DFS Provides FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Resources to Aid in Hurricane Nicole Recovery
11/21/22

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced the launch of the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program and the opening of the application process for free wind mitigation home inspections and up to $10,000 in storm mitigation grants for Florida homeowners. In October, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis directed the program to be expedited during the procurement process for home inspectors to ensure Floridians can fortify their homes quickly and obtain premium reductions as soon as possible. The agency conducted a soft-launch earlier in the month, and the agency has already received over 400 applications by homeowners for inspections. DFS encourages Floridians to take advantage of the home mitigation grant program to harden their home against storms and help lower their property insurance premiums through mandatory storm mitigation discounts. Read more...

DFS Provides FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Resources to Aid in Hurricane Nicole Recovery
11/10/22

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) provided information and resources for those who have coverage through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and who might be affected by Hurricane Nicole. The National Hurricane Center is expecting Nicole, now downgraded to a tropical storm, to cause up to 4 inches of rainfall in certain areas in Florida and severe storm surge and flooding.

For individuals that have flood insurance policies through FEMA and its federal flood insurance program, the Department encourages consumers to reach out to their insurance agents for more information about filing a claim. Consumers may also reach FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Honors Holocaust Education Week, Highlights Victims Assistance Program
11/07/22
Tallahassee, Fla. – In recognition of Holocaust Education Week, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlighted the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Holocaust Victims Assistance Program. The program helps all Florida Holocaust survivors in their recovery of proceeds from insurance policies issued to Holocaust victims and restitution for Nazi-confiscated bank accounts, art and property. Holocaust Education Week is observed during the second week of November, which corresponds with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a defining moment in the discrimination and persecution of Jewish families by the Nazis.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “During Holocaust Education Week, we stand together to recognize the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. This unthinkable tragedy must never be forgotten, and we must ensure that all Floridians are educated on this tragic part of history so we will never relive it. Last year, we assisted survivors and their families with securing more than $15 million through our Holocaust Victims Assistance Program, and I hope to see these claims resolved, and property recovered. Florida is proud to be home to the third largest Jewish population in the country, and as CFO, I’m always proud to support Florida’s Jewish community.” Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest in $41,000 Naples Insurance Premium Fraud Scheme
10/26/22

Naples, Fla. - Chief Financial officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Veronica Skopp, a licensed insurance agent, for the alleged theft of more than $41,000 in insurance premiums and forgery.

CFO Patronis said, “Insurance fraud is a costly crime that’s especially heinous when committed by a trusted financial advisor. In this case, the victim was unknowingly left hanging with no insurance coverage, which opened them up to untold liability at no fault of their own. I’m thankful for the hard work of my insurance fraud detectives to bring this alleged fraudster to justice to ensure that no more Floridians are harmed by this scheme. Thank you to the Hollywood Police Department for their assistance and to the Broward County State Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and working together to protect Floridians from fraud.”
Read more...

Citizens Urges Policyholders to Beware of Fraud as Ian Repairs Begin
10/14/22

Tallahassee, Fla - Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging its policyholders recovering from Hurricane Ian to protect themselves from fraud and abuse by contacting their agent or Citizens first as they work through the recovery process.

While Hurricane Ian in many cases has brought out the best in people, opportunists and fraudsters also thrive after a major storm. Unscrupulous contractors and repair companies thrive in the frenzied days following any storm. Policyholders must be wary of unlicensed contractors or deals that sound too good to be true.

To protect themselves, Citizens advises policyholders not to sign anything, including an assignment of benefits, before consulting with Citizens or their insurance agent. Policyholders are most likely to be offered an assignment of benefits (AOB) while making emergency repairs or when companies come to their door soliciting business.

Policyholders may be told repairs cannot be completed until they have signed an AOB contract, which allows the company to step in on the policyholder’s behalf, submit the claim, and deal directly with Citizens. The AOB may also allow them to take control of your policy. More information also can be found on Citizens' website. Read more...

CFO Patronis: Know Your Rights When Working with Public Adjusters Following Hurricane Ian
10/10/2022

Punta Gorda, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided information to Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Ian regarding their rights when working with a public adjuster on their insurance claim. A public adjuster is anyone, other than a licensed attorney, who accepts compensation in exchange for directly or indirectly helping you investigate, prepare, or file an insurance claim. Ultimately, the fee a public adjuster charges you comes out of the claims check owed to you by your insurance company. Consumers should consider carefully whether this cost is worth the benefit to them during the insurance claims process. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Recognizes September as Life Insurance Awareness Month
09/15/2022

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing the month of September as Life Insurance Awareness Month. This proclamation highlights the importance of life insurance, the sense of security that it provides, and urges Floridians to learn more about the resources available to increase their awareness of life insurance and its benefits.  Read more...

CFO Patronis Announces Arrest in $367,000 Miami Prescription Drug Fraud Scheme
08/31/2022

Miami, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Ivan Alberto Camacho Rincon by the Division of Investigative & Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud for his involvement in an alleged prescription invoice fraud scheme totaling more than $367,000. Rincon was taken into custody by Miami Bureau of Insurance Fraud detectives with the assistance of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Five Arrests in $58,000 Miami PIP Fraud Scheme
08/30/22

Miami, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Yulisa Del Carmen Diaz, Malouly Moreira Rodriguez, Gonzala Ramos Delgado, Yarisel Rodriguez Garcia, and Camilo Leon Fernandez for their alleged involvement in a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud scheme involving a staged car accident and physical therapy fraud. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces 13 Arrests in Pasco County Unlicensed Contractor Sting
08/18/22

Tarpon Springs, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of thirteen unlicensed contractors in Pasco County. The joint operation between CFO Patronis’ fraud detectives, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) was launched to address unlicensed contractors who failed to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Eight Arrests in Manatee County Unlicensed Contractor Sting
8/2/2022

Bradenton, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of eight unlicensed contractors in Manatee County. The joint operation between CFO Patronis’ fraud detectives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was launched to address unlicensed contractors who were both working without a required contractor license and doing construction work without having workers' compensation insurance, or a workers' compensation insurance exemption(s). Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Issues Statement on FCC Crackdown of Auto Warranty Robocalls
7/26/2022

Tallahassee, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) order to phone companies to block robocalls about scam auto warranties. In February, CFO Patronis issued a letter to the Chairwoman of the FCC to express concern regarding robocalls and urge the agency to require all cellphone carriers to provide free spam blocking services to all customers. The CFO also supported legislation this year, signed into law by Governor DeSantis, to crack down on unwanted telemarketing calls in Florida. Read more...

CFO Patronis Announces Arrest of Tampa Clinic Owner in $970,000 Staged Auto Accident Scheme
7/5/2022

Tampa, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Angela Ippolito Duncan, owner of Ybor Medical Center for allegedly planning and participating in staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 in fake accident injury automobile insurance claims.

CFO Patronis said, “Scam artists are working every day to drive up your insurance rates to line their own pockets. Thankfully my fraud detectives are staying one step ahead of these schemes and were able to successfully shut down this staged accident fraud ring. Schemes like this are not only costly, but they are also dangerous, putting innocent motorists at risk on Florida’s roadways. I would like to thank my fraud detectives, the NICB, and the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for their support in this case and working to bring this fraudster to justice.”  Read more...