Category: Articles

 

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a major hurricane or a plumbing leak that quietly caused thousands in damage—the first step to protecting your investment is being prepared. That’s where Trust Public Adjusting Group comes in.

As one of Florida’s most experienced public adjusting firms, Trust Public Adjusting Group goes above and beyond traditional services by offering completely free property inspections and policy reviews. Why? Because we believe in helping homeowners and business owners make informed decisions before they face a crisis—not just after.

Introducing the Pre-Storm Inspection Packet

Florida residents know that storm season is serious business. Every year, we hear insurance companies denying or minimizing claims by saying the damages were “pre-existing.” That’s why Trust Public Adjusting Group developed our Pre-Storm Inspection Packet—a detailed report documenting the current condition of your property before a hurricane or major weather event hits.

With this packet, you’ll have time-stamped photos, inspection notes, and property condition documentation on file—ready to use in the event you need to file an insurance claim. It’s one of the most powerful tools you can have to avoid delay, dispute, or denial from your insurance company.

Claims Don’t Just Happen During Storm Season

While hurricanes make headlines, the truth is that insurance claims happen every single day. From burst pipes to roof leaks to fire and flood, the need for accurate inspections and policy guidance is year-round.

That’s why our free property inspection and policy review service isn’t just for storm season. If you’ve noticed signs of damage or just aren’t sure whether an issue qualifies as a claim, we’ll provide the honest, expert insight you need. We’ll help you understand your coverage, assess the condition of your property, and guide you toward the right decision—whether that means filing a claim or holding off.

Don’t wait until you’re dealing with damage to ask questions. Trust Public Adjusting Group is here to help you get ahead of the claim, protect your property, and be truly ready—no matter what comes your way. Schedule your free inspection and policy review today. Let’s get you prepared.

HOW TRUST PUBLIC ADJUSTING GROUP PROTECTS FLORIDA PROPERTY OWNERS

In 2023, I wrote about my own experience navigating an insurance claim after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Central Florida in 2022. Like many homeowners, I didn’t realize the full extent of the damage until long after the storm had passed. It wasn’t until I scheduled a free inspection with Sterling Scott, owner of Trust Public Adjusting Group, that the hidden problems were uncovered. He and his team identified damage I never would’ve noticed on my own and guided me through the entire claims process, step by step.

From start to finish, they were communicative, professional, and thorough. In the end, I received a settlement that allowed me to make the necessary repairs to my home — I call that a win!

STERLING SCOTT: FROM CALIFORNIA TO CENTRAL FLORIDA

Originally from Malibu, California, Sterling moved to Destin, Florida, in 2011 before settling in Volusia County in 2017. He entered the public adjusting world in 2014, initially as an operations manager.

“I was doing business consulting for multiple large companies at the time,” he said. “The more I learned about public adjusting, the more I realized it’s what I wanted to do. We are enforcing a policy the insurance company is getting paid for — and being part of that process has an incredibly positive impact on society in many different ways.”

Sterling is deeply committed to staying current on insurance laws and industry changes, constantly educating himself so he can better serve property owners. His passion for the field is evident — and it’s the reason he writes a monthly column for us, covering important topics homeowners need to know.

 

BUILDING A TRUSTED TEAM

Sterling’s journey didn’t start with a large company. “I never did it completely alone,” he said, “but it took a while to find the right people.”

Today, Trust Public Adjusting Group is headquartered in Daytona Beach with a team of 14, including nine licensed public adjusters. They serve the entire state of Florida, with a strong focus on Central Florida and the Space and Treasure Coasts.

Sterling has also trained countless adjusters across the state, helping ensure that Florida residents — from homeowners to hotel operators— have strong advocates during the often confusing and sometimes frustrating insurance claims process.

 

RESTORING PROPERTY, REVITALIZING COMMUNITY

Sterling’s work isn’t just about getting insurance settlements. It’s about protecting people’s most valuable assets and keeping communities strong.

