the carrier and the policy. Whether such a provision is enforceable, or whether it conflicts with Florida law, is a legal question that turns on the specific language at issue.

Why the Attorney General's Involvement Matters

According to the report, the Attorney General's office will investigate these endorsements. An inquiry by the state's top law enforcement officer is significant for several reasons:

• It signals scrutiny of policy terms. Endorsements are often buried in lengthy policy packets. Policyholders may not notice them until after a loss.
• It may bring documents to light. Investigations can surface how and why particular endorsements were drafted and filed.
• It may affect carrier behavior. Carriers that use such language may review their forms while the inquiry is pending.

An investigation is not a finding of wrongdoing. No conclusions about any carrier or endorsement should be drawn until the Attorney General's office reports its results or takes formal action.

Impact on Public Adjusters

Review the policy before you sign the engagement

Before accepting a file, public adjusters should read the policy and every endorsement, not just the declarations page. If an endorsement addresses representation by a public adjuster, flag it for the client and for counsel.

Document everything

If a carrier cites an endorsement to refuse to communicate with you, to delay a claim, or to condition payment on the policyholder's dropping representation, keep copies of the policy language and all correspondence. Records of dates, requests and responses are the foundation of any later dispute.

Do not assume an endorsement is enforceable

Do not assume that an endorsement is valid because it appears in the policy. Do not assume it is invalid either. Enforceability depends on the exact text, how it was filed and approved, and how the carrier applies it. Have an attorney analyze the language before you advise a client to act on it.

Impact on Policyholders

Homeowners and business owners should read their renewal packets carefully. If a new endorsement appears at renewal, ask your agent what it changes. If a carrier tells you that you cannot use a public adjuster, or that using one will affect your claim, do not accept that on its word. Get the policy language in writing and speak with an attorney before making decisions about your claim.

Practical Takeaways

• Pull the full policy, including all endorsements, at the start of every claim.
• Save the carrier's written statements about public adjuster involvement.
• Do not rely on a verbal explanation of what an endorsement means.
• Watch for updates from the Attorney General's office. The scope and findings of the inquiry will determine its practical effect.
• Consult coverage counsel when a carrier invokes an endorsement to limit your role or your client's rights.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

Louis Law Group represents Florida policyholders in property damage and coverage disputes, and we work alongside public adjusters and claims professionals. If a carrier has cited an endorsement to limit your representation, delay a claim or reduce a payment, our attorneys can review the policy language and advise you on your options. Call us at (833) 657-4812 to discuss your claim.

Source: Insurance Journal - Florida AG Says His Office Investigating 'Anti-Public Adjuster' Endorsements in Policies