Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters

06/17/2026

As of Wednesday, the Quarry 2 Fire, which ignited Monday, has exploded in size – scorching more than 13,400 acres and is about 30% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service's Active Wildfire Points map. That size means the Quarry 2 Fire is now roughly the size of Hialeah, which is about 22 square miles.

The second wildfire, which ignited on Tuesday afternoon, is called the Well Fire and has so far burned about 500 acres and was 25% contained.

The Quarry 2 Fire is now roughly the size of the city of Hialeah.

06/17/2026

"The insurance report came as a shock to the select board and members of the community. Cartee explained that the figures do not account for the realities of modern construction costs or standards. A member of the public recommended the town speak with an adjuster that could better negotiate with the insurance company."

Express Correspondant

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

Very special thanks to our new and renewing FAPIA members!!! You make all the important work we do possible and we appreciate you! Your member kits (full of great stuff!) are on their way!!!

New

Karl Bach, Philip Coutu, Favio Ferreira, Timi-Cheri Ryan, Meyer Fabian, Dalton Judd, Barry Justice, Charles Nelson, and Edward Prat.

Renewal

Robert Soler, Allan Wolf, Ramon Batista, Gerald Bird, Gabriel Bonserio, Alex Bowen, Isabela Brown, Laura Brownfield, Jean Chouinard, Luis Claudio, Dominick Claus, Francis Dalton, Wes Dillon, Eduardo Enriquez, Maria Escamilla Ibanez, Aaron Fessia, Edgar Garcia, Don Goins, Erick Gonzalez Roman, Ronald Herrera, Robert Hillis, Eddyse Kessler, George Keys, Don Lamont, Marc Lancaric, Patricio Lavayen, Stephen Lippy, Stephen Lombardi, John Longfellow, Nader Maali, Timothy Maloney, Victor Matos, David Morano, Shannon Parker, Tyler J Paulo, Frank Penate, Ivan Perleche, Donald Phillips, James Donald Popkin, Bradley Pridemore, Hector Rodriguez, Todd Romazko, Greg Roover, Timothy Rothring, Joseph Sabbagh, William Sans, Bradley Scott, Scott Scovin, Nathan Sheppard, Bobby Sims, Dylan Sims, Jacob Thalwitzer, Charles Thompson, Christine Thompson, Randal Thompson, Samuel Vannoy, John Waligora, Justin Walls, Mark Cram, Jean Desire, Jimmy Farach, Robert Gillette, Richard Hunter, Kortni Keckler, Jose Paredes-Kennedy, Javier Pineda, Alex Poulsen, and Jessica Provost

06/15/2026

What do public adjusters do?

When disaster strikes, public adjusters are your advocates.
Unlike insurance adjusters that work for your carrier, public adjusters solely work for you, ensuring your claim is accurately documented and fairly paid. Learn how we protect your rights and your recovery.

06/12/2026

Are you a public adjuster in Florida who is not yet a member of FAPIA? You're missing out - Join us today! New members can join for as little as $21 a month for the first year. It's a no brainer if you're a serious public insurance adjuster. Join today for a free onboarding tour of everything FAPIA has to offer! https://www.fapia.net/apply.html

06/10/2026

In Memory of Jay Smilowitz
April 17, 1962 – June 9, 2026

The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters mourns the passing of longtime member Jay Smilowitz, who passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 64.

For nearly a decade, Jay was a valued member of FAPIA and a dedicated advocate for policyholders throughout Florida. This month marked what would have been an important professional milestone—20 years as a licensed Florida public adjuster. Over those two decades, Jay built a reputation for helping policyholders navigate the complexities of the insurance claims process with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

Those who knew Jay will remember his warm personality, generous spirit, and genuine interest in the people around him. Whether speaking with colleagues at industry events or assisting clients through difficult circumstances, he brought kindness, patience, and a sense of humor that made a lasting impression. He understood that behind every insurance claim was a family, a business, or a person facing uncertainty, and he never lost sight of that responsibility.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jay was a devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He lived life with enthusiasm and gratitude, creating memories that will endure in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.

FAPIA President Frank Altieri reflected on Jay's passing:

"Jay represented the very best of our profession. He understood that public adjusting is ultimately about helping people rebuild after loss, and he approached that responsibility with compassion and dedication. Whether he was assisting a policyholder, mentoring a colleague, or simply sharing a conversation with friends, Jay left a positive impact on those around him. He will be greatly missed by the FAPIA family and by the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career."

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and members of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jay's family, friends, and loved ones. We are grateful for his friendship, his service to policyholders, and his contributions to the public adjusting profession.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy of service continue to inspire others for years to come.

06/09/2026

JUNE HURRICANES? 🌀 Has a hurricane ever hit the US in June? Yes, but it's RARE. Only four US hurricane landfalls have been observed in June. We have had landfalling tropical storms in recent years like Tropical Storm Claudette in June 2021.