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.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided information and resources for Florida residents who may be impacted by the severe weather threatening to cause torrential rain and flooding throughout South Florida this week. 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 announced the arrest of Miguel Ferrer, a retired Town of Davie Fire Captain, for insurance fraud related to a claim for additional living expense (ALE) connected to a homeowner property claim from March 2022.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan will allow 457b Pre-Tax and 457b Roth (post-tax) payroll contributions starting in July 2024. 457b Roth payroll contributions are made on a post-tax basis and give eligible State of Florida Employees more flexibility in meeting retirement income goals and securing their financial future.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Wall Street Journal: A Politically Made Insurance Panic “Wall Street Journal: A Politically Made Insurance Panic” June 9, 2024 The Editorial Board

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $32 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of May. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.4 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is providing additional recovery resources and warning residents to be on the lookout for fraud as they work to recover from severe weather and tornados that devastated parts of North Florida on May 10th, 2024.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to take advantage of the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption before it ends on June 30, 2024. This initiative established a two-year sales tax exemption on the retail sales of items like impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors. Overall, the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption program has saved homeowners an estimated $462 million during the course of the exemption period.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) announce the arrest of Insurance Agent, Bryce Corey Tyminski, for alleged fraudulent insurance claims and criminal use of personal identification. Tyminski intended to defraud Americo Financial Life & Annuity Insurance Company and American Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas out of more than $1,200.