Quick Answer
Florida offers two adjuster licenses: 6-20 (All-Lines) covering P&C and workers comp, and 5-20 (Workers Comp-only). Candidates complete an approved Pre-Licensing Course (APLC) and pass a 100-question state exam at 70%. Total cost $250–$400. License valid 2 years, renews in odd-numbered years. Florida requires fingerprinting and a criminal background check (Florida Department of Financial Services, 2026).
Data last verified September 2026 from the Florida Department of Financial Services and Florida Statutes Chapter 626.
License types
| License | Authority | Exam questions | Pass mark | Application fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-20 (All-Lines Adjuster) | Property + Casualty + Workers Comp + Auto | 100 | 70% | $50 resident / $150 non-resident |
| 5-20 (Workers Comp Adjuster) | Workers Comp only | 50 | 70% | $50 resident |
| 8-20 (Limited Surety Adjuster) | Surety bonds only | 50 | 70% | $50 resident |
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services (2026).
Florida adjuster state exam format
| Section | Topics | % of exam |
|---|---|---|
| Property insurance | Homeowners, dwelling, commercial property | 25% |
| Auto insurance | PIP, liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist | 20% |
| Casualty and liability | CGL, professional liability, cyber | 15% |
| Workers compensation | Florida WC law, benefits, claims | 15% |
| Ethics and Florida insurance regulations | Suitability, fraud, unfair trade practices | 15% |
| Adjuster practices and procedures | Claims handling, estimates, negotiation | 10% |
Source: Pearson VUE Florida 6-20 exam content outline (2026).
Eligibility and application steps
- Age: 18+ (Florida DFS, 2026).
- Residency: Florida residents and non-residents may apply; non-residents pay a higher application fee.
- Pre-licensing course: Complete the APLC from an approved Florida provider before sitting the exam.
- Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints via IdentoGO Livescan for a state and FBI background check.
- State exam: Pass the 6-20 exam at Pearson VUE with 70% or higher.
- Apply for license: Submit the online application at myfloridacfo.com with exam results, fingerprints, and fees.
- Appoint with carriers: After license issuance, contract with one or more carriers to begin adjusting claims.
Florida workers comp adjuster specifics
Florida workers comp adjusters must understand the Florida Workers Compensation Law (Chapter 440, Florida Statutes). Key topics include: covered injuries, the 7-day waiting period, the 80% average weekly wage replacement rate, maximum and minimum benefit calculations, medical-only claims, and indemnity claims. The Florida DFS publishes the 'Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual' which is a required reference for 5-20 candidates (Florida DFS, 2026).
Renewal and continuing education
Florida adjuster licenses are valid for 2 years. Licenses issued in odd-numbered years expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in the next odd-numbered year. Adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle, including 3 hours of ethics. CE must be from an approved Florida provider. Failure to complete CE results in license lapse and a reinstatement process (Florida Department of Financial Services, 2026).
Reciprocity with other states
Florida has reciprocal adjuster licensing agreements with most US states. Candidates who hold an active adjuster license in a reciprocal state may apply for a Florida adjuster license without taking the Florida state exam. They must still complete the application, fingerprinting, and pre-licensing course. Non-reciprocal state candidates may apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires additional documentation (Florida Department of Financial Services, 2026).
Catastrophe (CAT) adjusters in Florida
Florida is the third-largest state for catastrophe claims due to hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods. CAT adjusters must hold the 6-20 license to adjust claims for Florida policyholders. Many CAT teams deploy to Florida in the late summer and early fall (hurricane season June to November). Florida offers emergency adjuster licensing provisions during declared emergencies to allow out-of-state adjusters to assist with catastrophe response (Florida DFS, 2026).
Resources and next steps
Apply online at myfloridacfo.com/agents. Schedule the state exam at Pearson VUE. Complete the APLC from an approved provider. Fingerprinting at IdentoGO Livescan locations. For Florida workers comp law, the Florida Workers Compensation Manual is required reading. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) provides additional resources and continuing education for licensed adjusters.
