Unlicensed Public Adjuster Arrested in Miami, Fla.

Luis Gonzalez surrendered in Miami, Fla. to a detective from the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud and was charged with two counts of acting as an unlicensed public adjuster, a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison per offense. Gonzalez was booked into Miami-Dade County Jail on a $3,000 bond.

The detective stated that in May 2005, under the name “Luis A. Gonzalez, Insurance Recovery Services Inc.,” Gonzalez entered into agreements with two insureds who had suffered claims for mold and roof damage, and a kitchen fire, respectively. Gonzalez agreed to a 10 percent fee to represent them as “attorney in fact” in dealing with the insurance companies regarding the claims. Gonzalez identified himself as representing the insureds in subsequent communications with Gulfstream Property and Casualty Insurance Co.

His activities would have required him to be either a practicing attorney admitted by the Florida Bar, or a public adjuster licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Gonzalez is neither, and was charged.

Source: Florida Department of Financial Services