For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 25, 2023

Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Jimmy Patronis Statement on Signing of Consumer Protection Legislation
~  The CFO supported measures to fight back against crowdfunding scams, shed light on solar panel schemes, and crack down on bad public adjusters ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement upon Governor Ron DeSantis signing House Bill 1185 into law. The legislation requires important disclosures regarding solar panels at the time of sale to ensure consumers know what they are buying and how it can impact their property insurance costs. The legislation also cracks down on scams on crowdfunding sites by preventing fraud through transparency. Additionally, the legislation further protects insurance consumers by improving communication with public adjusters through contract requirements and ensuring the financial motives of public adjusters are in-line with the consumer.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Every year we have worked to put consumers and policyholders first in Florida, especially following disasters. We learn something new from every storm, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, I made it clear that fraudulent activity on crowdfunding sites will not be tolerated and that we would put forth legislation to bring these scams to an end and protect consumers. We also worked to rein in unscrupulous public adjusters and ensure policyholders are protected and know their rights. My thanks to Governor DeSantis for signing this good bill into law and passing this much needed legislation to protect consumers by adding transparency and accountability into Florida’s marketplace. We are putting bad actors on notice that taking advantage of consumers in Florida will not be tolerated.”

Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter said, “While assisting survivors of Hurricanes Michael and Ian, consumers shared daunting stories of being pressured and manipulated into immediately signing contracts for representation. During one of the most vulnerable times, ill-willed public adjusters took advantage of consumers. HB 1185 provides consumers with more flexibility and options and ensures they only pay for the work actually performed by the public adjuster. Consumers will now have more control of the claim process. Additionally, the reduced timeframe to apply the hurricane insurance deductible decreases the financial burden on consumers during what can already be a burdensome time. I’m grateful to Representative Giallombardo, Senator DiCeglie, CFO Patronis and Governor DeSantis for recognizing the need for these much-needed consumer protections.”

To view CFO Patronis’ 2023 “Keep Florida Free” Legislative Victories, click HERE.

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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 Twitter (@FLDFS).