Extended analysis — exam prep best practices
The 2026 standardized testing landscape is shifting rapidly due to AI disruption, evolving employer preferences, and changes in remote/hybrid proctoring. Three trends to know: (1) many exams now include AI-related ethics questions, (2) remote proctoring with AI proctoring (eye tracking, keystroke analysis, screen monitoring) is now standard for most certification exams, and (3) employers increasingly value certifications with demonstrated hands-on skills over multiple-choice knowledge tests. The major exam providers — Pearson VUE, Prometric, PSI Services, and Kryterion — have all invested heavily in AI proctoring and analytics. The 2026 pass rate for major certification exams ranges from 50% to 80% for first-time test takers, with the highest pass rates for those who complete the recommended study hours (typically 60-200 hours depending on the exam) (CertMag, 2026).
Extended Q&A on exam strategy
How many hours should I study?
Study time recommendations by exam type: (1) FINRA Series exams (6, 7, 63, 65, 66) — 80-150 hours, (2) State insurance license exams — 40-80 hours, (3) Microsoft / AWS / Google cloud certifications — 60-150 hours, (4) Cisco networking (CCNA, CCNP) — 100-200 hours, (5) Project management (PMP) — 60-100 hours, (6) IT security (CISSP) — 200-300 hours, (7) CPA — 300-500 hours, (8) Bar exam — 400-600 hours. Quality of study matters more than quantity: active recall practice tests, spaced repetition, and applying concepts in real scenarios are more effective than re-reading materials (CertMag, 2026).
What is the best exam prep approach?
The most effective study method is the 60-30-10 rule: 60% practice tests (full-length, timed, simulated exam conditions), 30% review and remediation of weak areas identified by practice tests, 10% content review (textbooks, videos, courses). Common mistakes: (1) cramming the night before (retain less than 20% of cramming material), (2) passive reading without note-taking or active recall, (3) skipping practice tests because they feel discouraging, (4) not simulating real exam conditions (timed, no breaks, no phone). Most test takers who fail on the first attempt pass on the second attempt with proper remediation (Prometric, 2026).
What is remote proctoring and how does it work?
Remote proctoring allows you to take certification exams from home or office using a webcam, microphone, and screen-sharing software. The proctor monitors you in real-time via webcam, verifies your identity with government-issued ID, locks your browser, and watches for suspicious behavior (looking away from screen, talking to others, using a phone). AI proctoring adds: (1) eye-tracking to verify focus on the screen, (2) keystroke analysis to detect unusual patterns, (3) screen recording for review, (4) browser lockdown to prevent lookup. Tips for remote proctoring: (1) ensure a quiet private space, (2) test your webcam and microphone before the exam, (3) clear your desk of notes and devices, (4) dress as if in person (some proctors require visible clothing), (5) have your ID ready, (6) inform household members to not disturb you (Prometric OnVUE, 2026).
| Exam provider | Test format | Number of questions | Time limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearson VUE | Computer-based | Varies (40-200) | 1-4 hours |
| Prometric | Computer-based | Varies (60-250) | 1-4 hours |
| PSI Services | Computer-based or paper | Varies (50-200) | 1-4 hours |
| FINRA (Prometric) | Computer-based | Varies (50-145) | 1-4 hours |
Source: CertMag, Pearson VUE, Prometric (2026).
What to do after you pass
- Add the credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and email signature.
- Maintain the credential through continuing education requirements.
- Join the credential's professional association for networking and resources.
- Use the credential to negotiate promotions or new job opportunities (certification premium is typically 10-25% salary increase).
- Consider adjacent certifications to build a credential stack (e.g., Series 7 + Series 63 + Series 24 = career path).
- Mentor others pursuing the credential (teaching is the best way to deepen your own knowledge).
- Stay current with the credential's update cycle (most certs renew every 2-3 years).
Written by
Fazlur Rahman is the founder of Tutorsbot, building AI-powered tools for learning and career growth. He writes about applying AI in real products and the practi… Read more
Fazlur Rahman is the founder of Tutorsbot, building AI-powered tools for learning and career growth. He writes about applying AI in real products and the practical side of building an ed-tech startup.









