CFO Patronis Provides Flood Insurance Program Resources to Aid in Storm Recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis provided information and resources for Florida residents impacted by the Gulf low weather event that caused torrential rain and flooding in the Big Bend and the Nature Coast over the weekend. The CFO provided information for residents with coverage through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and who might be affected by flood damage. Managed by FEMA, NFIP offers flood insurance to help mitigate the impact of flooding on businesses, property owners, and renters. For individuals who have flood insurance policies through FEMA and its federal flood insurance program, the CFO encourages consumers to contact their insurance agents for more information about filing a claim. Consumers may also reach FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As many Florida residents in the Big Bend and Nature Coast experienced flooding from the recent severe weather that has impacted the area with heavy rain and winds, it is vital that residents heed all warnings from state and local officials as first responders work to clear roads and ensure safety. As you begin to assess damage to your home or business, my PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop shop for recovery resources and insurance assistance. For those residents with coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, be sure to document your damage and begin making your claim today. If your automobile was damaged due to flooding, please contact your auto insurer to determine if you have coverage for the loss. Residents must also beware of post-storm fraud and bad actors looking to make a quick buck from this storm. Always ensure you work with a reputable, licensed contractor or restoration professional and never feel forced to sign away your insurance rights or pay by cash only. These are signs of fraud, and you should report it immediately by calling my Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit FraudFreeFlorida.com.”

Important Storm Recovery Tips and Resources from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program:

General information on the NFIP

• For consumers
• For insurance agents
• For insurance commissioners and others
• For real estate agents
  

Filing Your Claim:

• How To Start Filing Your Claim
• How To File Your Flood Insurance Claim
• Starting Your Recovery: FEMA’s Flood Insurance Claims Process
• How To Document Damage
  

Recovering from a flood:

• How To Document Damage And Begin Clean-Up
• NFIP Claims Handbook
• Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms
• Reducing Future Flood Damage  

For additional storm-related information, visit PrepareFL.com.

For insurance questions, Floridians can reach out to the Department of Financial Services at Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com.                                                                                                                                         

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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).