CFO Patronis Deploys Three Anti-Fraud Strike Teams Following Hurricane Milton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams (DFAST), which have been deployed to the affected counties to protect Floridians from storm-related fraud following the impacts of Hurricane Milton. This deployment consists of three teams with 18 sworn law enforcement officers who are working to educate and inform the public on signs of post-storm fraud and ensure contractors are following Florida workers’ compensation law while conducting repairs. Since deploying DFAST, officers have interacted with nearly 100 homeowners, businesses, and contractors in storm affected counties.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Just minutes after a storm, the bad actors and scam artists will swoop in to try and take advantage of the destruction and make a quick buck. I refuse to allow fraudsters to come between you and your recovery, that’s why I have deployed my Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams to storm impacted areas including Hillsborough, Sarasota, and St. Lucie counties to be on the lookout for bad actors. These anti-fraud strike teams consist of trained insurance fraud investigators with specialized knowledge of homeowners and auto insurance fraud, and they will be on the ground in the impacted areas to ensure residents know the signs of fraud and lawbreakers are held responsible. As you work to recover, don't feel pressured by anyone and DON'T SIGN ANYTHING! We have also deployed insurance specialist to help walk policyholders through the claims process if needed. If you or a loved one believes they have fallen victim to post-storm fraud, report it to my office immediately by calling our Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445."

Common Indicators of Post-Storm Fraud include:

1. 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.
2. A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional that has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs to your home.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Insurance Consumer Services Resources:

• Call our statewide toll-free Insurance Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) - Out-of-State Callers: (850) 413-3089
• Insurance Helpline is available 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Monday - Sunday
• Visit MyFloridaCFO.com/divisions/consumers for insurance assistance online or by email at Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com.

 To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Insurance Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit 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 X (@FLDFS).