Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to take advantage of the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Initiative 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 $462.6 million during the course of the exemption period.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of four individuals, Abel Vera, Nancy Mercedes Pena, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Maura Perez in Miami-Dade County for allegedly staging an automobile accident and falsely documented the accident with police. The four had a goal of reporting the accident to the automobile insurance company, Kemper Insurance, to exploit the personal injury and protection (PIP) benefits associated with the auto policy for financial gain.

With the start of the 2024 Hurricane Season just 50 days away, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlights “Prepare Florida,” a disaster preparedness initiative to encourage Floridians to prepare now before a hurricane makes landfall. CFO Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and resources to help Floridians ensure they are prepared to weather the next storm.

Ahead of Tax Day on Monday, April 15, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is highlighting taxpayer rights and encouraging Floridians to understand resources available to them as taxpayers. Floridians are expected to pay billions in federal income taxes this year, and the CFO has made it his mission to hold the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accountable and provide information and resources for taxpayers.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis applauded Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of Senate Bill 718, Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl, by Senator Jay Collins and Representative Jessica Baker.

Florida intends to cut its ties with Morningstar until the investment firm can prove it has rooted out anti-Israel bias in its investment ratings platforms, the state’s chief financial officer told JNS on Thursday.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis toured the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Florida Task Force 2 Training Center where he assessed hurricane preparedness and discussed the importance of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $33 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of March. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, nearly $2.4 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement following his visit to the U.S. Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas. CFO Patronis assessed U.S. border security and support efforts by the Florida Guard, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Miguel Reyes, Jr. in Miami-Dade County on charges of Burglary, Arson, and Throwing a Destructive Device. On March 22, 2024, Miguel Reyes and another suspect were caught on a surveillance recording system approaching a local barbershop, shattering the front glass windows, and throwing two ignited objects into the business causing a large commercial fire. The additional suspect is still at large.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the Florida Treasury has invested an additional $50 million in Israel bonds. Following the terror attacks on October 7th, CFO Patronis announced that the Florida Treasury was investing $120 million in Israel Bonds, bringing Florida’s total investment in Israel bonds to $200 million, the largest total ever held at one time by the Florida Treasury. With this additional purchase, the Florida State Treasury now holds a total of $250 million in Israel Bonds. In doing so, the state aims to diversify their investment portfolio as part of a long-range investment strategy that has generated approximately $9.4 million in interest from these investments.

This St. Patrick’s Day, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is opening the vault and looking for Floridians with “St. Patrick’s Day-themed names” and urging them to search Florida’s Unclaimed Property database. Currently, Florida has more than $28 million in unclaimed property for Floridians with names including words like Green, Lucky, Gold and more. Additionally, since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.3 billion has been returned to Floridians in unclaimed property.

Sunshine State Buzz Opinion: As States Face Looming Insurance Crisis, Florida Has Answers

WKMG (Orlando) – Florida to Create Tax Advocate

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlighted his 2024 ‘Florida Fights for Freedom’ Legislative Victories including the creation of the Florida Tax Advocate to fight against IRS overreach, protections for first responders from the dangers of Electric Vehicle (EV) fires and enhanced cancer benefits, and millions of dollars in funding to keep Florida’s policyholders first.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing the month of March as Fraud Prevention Month. Since 2017, CFO Patronis has made it a top priority to protect consumers from fraud by launching the Fraud Free Florida initiative and standing up additional fraud investigative task forces throughout the state. If you or someone you know is suspicious of fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing the week of March 3rd through March 9th, 2024 as National Consumer Protection Week. Since 2017, CFO Patronis has made it a top priority to protect consumers from fraud by launching the Fraud Free Florida initiative and standing up additional fraud investigative task forces throughout the state. If you or someone you know is suspicious of fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Today, Florida (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following the passage of HB 939, a Consumer Protection Bill by Representative Griff Griffitts, off the House Floor.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauded the unanimous passage of House Bill 989 today from the Florida House of Representatives. As a part of his 2024 ‘Florida Fights for Freedom’ Legislative priorities, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Agency Bill helps Floridians fight back against the IRS by creating the Florida Taxpayer Advocate, protects first responders from the dangers of Electric Vehicle (EV) fires, and supports Florida’s policyholders when complex insurance issues arise.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $44 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of February. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.3 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to 23 New York businesses to encourage them to relocate to the Sunshine State. Following the ruling against Donald Trump, the state of New York is looking at the possibility of freezing the Trump organization’s assets. The CFO is encouraging businesses to start having conversations with their partners on whether they will be able to succeed in a state like New York who shakes down job creators and let’s criminals run free in the streets. In 2022, more than 91,000 New Yorkers moved to Florida.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Gustavo Antonio Munguia for Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud and Grand Theft. Munguia, the owner of American Iron Group Corp was actively concealing his payroll to avoid paying a higher workers' compensation premium. According to Travelers Property and Casualty Company of America, had the additional payroll been reported, American Iron Group Corp would have been assessed approximately $253,000 in additional premium charges.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to the Nobel Foundation endorsing Elon Musk for the Nobel Peace Prize. Musk was recently nominated for the prize by a Norwegian lawmaker for his defense of free speech and increasing knowledge of Earth and space.

