News You Can Use - Summer 2023

DFS Continues Hurricane Ian Insurance Villages in Southwest Florida
06/15/23

Southwest, Fla. – The Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced that the Division of Consumer Services will be hosting Insurance Villages on June 27th in Fort Myers and June 28th and June 29th in Punta Gorda. The villages will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their property insurer in-person and work together to resolve outstanding claims. Representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and more than a dozen insurers are expected to be on hand to assist insurance consumers. Read more...

CFO Patronis Encourages Disaster Preparedness, Home Hardening as the 2023 Hurricane Season Begins
06/01/23

As the 2023 Hurricane Season begins today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlights “Prepare Florida,” a disaster preparedness initiative to encourage Floridians to prepare now before a hurricane makes landfall. CFO Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and resources to help Floridians ensure they are prepared to weather the next storm. The CFO also encourages Floridians to consider hardening their home with storm resistant products through the My Safe Florida Home mitigation inspection and grant program. By hardening your home, homeowners can protect their home and save money on insurance premiums through mandatory discounts. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis: My Safe Florida Home Program Expansion Will Lower Insurance Costs
05/31/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauds Governor DeSantis for signing House Bill 881 , My Safe Florida Home Program, by Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Chip LaMarca into law. This legislation will expand eligibility requirements so more Floridians can protect their homes against storms and reduce insurance premiums.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “The ‘My Safe Florida Home’ program was a huge success last year, and I am thankful to the Governor for signing HB 881 into law which will expand the program’s eligibility requirements to provide even more access to Floridians to harden their homes as the next hurricane season approaches. This program not only offers Floridians the opportunity to fortify their house against storms, but to lower their insurance rates in the process. I encourage Floridians to take advantage of the savings and protect their biggest investment from storms – their homes.” Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest of Miami Claims Adjuster for Fraud
05/26/23

Miami, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Kiyuana Pasley on one count of Organized Fraud, 11 counts of Insurance Fraud, and 11 counts of Grand Theft.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Insurance fraud is a costly crime that drives up rates statewide. This arrest shows our continued efforts to fight back against fraudulent individuals who work in the insurance industry. When bad actors choose to defraud policyholders to make a quick buck, they will be caught and held accountable. Thank you to our fraud detectives for their outstanding work on this case and for protecting Florida’s insurance consumers.” Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Take Advantage of the 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
05/25/23

Tallahassee, Fla. – With the 2023 Hurricane Season starting on June 1, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to use the 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to save money while stocking up on hurricane supplies. Beginning Saturday, May 27 through Friday, June 9, consumers will be able to purchase much needed hurricane-preparation supplies without paying taxes. This 14-day tax holiday allows Floridians to prepare for hurricane season while saving money on disaster preparedness items such as flashlights under $40, batteries less than $50, tarps under $100, generators less than $3,000, and more. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Statement on Signing of Consumer Protection Legislation
05/25/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement upon Governor Ron DeSantis signing House Bill 1185 into law. The legislation requires important disclosures regarding solar panels at the time of sale to ensure consumers know what they are buying and how it can impact their property insurance costs. The legislation also cracks down on scams on crowdfunding sites by preventing fraud through transparency. Additionally, the legislation further protects insurance consumers by improving communication with public adjusters through contract requirements and ensuring the financial motives of public adjusters are in-line with the consumer. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest in $30,000 Miami Insurance Fraud Scheme
05/19/23

Miami, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Jon Roa-Fontaine on two counts of Insurance Fraud, two counts of Grand Theft, one count of Organized Fraud, and one count of Uttering a Fraudulent Instrument. An investigation by the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) revealed that John Roa-Fontaine submitted fraudulent receipts to defraud Castle Key Indemnity Company, subsidiary of All State Insurance and Homesite Insurance Company, for a combined amount of $30,756.91. Read more...

