CFO Jimmy Patronis Applauds Passage of Consumer Protection Measures

~  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 following the passage of House Bill 1185, Consumer Protection, by Senator Nick DiCeglie and Representative Mike Giallombardo in the Florida House. HB 1185 will require 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 cracks down on scams on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe 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 as CFO, I’ve worked to put Florida’s consumers and policyholders first, especially following disasters. Floridians are at their most vulnerable after a disaster strikes and fraudsters are always ready to take advantage of storm victims, even before first responders can provide emergency services. We learn something new from every disaster, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, I made it clear that fraudulent activity on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe will not be tolerated in our state and that we would put forth legislation to bring these scams to an end and protect consumers. Promises made, and promises kept. My thanks to Senator DiCeglie and Representative Giallombardo for all of their hard work in passing this much needed legislation that will protect consumers by adding transparency and accountability into Florida’s marketplace. I look forward to putting bad actors on notice that committing fraud after disasters in the state of Florida will not be tolerated.”

Senator Nick DiCeglie said, “I am grateful for the leadership and support of CFO Patronis in the development and passage of this piece of legislation. There are good public adjusters and bad public adjusters, and Floridians deserve better than to be taken advantage of by bad public adjusters looking to make a quick buck off their misfortunes. It is unethical and immoral, and I’m proud see this bill make its way to the Governor to be signed into law.”

Representative Mike Giallombardo said, “Hurricane Ian struck my hometown and left unimaginable destruction in its wake. The onslaught of fraudulent activity from fake crowd-funding campaigns to Southwest Floridians being taken advantage of by unscrupulous public adjusters was both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Thanks to CFO Patronis and the support he put behind this bill, we will ensure that Floridians across the state will have better protections from fraudsters after major disasters.“

To view CFO Patronis’ 2023 “Keep Florida Free” Legislative Priorities, 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).