Don’t be fooled by Fraudsters following Hurricane Debby

This week, following the impact of Hurricane Debby, I issued a consumer alert warning Floridians of contracts designed to avoid Florida's ban on assignment of benefits (AOBs). If you are currently recovering from Hurricane Debby, you should beware of unscrupulous characters who offer any kind of Direct Payment Contract. Some Direct Pay Contracts hold you responsible to the contractor for more than what your insurance will pay for your loss without you knowing from the start what you project will cost. Don't sign anything! Avoid any contract that doesn't include the total cost of the project and steer clear of high-pressure sales tactics and vague contract terms. If you or someone you know is suspicious of fraudulent activity taking place in your area regarding unlicensed public adjusters, roofers, or contractors, please report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com. 

On Wednesday, I issued an Emergency Order to protect insurance policyholders following the impacts of Hurricane Debby. Following any disaster, fly by night contractors and so-called claims representatives will swoop into a storm-impacted area and try to come in between you and your insurance policy. It's truly despicable. This emergency order will allow consumers more time to get out of bad contracts, will require claims representatives to be more responsive to policyholders, and requires claims reps to identify themselves and who they work for. This order will keep you in the driver's seat when handling your claim and stop the door-to-door scam artist from using your claim as their meal ticket. If you need insurance assistance following Hurricane Debby, please call my office at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) or visit us online at MyFloridaCFO.com. 

Lastly, on Thursday I issued a statement in support of Senator Rick Scott's Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act. Senator Scott is fighting for insurance relief, and I fully support it. The Biden-Harris administration has been a disaster for homeowners nationwide, putting homeownership of reach for millions of young and hardworking Americans. We are doing everything we can to fight the Biden-Harris national insurance crisis. Coupled with the successful My Safe Florida Home program and the Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption, Senator Scott's solution-oriented approach to deduct up to $10,000 in annual insurance premiums from your taxes would be a huge win for the state of Florida and the nation.