CFO Patronis Announces Arrest of SW Florida Unlicensed Contractor following Hurricane Ian
05/09/23

Ft. Myers, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Eric Harris on charges of Worker's Compensation Fraud and Unlicensed Contracting During a State of Emergency for allegedly contracting to conduct home repairs without the required state licensure and insurance coverage.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Defrauding a homeowner following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian is absolutely despicable and will not be tolerated in Florida. Unlicensed activity puts everyone at risk and ultimately leaves storm victims in the lurch. This contractor took the money, but didn’t do the work. Often bad actors who defraud consumers don’t carry workers comp coverage, so we’re able to take them off the street so no one else is defrauded. Florida consumers must always stay on guard and be on the lookout for unlicensed activity. If you feel you have been the victim of fraud, report it to my Insurance Fraud Hotline immediately at 1-800-378-0445. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Reduce Your Insurance Rate by Hardening Your Home
05/09/23

Hialeah, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis hosted a press conference at PGT Innovations, a Florida-based manufacturer of impact-resistant building product. The CFO highlighted the Home Hardening Tax Exemption Initiative, the expansion of the My Safe Florida Home Program and the newly passed Insurer Accountability legislation. The sales tax exemption was championed by CFO Patronis and signed into law by Governor DeSantis last legislative session and allows Florida homeowners to harden their homes against storms while making them eligible to save money on their insurance premiums. This legislative session, the CFO supported legislation related to the My Safe Florida Home Program, which expands eligibility requirements so more Floridians can protect their homes against storms and reduce insurance premiums. Additionally this session, the CFO worked with the legislature to increase home mitigation grant funding by another $100 million, for a total of $250 million in funding. The CFO was joined by representatives from PGT Innovations, Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, Miami-Dade Commissioner René Garcia and City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes. Read more...

CFO Patronis Highlights Hurricane Preparedness Week During Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Tour
05/04/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlighted Hurricane Preparedness Week during the 2023 Hurricane Awareness Tour with the National Weather Service (NOAA) at the Tallahassee International Airport. The event highlighted the capabilities of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter Aircraft and raised awareness of the devastating impacts of hurricanes and severe weather. CFO Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and resources to help Floridians ensure they are prepared to weather the next storm.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Last year, we saw one of the most destructive storms in the history of our state in Hurricane Ian. Many Floridians are still dealing with the long-term effects of this massive storm, and this should serve as a reminder to us all to be prepared before the next hurricane takes aim at our state. One of the costs of living in paradise is that we are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes so we must always stay storm ready. We’re less than a month away from the start of the 2023 Hurricane Season, and I encourage all Floridians to start preparing right now. Do not wait until a storm is approaching. Prepare now, Florida! Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Applauds Passage of Consumer Protection Measures
05/04/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following the passage of House Bill 1185, Consumer Protection, by Senator Nick DiCeglie and Representative Mike Giallombardo in the Florida House. HB 1185 will require important disclosures regarding solar panels at the time of sale to ensure consumers know what they are buying and how it can impact their property insurance costs. The legislation cracks down on scams on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe by preventing fraud through transparency. Additionally, the legislation further protects insurance consumers by improving communication with public adjusters through contract requirements and ensuring the financial motives of public adjusters are in-line with the consumer. Read more...

CFO Patronis Applauds Passage of Insurance Accountability Bill
05/03/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following the passage of Senate Bill 7052, Insurer Accountability, by Senator Travis Hutson and Representative Wyman Duggan in the Florida House. The bill delivers more funding to improve the consumer helpline and mediation services provided by the Department of Financial Services (DFS).

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “This bill, along with current budget allocations, will provide the Department with nearly $4 million in additional funding, and more positions, to expand support for our mediation program and the insurance helpline. This infusion of cash will bolster our ability to deliver effective mediation services and alleviate workload challenges, so that DFS can better aid policyholders. With the reforms the Legislature enacted to stabilize Florida’s insurance market, we need to make sure policyholders have access to the tools they need to obtain their claims. This bill will also provide FLOIR with more tools to hold insurers accountable. With higher fines, tighter timelines, and greater reporting requirements, Florida is holding carriers' feet to the fire to ensure they are being responsive to the needs of policyholders.” Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Cracking Down on AOB Windshield Schemes Will Help Lower Premiums
05/02/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following the passage of Senate Bill 1002, Motor Vehicle Glass, by Senator Linda Stewart and Representative Griffitts in the Florida House. Senate Bill 1002 cracks down on Assignment of Benefits (AOBs) abuse within the automobile windshield repair and replacement industry to fight rising car insurance rates. This legislation will end the use of inducements or gift cards to unethically entice consumers and ensure that replacement windshields are recalibrated to original manufacture standards to ensure driver safety. Read more...