Today, at a press conference in Lake Worth, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlighted the success of the My Safe Florida Home program and efforts to refund the initiative during the 2024 Legislative Session.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis gave remarks during the Florida Fire Service Day at the Florida Capitol. Florida Fire Service Day is an opportunity for the public to learn about the unique and varied services of the Florida fire service and featured fire departments and fire service organizations from across the state.

CFO Patronis Legislative Update for February 14, 2024

This Valentine’s Day, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is playing Cupid and looking for Floridians with “Valentine’s-themed names” and urging them to search Florida’s Unclaimed Property database.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis testified in support of Senate Bill 1098 during the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. Among other provisions, the bill creates vital reforms to Florida’s funeral industry to give the Department of financial Services (DFS) greater emergency authority and oversight over funeral homes and pre-need contracts following the recent investigation into the abandoned Marion Graham Mortuary in Jacksonville. Watch the CFO’s remarks on The Florida Channel, click HERE.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis shared important fire safety information to ensure Floridians enjoy Superbowl LVIII this weekend. The CFO encourages football fans to keep a fire extinguisher nearby when grilling out and keep an eye on children while in the kitchen.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 7028 yesterday.

CFO Patronis Legislative Update for February 6, 2024

CFO Patronis Legislative Update for February 5, 2024

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of William Diehl for allegedly impersonating an insurance agent and defrauding consumers purchasing auto insurance. Diehl, while not licensed as an insurance agent, sold multiple fraudulent and non-existing automobile insurance policies to several unsuspecting victims, many of whom may still be unaware they are driving without auto insurance. In total, Diehl allegedly defrauded consumers of more than $29,000.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement urging Floridians to start saving now for your child’s future by enrolling in a Florida Prepaid College Plan. A college degree is a major investment and with student loan debt at $1.7 trillion nationwide, pre-planning for the cost of college is not only vital to your student’s academic success, but future financial success as well. During the Open Enrollment period from February 1 and April 30, 2024, Prepaid Plan prices have been reduced up to 25%, now starting at just $34 a month for newborns. To learn more and take advantage of the lowest Prepaid Plan prices in ten years, visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com today.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $32 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of January. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.3 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

Today, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) secured an arrest warrant for Elliot Maurice Graham, Funeral Director of Marion Graham Mortuaries in Jacksonville, Florida. The arrest warrant was issued by the 4th Judicial Circuit Court following the execution of a search warrant by DFS on mortuary premises. Graham faces multiple charges, including one felony count of Grand Theft and one misdemeanor count of Improper Preservation of a Human Body.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians to beware of the federal government’s activities of acquiring personal transactions of consumers’ information from financial institutions. This comes as recent reports state federal agencies are asking financial institutions, like banks, credit card companies and cash-apps to search and flag Americans’ transactions if they used terms like “MAGA” or “Trump” or if they made certain purchases at retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, or Bass Pro Shops.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis gave remarks at the grand opening of the new Cheney Brothers location in Port St. Lucie. Cheney Brothers is one of the fastest growing food distribution companies in the United States. The new facility in Port St. Lucie has created 260 new jobs.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided tips to protect Floridians from tax related fraud and scams as the federal tax preparation season begins.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Angel Santos Tzunun for worker’s compensation fraud for allegedly concealing payroll to avoid paying a higher worker’s compensation premium. Fraud detectives determined that Tzunun concealed more than $2 million in labor costs from contractors and avoided more than $100,000 in workers’ compensation premiums on two separate insurance policies.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Juana Ledezma and Luis Ledezma for Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud and Grand Theft for allegedly concealing payroll to avoid paying a higher workers compensation premium. An investigation revealed that during the policy period, the Ledezmas would have been assessed an additional $127,660.00 in premium charges.

