~ Further Directs Unclaimed Property Division to Expedite Check Disbursements to Israel ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a directive barring the Department of Financial Services, Unclaimed Property Division, from returning unclaimed property to nation-states, and other regions, that facilitate attacks and other hostilities towards Israel. The countries barred under the directive include Iran, Syria, Lebanon and regions associated with Palestine. To view the CFO’s directive, click HERE.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “There’s never been a more important time to stand with Israel. Under a federal license, Florida was compelled to not only turn over unclaimed property, but provide interest to claimants that were in areas that were outwardly hostile to Israel. That’s insane and we’re putting a stop to it. Not one cent will leave Florida to be used for potential terrorist activity. Moreover, I’ve directed the Unclaimed Property division to take steps in proactively returning about $176,000 worth of property back to Israelis. Florida is a staunch ally of Israel, and as they’re fighting for their very existence, every dollar counts. I urge Treasurers and Comptrollers across the nation to take the same action.”

According to the Division of Unclaimed Property, there are 19 accounts totaling nearly $39,000 associated with the countries of Syria, Iran, Lebanon, and regions of Palestine. Today’s action comes on the heels of CFO Patronis purchasing $145 million in Israel bonds. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.1 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens and businesses. 

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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).