Florida 3-20 vs. 6-20 License: Understanding the Adjuster Career Path

If you're interested in a career in insurance claims, you've likely come across the Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License and the Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster License. At first glance, it may seem like these are simply two different career options. However, in Florida, the reality is a bit different.

 The 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License is often the starting point. 
  In Florida, you generally need claims adjusting experience before you can become a licensed Public Adjuster, and many professionals gain 
  that experience by working as licensed All-Lines Adjusters. 

Understanding how these licenses fit together can help you build a successful long-term career in insurance claims.

What Is a Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License?

A Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster investigates, evaluates, and settles insurance claims on behalf of insurance companies or independent adjusting firms.

All-lines adjusters may handle claims involving:

Residential property losses
Commercial property claims
Automobile claims
Liability claims
Inland marine losses
Workers' compensation claims

Depending on their employer, adjusters may work in the office, remotely, or in the field, particularly after major weather events.

Why Many People Start With the 6-20 License

Provides valuable hands-on claims experience
Creates opportunities with insurance carriers and adjusting firms
Offers exposure to various types of insurance claims
Helps develop policy interpretation and investigation skills
Builds experience that can prepare you for future opportunities in public adjusting

For many insurance professionals, the 6-20 license serves as the foundation for a long and successful career in claims.

What Is a Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster License?

A Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster represents policyholders, not insurance companies. Their role is to help homeowners and businesses prepare, present, and negotiate property insurance claims after a covered loss.

Public adjusters often assist clients with:

Hurricane damage claims
Fire losses
Water damage claims
Roof claims
Commercial property losses
Other property insurance claims

Unlike all-lines adjusters, public adjusters work directly for the insured and advocate on the policyholder's behalf throughout the claims process.

Why Experience Matters Before Becoming a Public Adjuster

Public adjusting requires an in-depth understanding of:

Insurance policies and coverages
Claim investigations
Damage assessment
Documentation requirements
Settlement negotiations
Florida insurance regulations

Because of these responsibilities, many successful public adjusters first gain practical experience as all-lines adjusters. Working claims from the insurance company's perspective provides valuable insight into how claims are investigated, documented, and evaluated.

Key Differences Between the Licenses

Feature	6-20 All-Lines Adjuster	3-20 Public Adjuster
Represents	Insurance companies and adjusting firms	Policyholders
Primary Duties	Investigate and adjust claims	Prepare and negotiate claims for insureds
Compensation	Salary, hourly, or contract pay	Often commission-based
Experience Level	Entry point into claims adjusting	Typically pursued after gaining claims experience
Work Environment	Structured employment opportunities	Independent and entrepreneurial

Which Path Is Right for You?

For most people interested in public adjusting, the answer isn't necessarily choosing between the two licenses. Instead, the path often looks like this:

Step 1: Obtain your Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License.

Step 2: Gain valuable real-world claims experience.

Step 3: Use that knowledge and experience to pursue a Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster License if public adjusting aligns with your career goals.

This progression allows you to build a strong understanding of insurance claims before taking on the responsibilities of representing policyholders.

The Bottom Line

The Florida 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License and the Florida 3-20 Public Adjuster License are not necessarily competing career choices. Instead, they often represent different stages of a professional journey.

For many insurance professionals, earning the 6-20 license is the first step toward developing the knowledge and experience needed to eventually become a successful Public Adjuster. Whether you choose to remain an All-Lines Adjuster or continue toward public adjusting, both licenses can lead to rewarding careers helping people recover after unexpected losses.