Florida Extends Contract Rescission Period for Public Adjusters After Hurricane Debby

In response to Hurricane Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, issued an emergency order to protect property owners. The order extends the period for canceling contracts with public claims adjusters from 10 days to 30 days. It also mandates that public adjusters must respond to policyholders within seven days and identify themselves before signing any contracts.

Patronis, who has previously criticized the surge of public adjusters post-storms, emphasized the importance of these regulations to prevent exploitation of vulnerable residents by unscrupulous individuals. He stated that the new measures aim to curb the actions of "fly-by-night contractors and so-called claims representatives" who often exploit disaster victims for quick profits, thereby tarnishing the reputation of legitimate adjusters and contractors.

This emergency order will be effective for 60 days, ensuring immediate protection for property owners as they navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.