CFO Jimmy Patronis Applauds Passage of DFS Agency Bill from Florida House

~ Includes measure to fight EV fires, support taxpayers, and protect policyholders ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauded the unanimous passage of House Bill 989 today from the Florida House of Representatives. As a part of his 2024 ‘Florida Fights for Freedom’ Legislative priorities, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Agency Bill helps Floridians fight back against the IRS by creating the Florida Taxpayer Advocate, protects first responders from the dangers of Electric Vehicle (EV) fires, and supports Florida’s policyholders when complex insurance issues arise.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Every year as your CFO, I have worked with the legislature to pass meaningful reforms to bolster the services provided by DFS and support Florida’s first responders, families, and businesses. With the unanimous passage of our agency bill, Florida is taking a major step forward in protecting our first responders and consumers from the dangers of EV and lithium-battery fires. With the advent of lithium-ion batteries being used in battery-powered scooters, golf carts, and cars, EV fires are a new phenomenon that our firefighters are battling every day. This legislation will also support Florida taxpayers and fights IRS overreach by creating the Florida Taxpayer Advocate. This new office will ensure Floridians have a seat at the table and a fighter by their side when the IRS comes knocking. We are also working to protect policyholders, by requiring insurance carriers to have staff who can expedite and short-circuit major insurance issues before they arise.

“Lastly, Florida is leading the way in protecting the Cryptocurrency assets of our citizens by ensuring they can be claimed if lost or misplaced. This bill also gives DFS more teeth over the funeral home industry when bad actors don’t follow the law. I applaud the Florida House for passing this good bill and special thank you to Representative Chip LaMarca for his hard work in pushing this legislation across the finish line and fighting for Floridians.”

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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).