Insurance Villages Recovered $5.7 Million for Southwest Florida Policyholders
04/20/23

Southwest, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the recent Insurance Villages, which took place earlier this week from April 17 - April 19, issued more than $5.7 million for policyholders in insurance claims checks. Approximately 20 insurance companies, and representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), were on hand to assist nearly 1,000 southwest Florida consumers at the Insurance Villages who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Since January, the CFO has also deployed seven Insurance Villages where over $11 million in insurance claims checks were cut by participating insurance companies at Insurance Villages in SW Florida for more than 2,000 residents impacted by Hurricane Ian. These Insurance Villages allow policyholders to meet with their property insurer in-person and work together to solve any outstanding claims. Read more...

CFO Patronis Announces Arrest in $60,000 Broward County Property Insurance Fraud Scheme

4/17/23

Miramar, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrests of Leduc Obas and Rachelle Remy on charges of Scheme to Defraud and False or Fraudulent Insurance Claims for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud Edison insurance company out of more than $60,000 in homeowners insurance claim payments.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "For too long, fraudsters have worked to game the system and damage Florida’s property insurance market which drives up rates for everyone in our state. My fraud detectives are working around the clock to investigate allegations of fraud and bring these bad actors to justice. We need your fraud tips to crack down on these scams. If you or someone you know is suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately by calling our toll-free Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visiting FraudFreeFlorida.com." Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Five Arrests in $1.3 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme
4/12/23

Miami, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrests of Christi Olson, Ryon Vasquez, Mercedes Linares, Leonel Aguiar, and Leonardo Alfonso on felony charges of Identity Theft, Organized Scheme to Defraud, Insurance Fraud, and Grand Theft for allegedly using a former dentist’s professional credentials to defraud insurance companies out of more than $1.3 million.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Identity theft and insurance fraud are serious crimes that will not be tolerated in Florida. As your CFO, I have made fighting fraud my top priority and will make sure that anyone who seeks to prey on innocent, hardworking Floridians will pay the price. Excellent work by our fraud detectives for a job well done and to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office for prosecuting this case. This is a reminder to scam artists in our state, if you commit fraud, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice.” Read more...

CFO Patronis Announces $300,000 Property Insurance Fraud Arrest in Miami
4/11/23

Miami Gardens, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Damacio Green on one charge of Filing a False and Fraudulent Insurance Claim for his alleged involvement in a property insurance fraud scheme to defraud Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) out of more than $300,000.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "In the state of Florida, when you try to game the system for your own personal gain, you will be caught and brought to justice. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime, it drives up costs for all Floridians and contributes to the issues surrounding Florida’s strained property insurance markets. Huge thank you to my fraud detectives and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for their hard work in this case and working every day to keep Florida fraud free." Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Returns More than $32 Million in Unclaimed Property in March
04/03/23

Tallahassee, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $32 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of February. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $1.9 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “I’m happy to announce the return of more than $32 million back into the pockets of Florida families and businesses. As your CFO, I’ve been proud to highlight the great work my team has done to return every cent of unclaimed property back to its rightful owner. Currently, Florida has unclaimed property accounts with a total value of nearly $2.7 billion. I am encouraging every Floridian to search now for unclaimed property for yourself, your friends, your loved ones, and even your business at FLTreasureHunt.gov. It’s your money, claim it today!” Read more...

DFS Provides Update on My Safe Florida Home Grant Program
03/17/23

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) provided an update on the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program which was created in the 2022 Special Session on Insurance.

The MSFH program offers free wind mitigation home inspections and up to $10,000 in storm mitigation grants for Florida homeowners. The grants assist Floridians in retrofitting their home to harden it against storms and help lower their property insurance premiums through mandatory storm mitigation discounts. Since launching in November 2022, the MSFH Program has already completed over 18,000 free home inspections, approved over 3,500 grant applications, and obligated more than $33 million in Home Mitigation Grants. Obligated funds are grant funds that have been identified for a specific applicant and will be processed as a reimbursement to the homeowner once the work has been completed. Read more...

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest in $34,000 Miami Insurance Fraud Scheme
03/13/23

Miami, Fla. - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Trevor Lawrence Taylor on charges of Insurance Fraud, Scheme to Defraud, and Grand Theft for his alleged involvement in an insurance fraud scheme including falsifying receipts and fabricating invoices to defraud Tokio Marine Insurance Company out of more than $34,000.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "It’s simple: if you commit fraud in the state of Florida, you’re going to be caught and held accountable. Fraud drives up insurance costs and discourages insurance companies from doing business in Florida. My fraud detectives work around the clock to ensure fraudsters are brought to justice and fraud schemes are uncovered to protect Florida policyholders. Thank you to our fraud investigators for making this arrest and protecting Florida consumers.” Read more...