House Bill 989 (Representative LaMarca) – Department of Financial Services. This legislation creates the Florida Tax Advocate within the Department of Financial Services to assist Floridians with IRS related issues and complaints. It also renames the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations. This bill also authorizes the State Fire Marshal’s office, which the CFO oversees, to create rules and regulations to prevent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electronic vehicles (EVs) such as scooters, hoverboards, golf carts, and battery-powered cars.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement recognizing Thursday, January 25, 2024, as NASA Day of Remembrance and honoring the brave men and women of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia who lost their lives in the effort to expand America’s influence in space. This year will also mark the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 1 tragedy and the fifth anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Space Force.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following reports that federal agencies are asking financial institutions to search and flag Americans transactions if they used terms like “MAGA” or “Trump” or shopped at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s or Bass Pro. The CFO is working with Legislators to propose new legislation to fight back against this federal overreach. To view the CFO’s thread on X, click HERE.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced his 2024 ‘Florida Fights for Freedom’ Legislative priorities. Among the CFO’s priorities are fighting back against the IRS, protecting first responders from the dangers of EV fires, supporting policyholders, safeguarding cryptocurrency assets, and barring state agencies from contracting with censorship companies like NewsGuard.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis hosted the ‘Ringing of the Bell’ ceremony to honor Florida’s fallen firefighters. During the ceremony, 16 fallen firefighters were honored as their names were inscribed on the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial in The Florida Capitol Courtyard. The CFO was joined by families of the fallen firefighters, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Legislators, local elected officials, and members of the Florida fire service community.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the filing of SB 1740 by Senator Ileana Garcia, which creates the Florida Freedom Fighters Fund. The fund would provide up to $5 million in financial support to Florida residents running for President who face legal, partisan, political attacks by the Department of Justice or State Attorneys.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that 117 banks in Florida signed the attestation agreeing not to politically discriminate, thereby designating as Qualified Public Depositories (QPD), which are banks who are legally allowed to accept public dollars which include state or local government funds. This follows the signing of House Bill 3 into law last year which works to prevent the qualification of a bank as a QPD, if they are engaged in any “unsafe and unsound practices” of canceling its services based on personal beliefs whether it be political, religious or any other factor that shows impartiality. QPDs will have to certify that they are in total compliance with the requirements of the bill. To view a full listing of QPDs, click HERE. Additionally, to submit a complaint, click HERE.

CFO Patronis Legislative Update for January 18, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement in support of Senate Bill 460 by Senator Corey Simon. This legislation among many things would recruit students to trades, such as construction and would lower the age requirements for those who wish to work in construction-type jobs. The Bill was reported favorable by the Florida Senate’s Pre-K-12 Education committee on Wednesday.

Following the impacts of the powerful storm and tornados that hit the Florida Panhandle last week, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is urging Bay County residents to visit the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where consumers can connect with team members from the DFS Division of Consumer Services and receive assistance on their insurance claims. Storm victims can find additional resources at PrepareFL.com which serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster information and resources to help Floridians recover quickly following a storm. CFO Patronis is also warning consumers to beware of contractors asking for cash for repairs and always require contractors to show proof of insurance prior to beginning the job.

CFO Patronis Legislative Update for January 16, 2024

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning consumers to beware of purchasing Amazon’s lithium-ion replacement battery packs for Dyson vacuum cleaners. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Zautnkn.Inc lithium-ion replacement battery packs, which are sold on Amazon, pose a risk of fire to consumers. The ZAUTNKN.INC batteries are not a Dyson or Dyson-authorized product and there has been reports of three fires associated with these batteries. A few weeks ago, the CFO announced the filing of a priority bill, House Bill 989 and Senate Bill 1098, which establishes safety standards to prevent lithium-ion battery fires and other issues with energy storage systems.

Today, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis traveled to Panama City to survey damage from the severe weather event and help coordinate response efforts. The CFO participated in a press conference with Bay County officials where they discussed post-storm damage. The following is a transcript of his remarks.

Today, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians of the importance of using gas-powered generators safely during and after the severe weather event that’s making its way across the Florida Panhandle.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to make preparations to homes and property ahead of the severe weather event that is expected to bring damaging winds, possible tornadoes and coastal flooding to the Florida Panhandle, Nature Coast and Northeast Florida, starting as early as tonight. Floridians are encouraged to follow the tips below and visit PrepareFL.com to plan accordingly for the impending storm.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced his support of the filing of Senate Bill 1030 and House Bill 1001 that will 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. The proposed legislation would give small businesses additional tax relief and allow local governments to exercise better fiscal responsibility of taxpayer dollars.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $33 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of December. 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 is urging Floridians to take advantage of the 2023-2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which began Monday, January 1, 2024, and ends on Sunday, January 14, 2024.