What Is a 5-20 Insurance License?

Florida has always experienced the most annual hurricane landfall in comparison to other neighboring states. The state is also prone to tornadoes, floods and wildfires. A 5-20 Independent Adjuster license allows its holder to examine claims for damages from catastrophic events and settle these claims with the insurance companies. The Florida 5-20 license gives many work opportunities in a state where frequent natural disasters keep independent adjusters busy all year round.

A 5-20 Independent Adjuster license is an all-lines license, which allows its holder to handle auto, workers compensation, residential and commercial property, liability and casualty claims. A 5-20 independent adjuster can be self-employed or work for an independent company or another independent adjuster. His responsibility is to determine the amount of a claim, loss or damage that is due according to the insurance contract.

Legal residents of Florida, 18 years of age or older should complete an application and pay an appropriate fee. Applicants must be United States citizens or legal aliens with a work permit issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Applicants will need to submit fingerprints. If an applicant holds an independent adjuster license in another state, he must provide a Letter of Clearance. If an applicant holds a General Lines Agent license, he does not need to take an exam. Florida has special requirements for applicants with criminal histories. The license is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires. There are no exam requirements for renewal.

There are no classes required for the 5-20 license, although applicants can take a three-day insurance information course that prepares for the state exam. Applicants also can take a 40-hour Florida Certified Adjuster Designation course from one of the training companies. Course instructors are often independent adjusters themselves with many years of experience and can teach based on real-life examples. This type of training is recommended and exempts applicants from taking a state exam.

The Florida 5-20 Independent Adjuster license has a reciprocity in other states. It is identical to an all-lines license in Texas and gives its holder an advantage if he moves there or to one of the other neighboring states.