CFO Jimmy Patronis Provides Post-Storm Recovery Resources Following Hurricane Helene
| For Immediate Release: Friday, September 27, 2024 Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842 |
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CFO Jimmy Patronis Provides Post-Storm Recovery Resources Following Hurricane Helene
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provides important recovery information and resources for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. The CFO provided information on avoiding post-storm fraud and provided information for residents with coverage through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and who might be affected by flood damage. Managed by FEMA, NFIP offers flood insurance to help mitigate the impact of flooding on businesses, property owners, and renters. For individuals with flood insurance policies through FEMA and its federal flood insurance program, the CFO encourages consumers to contact their insurance agents for more information about filing a claim. Consumers may also reach FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As many Florida residents are working to get on the road to recovery quickly after Hurricane Helene, it is vital that residents heed all warnings from state and local officials as first responders work to clear roads and ensure safety. As you begin to assess damage to your home or business, my PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop shop for recovery resources and insurance assistance. For those residents with coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, be sure to document your damage and begin making your claim today. If your automobile was damaged due to flooding, please contact your auto insurer to determine if you have coverage for the loss. Residents must also beware of post-storm fraud and bad actors looking to make a quick buck from this storm. Always ensure you work with a reputable, licensed contractor or restoration professional and never feel forced to sign away your insurance rights or pay by cash only. These are signs of fraud, and you should report it immediately by calling my Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit FraudFreeFlorida.com.”
Common Indicators of Post-Storm Fraud include:
- A contractor, service provider (i.e., tree removal or debris removal company, etc.), or restoration professional who offered to waive or discount your insurance deductible.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional that has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs to your home.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who offered to provide repairs at a cash-only discounted rate and has failed to provide repairs to your home.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who has failed to provide any repairs to your home and has stopped responding to your contact attempts.
To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit MyFloridaCFO.com.
Important Storm Recovery Tips and Resources from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program:
General information on the NFIP
Filing Your Claim:
- How To Start Filing Your Claim
- How To File Your Flood Insurance Claim
- Starting Your Recovery: FEMA’s Flood Insurance Claims Process
- How To Document Damage
Recovering from a flood:
- How To Document Damage And Begin Clean-Up
- NFIP Claims Handbook
- Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms
- Reducing Future Flood Damage
For additional storm-related information, visit PrepareFL.com.
For insurance questions, Floridians can reach out to the Department of Financial Services at Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).