CFO Patronis Provides Recovery Resources Following Severe Weather in Florida Panhandle, Big Bend

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided recovery resources as severe weather impacted the Florida Panhandle, the Big Bend, and Northeast Florida with tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and localized flooding. Floridians are encouraged to document any damage and be on the lookout for fraud and scams as they work to recover. Visit PrepareFL.com for recovery tips and resources.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Much of North Florida, including the Panhandle and Big Bend, were hit by devastating severe weather and tornados early this morning. After the storms pass, residents should continue to take caution and heed all watches and warnings as they work to assess damage and recover. With power outages reported in impacted areas, please do not run your generator inside any enclosed area such as your garage or in your home. Generators produce carbon monoxide which is completely colorless, odorless and very dangerous. These machines can be lifesavers, but can turn very deadly if not operated with the utmost caution.

“Lastly, now is the time you are most vulnerable to storm related scams so be on the lookout for fraud. My fraud detectives will be boots on the ground in the impacted areas to hold bad actors accountable and educate homeowners on common storm scams. Don’t give cash to anyone coming to your doorstep offering repair services and don’t sign anything before calling your insurance company or my Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236). Visit PrepareFL.com for more storm recovery tips and resources.”

The Prepare Florida website includes:

• A guide to navigating the insurance claims process.
• Information on the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) process and how it can impact a homeowner.
• Tips on what to expect after filing a homeowners insurance claim related to a storm.
• Tips on how to avoid unlicensed contractors and repair scams.

Following the storm, Floridians can call the Department of Financial Services’ toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, visit our disaster resources and information website, or contact us via email at Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com.