**PHOTO RELEASE**
CFO Patronis Applauds Gov. DeSantis on the Signing of DFS Agency Bill
~ Legislation Supports Taxpayers, Protects Floridians from EV Fires, and Secures Cryptocurrency Assets ~

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Today, at a press conference in Jacksonville, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined Governor Ron DeSantis for the signing of House Bill 989, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Agency Bill. Among many provisions, this legislation creates the Florida Taxpayer Advocate and bolsters the services provided by the Division of Insurance Consumer Services to support consumers. This legislation also create rules and regulations to prevent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electronic vehicles (EVs) such as scooters, hoverboards, golf carts, and battery-powered cars and designates cryptocurrency as unclaimed property. Lastly, this bill rebrands the fraud and arson investigations unit of the Department from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) to the newly named Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Everyday, we are looking for new ways to bolster the important services provided to Floridians by the Department of Financial Services. With the Governor’s signature today, this legislation establishes the Florida Taxpayer Advocate within DFS to support Floridians with federal tax related issues and ensure their rights as taxpayers are upheld. When tax issues arise, Floridians need a fighter on their side and that’s exactly what the taxpayer advocate will do. This legislation will also allow the State Fire Marshal’s Office to lead the way in crafting new solutions for fire hazards associated with EVs. 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. It is imperative that our state create policies and procedures around lithium-ion batteries to prevent potential disasters.

“Lastly, the Biden administration has made it clear that they desperately want to expand the reach of government into your home, your personal life, and your financial matters, including the regulation of cryptocurrency. I urge every state to assert themselves, safeguard these digital currencies and preserve them as democratic tools for free-market capitalism. We don’t need the federal government in our business. By categorizing cryptocurrency as unclaimed property, Florida can protect financial assets rightfully belonging to its citizens. My thanks to Governor DeSantis, Senator Nick DiCeglie, and Representative Chip LaMarca and for their efforts to support DFS as we work to support Floridians.”

Senator Nick DiCeglie said, “This is a great piece of legislation for Florida taxpayers and consumers and the services provided by the Department of Financial Services are vital to keeping our state on the path to success. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and CFO Patronis for their support and commitment to serving Floridians.”

Representative Chip LaMarca said, “I was honored to represent this bill through the Florida House and will continue to work proudly beside CFO Patronis to ensure DFS has the tools they need to support our communities and our first responders. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this great bill and leaning forward to protect consumer and taxpayers.”

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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 X (@FLDFS).