TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to JP Morgan Chase (Chase) requesting more information regarding recent reports that a Florida-based business named Mercola Market, had their Chase accounts suddenly terminated without explanation. Dr. Joseph Mercola, owner of Mercola Market recently outlined the situation in a recent tweet saying there was no reason given for the termination of the accounts. In his book, Dr. Mercola was critical of COVID-19 vaccines and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading some to question if his business was targeted because of his opinions or political beliefs.

Read the full letter below or HERE.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Dear Mr. Dimon,

It has come to my attention that a Florida-based business named Natural Health Partners, LCC d/b/a Mercola Market of Cape Coral had their JP Morgan Chase (Chase) accounts suddenly terminated without explanation. The company’s CEO, CFO and some of their family members also had their Chase accounts abruptly closed around the same time. The owner of Mercola Market, Dr. Joseph Mercola, was critical of COVID-19 vaccines and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in his recently published book, leading some to question if they were targeted because of their opinions or political beliefs.

I understand that Chase may be unable to fully explain this issue due to federal law, but this situation brings up broader concerns for me regarding government overreach and influence. Recently, it was revealed that the federal government went to great lengths to censor and suppress information on social media channels like Twitter. The release of the so called “Twitter Files” shined a light on intense pressure from the federal government to limit dissenting opinions from political opponents and stifle free speech. As you can imagine, federal government using their power to impede social media channels is alarming but pales in comparison to the impacts it could have if used against our financial institutions and businesses. To that end, I would appreciate answers to the following questions so my office can better understand the extent of the influence federal agencies may or may not have had in the decision to close these financial accounts:

1. Can Chase confirm or clarify if any government officials or agencies were involved in your decision to close these accounts?
2. Can Chase give any additional justification to Dr. Mercola and his colleagues on exactly why their accounts were terminated and if they will be reinstated in the future?
3. Should other Chase customers in Florida be fearful that the federal government may ask financial institutions to shut down accounts based on their personal opinions, political leanings, or religious beliefs?
   

I look forward to your prompt reply no later than August 31, 2023. If you have any further questions, please email me at CFO.Patronis@myfloridacfo.com.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Patronis

Florida Chief Financial Officer

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