Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $31 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of November. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.2 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released a statement following Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024-25 Focus on Florida’s Future budget recommendations.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis hosted a Christmas tree burn demonstration with the Tallahassee Fire Department and urged Floridians to know the potential dangers of Christmas trees and holiday decorations. If not maintained and properly removed, trees can become dry and easily ignite. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two in five home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Between 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 150 home fires due to burning Christmas trees. Reports say, these fires cause an annual average of 4 civilian deaths, 33 civilian injuries, and $14 million in property damage and Christmas lights are the primary cause of these fires 40 percent of the time.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Boo Corrigan, Chairman of the College Football Playoff committee requesting voting records of all 13 CFP Committee members. The letter comes after the historic and unprecedented decision to leave the undefeated, ACC Champion Florida State University football team out of the four team College Football Playoff.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of independent contractor Ricky McGraw, owner of SFR Services (SFR), for his alleged involvement in intentionally inflating and overbilling a roof replacement claim to defraud Tower Hill Insurance Company (Tower Hill) out of more than $214,000. McGraw was booked into Lee County jail on charges of Insurance Fraud and Grand Theft, both first-degree felonies.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation honoring Mike Norvell on his undefeated regular season and being awarded the ACC Coach of the Year.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement honoring and memorializing the life of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who passed away at the age 93. Sandra Day O’Connor was nominated by former President Ronald Reagan on August 19, 1981, and served until her retirement on January 31, 2006. Justice O’Connor made history as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Paul Vautour, former Vice-President of Sales for Castle Roofing Company (Castle) and three other employees including Kiana Vatour, Robert Lusk Sr., and Robert Lusk Jr. for their alleged involvement in intentionally and schematically causing damage to homeowner’s roofs to file fraudulent property insurance claims to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens).

Today, as Floridians across the state face the possibility of freezing cold temperatures tonight, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis offers fire safety precautions to take when families use their space heaters, wood burning stoves and fireplaces. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries and December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis launched the Holiday Money Hunt and is encouraging Floridians to spread the word and search to see if you or your business has Unclaimed Property that has been unknown or lost and ready to recover. Currently, Florida has unclaimed property accounts with a total value of $2.9 billion. CFO Patronis is on a mission to celebrate the holidays and return every last cent back to its rightful owners. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.2 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens. For b-roll video of the Florida unclaimed property vault and a selection of unclaimed items, please click here.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning consumers to beware of potential scams surrounding Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday as Floridians begin their search for holiday shopping deals and offers. CFO offers four tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft this year, as consumers are expected to spend a total of $130 billion during the period from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday. In 2022, American’s donated over $3.1 billion in 24 hours to charitable causes during Giving Tuesday.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to incorporate the following safety tips when frying a turkey this Thanksgiving. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Additionally, the NFPA recommends you test your smoke alarm at least once a month and replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released a statement honoring Florida’s fallen firefighters following the memorial event at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. There were 16 fallen firefighters recognized during the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Fire College. Additionally, CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis addressed the families of the fallen firefighters and the fire service community at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Parade in downtown Ocala Thursday night.

For the good of all college athletes, it’s time for the NCAA to move on from Charlie Baker, find a new President, and reform their association to meet today’s challenges head-on. Under Baker, the NCAA is out of touch and clinging to its last string of relevance in a rapidly changing national collegiate sports landscape. The time is now to find new leadership who will revamp the NCAA and usher in a new era of college athletics.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided important information and resources for South Florida residents impacted by torrential rain and hurricane-force winds. The CFO 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 who have 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.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a letter to Speaker Johnson urging him to delay implementation and stop the IRS from issuing Form 1099-Ks through third-party cash apps, such as PayPal, Venmo and Cash App. After the first of January, consumers will be required to file a Form 1099-K to the IRS if they make a transaction of $600 on a third-party payment platform.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day. To watch and download the video message click here.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians of the threat of fake social media accounts on platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram that impersonate real business accounts in order to steal your personal information.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauded the Legislature on the passage of additional $176 million in funding for the My Safe Florida Home Program during Special Session. The program, administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, provides funding for free home inspections and matches funding for home enhancements to harden homes against storms in an effort to reduce insurance premiums.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $36 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of October. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.2 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.