CFO Jimmy Patronis Issues Proclamation Recognizing Contractor Fraud Awareness Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing May 20^th – May 24, 2024 as Contractor Fraud Awareness Week. Since 2017, CFO Patronis has made it a top priority to protect consumers from fraud by launching the Fraud Free Florida initiative and standing up additional fraud investigative task forces throughout the state. If you or someone you know is suspicious of fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

To view the proclamation, click HERE.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, each year, Floridians face catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other natural disasters, all of which carry the potential to cause serious damage – or even worse, total destruction – to private property and homes; and

WHEREAS, following disasters, stressed and strained homeowners are vulnerable to predatory practices from dishonest contractors fraudulently inflating repair or rebuilding costs; and

WHEREAS, predatory practices by nefarious contractors ultimately increase costs for consumers by driving up insurance premiums and forcing insurers to reevaluate risk; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that an effective public outreach campaign highlight the various types of contractor fraud schemes to help educate consumers on how to identify and avoid such schemes; and

WHEREAS, the National Insurance Crime Bureau encourages Floridians to get at least three written estimates, check contractor credentials, and work closely with insurers during the entire rebuilding process when hiring a contractor; and

WHEREAS, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in collaboration with its local and state partners in Florida, including law enforcement, first responders, legislators, and state officials, are committed to educating Floridians about predatory practices by dishonest contractors.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize May 20th through May 24th, 2024, as

CONTRACTOR FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK

and encourage the citizens of Florida to become familiar with contractor fraud and participate in the various programs focused on bringing awareness to contractor fraud.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 20th day of May 2024.

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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).