Reversing a trial court decision, the Fourth District Court of Appeal  ruled a homeowner’s public adjuster may not later become the insured’s “disinterested appraiser” within the meaning of an insurance policy’s appraisal clause.

Joseph Valenti Jr. signed an agreement with a public adjuster after a leak in his home caused water damage. Under the agreement, Valenti assigned 20 percent of any recovery from his insurance company, State Farm Florida Insurance Co., to the public adjuster.