**CONSUMER ALERT**
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Fire Dangers of Lithium Battery Powered Tools this Father’s Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians of the potential fire dangers associated with aftermarket lithium-ion powered batteries ahead of Father’s Day. There are many aftermarket and even counterfeit batteries on store shelves or online that may seem like a bargain, but purchasing one of these batteries could result in poor performance, shorter tool life, and may even pose serious fire dangers.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “When searching for gifts for dad this year, beware of the dangers of purchasing aftermarket lithium-ion powered batteries for power tools or other battery powered devices. Original manufactured batteries have undergone rigorous testing and are far more reliable than knock-off alternatives. We’ve already seen firsthand the devastation that can come from lithium-ion battery fires and there has been a spike in scammers who have attempted to sell unauthorized replica batteries online with packaging that mirrors that of popular and reputable power tool brands. A bad lithium battery could pose a serious fire hazard so make sure you do your research before your Father’s Day gift goes up in flames.”

Tips to Consider Before Purchasing Power Tool Batteries

• Do your research. Always purchase batteries from trusted sources. Many manufacturers sell directly from their websites or provide a list of trusted vendors.
• Avoid third-party battery purchases. Although many batteries from these sellers may appear to be legitimate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products, they are unlikely to be trustworthy.
• Don’t fall for deep discounts. It is good practice to compare prices before purchasing. However, batteries sold at significantly lower-than-average prices are likely counterfeit.
• Always avoid batteries that:
• are not properly packaged.
• have misprinted or misspelled labels.
• have labels that peel off.
• do not have official manufacturer batch numbers.

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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).