Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a directive to the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), which the CFO oversees, barring the use of censorship and blacklisting services, like NewsGuard Technologies, Inc., that attach “credibility ratings” to news sources. Adverse ratings can diminish a legitimate news source’s reputation and advertising revenue, often intentionally, and are known to apply according to subjective factors, like political bias, not factual inaccuracies. The directive bars both the Department and its contractors from utilizing censorship media-monitoring services when making ad-buys or marketing placements for Departmental services.

A growing number of states are forcing public employee pension funds to divest from China, pulling out of the world’s second-largest economy because of hostility toward Beijing and fear that U.S. assets could be frozen if conflict breaks out in the Indo-Pacific.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Treasury generated a record $1.95 billion in interest earnings during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. These earnings derive from state funds and other monies that the Division of Treasury invests on behalf of taxpayers, while remaining effective stewards of resources that fund operational state duties and other financial assets entrusted to its care.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued an official letter to President Donald J. Trump outlining the nation’s insurance crisis and recommending specific actions to bring costs under control. Under the Biden-Harris administration, families and businesses have endured skyrocketing insurance costs that have put the American Dream out of reach for too many hard-working people. Since taking office, homeowners’ insurance rates have increased an estimated 37% nationally, and the Consumer Price Index has increased nearly 20%. CFO Patronis made it clear in his letter that the status quo is totally unacceptable, and that a Trump administration can rein in premiums for all Americans.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) will host a ‘Fixing Problems for Floridians Fair’ in Orlando on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The event is open to the public and will consist of experts from DFS to assist Floridians with their issues and educate consumers on resources available to them.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Tom Gallagher to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) Board of Directors. FIGA is a nonprofit corporation created by the Florida Legislature in 1970 and services pending claims by Florida policyholders of member insurance companies that become insolvent and are ordered liquidated.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $26 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of June. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, nearly $2.5 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the reopening of the My Safe Florida Home program's grant application portal tomorrow, Monday, July 1. The program will prioritize senior citizens and low-income homeowners with two special application periods before opening to the public. The initiative offers free home inspections and grants up to $10,000 for strengthening homes against storms with impact-resistant doors and windows, aiming to reduce insurance costs through mandatory mitigation discounts. Newly signed legislation provides an additional $200 million for the program, enhancing services for seniors and low-income homeowners. Since 2022, the program has conducted over 104,000 free inspections, approved 38,000 grant applications, and allocated nearly $390 million in home hardening grants.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of D. Ryan West to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) Board of Directors. FIGA is a nonprofit corporation created by the Florida Legislature in 1970 and services pending claims by or against Florida policyholders of member insurance companies that become insolvent and are ordered liquidated.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of two insurance agents, and a third individual, for their alleged involvement in an insurance agent license testing fraud scheme in Miami. Rainer Miguel Salas and his son Rainer Alexander Salas, a licensed Florida insurance agent, and receptionist Karla Lit Peralta Ceballos, also a licensed Florida insurance agent, allegedly accepted payments and facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of approximately five Florida insurance agents' licenses by taking licensing exams on behalf of other individuals.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing June 27, 2024 as National PTSD Awareness Day and is highlighting resources and aid available to first responders living with PTSD. Since 2017, CFO Patronis has been dedicated to serving Florida’s first responders and has supported efforts to expand PTSD benefits, including $10 million in the 2024 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget that will go directly toward aiding veterans and first responders.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is alerting Floridians about new features in vehicles that track and collect your personal information and provided tips on how to limit data collection on you and your family.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on new economic reports that show Florida's economy outpacing the nation as indicated by the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. The states GDP grew by 21.9 percent from the first quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2024, doubling the national GDP during that time and highlighting a robust economic trajectory despite inflationary challenges.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians to be weary of misleading solicitations and flyers claiming to be associated with the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program and promoting “free roofs and windows”. Before conducting any business with a contractor, homeowners should verify their credentials and understand the MSFH grant process to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warns parents, caregivers and loved ones to never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle especially as a stifling heat wave impacts much of the state. In 2023, 29 children died in hot car related tragedies including seven from Florida.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided information and resources for Florida residents who may be impacted by the torrential rain and flooding throughout South Florida last week. On Friday, CFO Patronis visited the Broward County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to assess storm recovery needs. Listed below are insurance claims contacts for the top automobile insurance companies in the South Florida area and resources from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For individuals who have flood insurance policies for their residence through FEMA and NFIP, the CFO encourages consumers to contact their insurance agents for more information about filing a claim. Consumers may also reach NFIP directly at 877-336-2627.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians of the potential fire dangers associated with aftermarket lithium-ion powered batteries ahead of Father’s Day. There are many aftermarket and even counterfeit batteries on store shelves or online that may seem like a bargain, but purchasing one of these batteries could result in poor performance, shorter tool life, and may even pose serious fire dangers.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Airbnb CEO Bryan Cheskey regarding the companies rental listings and business practices within Communist-controlled Cuba and possible profits earned from properties confiscated from Cuban Americans by the Cuban government. Airbnb was recently sued in Florida for listing property in Cuba confiscated by Castro decades ago.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauded Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of Florida’s 2024 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) requested and received critical funding including $7 million to bolster insurance consumer services and expand the agency’s footprint across the state. DFS also secured $200 million to fund the My Safe Florida Home program to harden homes against storms and help cut insurance costs. Lastly, the Department will receive $7 million to support the state fire college and arson lab and $10 million to aid veterans and first responders in their battle against PTSD.

Today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis voted to approve rules to implement a reduction in Florida’s Commercial Lease Sales Tax rate to reduce the tax burden on small businesses following the successful replenishment of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Passed by the Florida Legislature in 2021, the Commercial Lease Sales Tax cut will reduce the rate from 4.5 percent to 2.0 percent, providing Florida employers with an estimated $1 billion in tax relief. Last session, CFO Patronis also supported measures that would provide counties with the authority to provide tax breaks for small local businesses by allowing local governments to forgo the collection of their business rent taxes.