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SB 266

Vehicle Bill.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelli Yoder

SB 266 enhances consumer protection by allowing contract cancellations for public adjusters within 10-30 days, especially aiding vulnerable individuals against unethical practices.

First reading: referred to Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure
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Bill Summary · SB 266

Summary of SB 266 - Public Adjuster Contracts

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 266
- Title: Public Adjuster Contracts
- Status: Referred to Banking and Insurance; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Rules
- Introduced: October 23, 2025
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026
- Sponsor: Senator Burton

Purpose and Intent

SB 266 aims to enhance consumer protection in the realm of public adjuster services in Florida. The bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines regarding the cancellation of public adjuster contracts, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to establish stricter disciplinary measures for public adjusters who engage in unethical practices.

Key Provisions

The bill amends several sections of the Florida Statutes related to public adjusters:

1. Contract Rescission Rights

  • General Cancellation:

    • Insured individuals or claimants can cancel a public adjuster’s contract without penalty within 10 days of execution.
    • If the contract is related to a state of emergency, cancellation can occur within 30 days after the date of loss or 10 days after the contract execution, whichever is longer.

  • Failure to Provide Estimate:

    • If a public adjuster fails to provide a written estimate within 60 days of contract execution, the insured may cancel the contract without penalty, unless the delay is due to factors beyond the adjuster's control.

  • Vulnerable Adults:

    • Vulnerable adults or those lacking capacity to consent can rescind contracts at any time without penalty.

2. Disciplinary Guidelines

  • The bill clarifies the grounds for disciplinary actions against public adjusters and apprentices, including:

    • Violating any provisions of the chapter or department rules.
    • Engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.
    • Soliciting vulnerable adults or exploiting individuals in distress.

  • Penalties may include license denial, suspension, or revocation, and fines up to $5,000 per violation.

3. Disclosure Requirements

  • Public adjuster contracts must include specific cancellation language in a prominent format to ensure that insured individuals are aware of their rights.

Impact

  • Consumers: The bill primarily benefits consumers, particularly those who may be vulnerable or in distress, by providing them with clearer rights and protections regarding public adjuster contracts.
  • Public Adjusters: The legislation imposes stricter regulations and potential penalties on public adjusters, aiming to promote ethical practices within the industry.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on October 23, 2025, and has been referred to the relevant committees for further consideration. The effective date is set for July 1, 2026, should it pass through the legislative process.

This summary provides an overview of SB 266, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on consumers and public adjusters in Florida.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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