The float adjusts the level of water allowed into the cistern.
Lower the float to shut the water off sooner and stop the overflow into the pan. If there's a locking screw on the adjustment be sure to do it up after you've made the adjustment. Set the fill level to half an inch below the overflow tube.
If this is incomprehensible to you (sorry) then operate the flush several times and observe what's happening.
There are videos on YouTube that might help.
There are different types of fill valve but the principle is the same - the water lifts a float and the float shuts off the water inlet.
Good Luck...
March 2017