“When a homeowner or business owner is fairly represented, their property retains its value,” he said. “That means local contractors are hired to do repairs, real estate agents see stabilized property values, and construction crews stay busy. The financial impact of proper insurance representation extends well beyond the individual — it touches the whole community.”

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“Sterling and his team have helped recover more than $70 million for their clients.”

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Since founding Trust Public Adjusting Group, Sterling and his team have helped recover more than $70 million for their clients — money that went directly back into homes, businesses, and local economies. He has a pipeline of large commercial losses that should double that amount in the next year or so. He is excited to see the positive impact he has had on the local economy. “I like driving down A1A and seeing all the projects I have represented being fixed up appropriately, seeing all the work I helped create with my team is very rewarding. We have some very large losses that are soon to be finalized and it excites me to see those buildings begin their improvements.”

 

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HURRICANES

In Florida, hurricane claims dominate the public perception of insurance adjusting. But Sterling is quick to clarify that his services apply to many other types of claims.

“People think of us only when a big storm hits,” he said. “But we help with fire damage, water leaks, busted pipes, A/C and appliance issues, vandalism, and even flood claims — anything covered under your policy.”

Trust Public Adjusting Group handles both residential and commercial claims, including large-scale losses involving condominium buildings, shopping centers, restaurants and hotels.

What surprises many people is that public adjusters work on contingency — meaning there’s no upfront cost to the property owner. “If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid,” Sterling explained.

 

HELPING FLORIDA STAY RESILIENT

They may be headquartered in Daytona Beach, but their presence is felt across the state. Whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-million-dollar commercial property, their mission remains consistent: to advocate for the insured and ensure that every policyholder gets the compensation they’re entitled to.

Sterling puts it best: “We’re here to make sure people are represented, treated fairly, and able to restore their lives. That’s what this work is really about.”

 

 

FAQs

1. IF MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALREADY SENT AN ADJUSTER, DO I NEED A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

Yes. The insurance company’s adjuster represents them. A public adjuster represents you.

2. WHAT’S THE COST?

There’s no upfront fee. Public adjusters work on contingency, taking a percentage of the settlement only if your claim is successful.

3. DO YOU ONLY WORK HURRICANE CLAIMS?

Not at all. Fire, water damage, mold, vandalism — any covered loss can be reviewed and negotiated by a public adjuster.

4. WILL MY PREMIUMS GO UP OR WILL I GET DROPPED IF I HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

No and No, rates are subject to increase by geography, not filing a claim. Home insurance is not like car insurance in that regard. And the insurance company can “non-renew” you for nearly any reason besides filing a claim.

 

If your property suffered damage from Hurricanes Milton or Helene, the clock is ticking to file your insurance claim. Florida law imposes strict deadlines on storm-related claims, and once that window closes, homeowners and business owners may be left without the compensation they deserve.

UNDERSTANDING THE FILING DEADLINES
In Florida, policyholders typically have one year from the date of the storm to file initial claims and 18 months to submit supplemental claims (claim must already be filed). With both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene making landfall last year, those deadlines are rapidly approaching. If you have yet to file or need to follow up on a previously underpaid or denied claim, now is the time to act.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WAIT
Insurance companies are known for delaying, underpaying, or outright denying legitimate claims. If you don’t have a professional advocating for you, you may leave thousands— or even tens of thousands—of dollars on the table. Even if you’ve received a payout, you may be entitled to more if damages were not fully assessed.

Additionally, many property owners discover hidden damage months after a storm, particularly in the form of roof leaks, structural weaknesses, or mold growth. If you suspect your property has unresolved hurricane-related damage, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection immediately.

Trust Public Adjusting Group Tips
As the deadline looms, don’t let the opportunity to recover your rightful insurance benefits slip away. If you have any questions or need assistance with your claim, reach out to Trust Public Adjusting Group today. Protect your home, business, and future by acting before it’s too late.