CFO Jimmy Patronis Issues Proclamation Highlighting National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis proclaimed September 15 – September 21, 2024 as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and acknowledged the contributions American truckers make towards our national and state economy. Trucking careers serve as one out of every 18 jobs in the state of Florida, with more than 453,000 Floridians employed in the trucking industry. Florida’s truckers are essential to Florida commerce and ensuring that Floridians receive the goods and services they need to live or start and grow a business.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida is in the best fiscal health it has ever been, and that’s in no small part due to Florida truck drivers. These men and women keep our state’s economy moving and ensure that businesses and consumers alike receive the goods and resources they need to succeed. I’m proud to present the Florida Trucking Association this proclamation recognizing the importance of Florida truck drivers and the economic and cultural impacts they have on our state and our country. Thank you all for what you do to keep Florida the most prosperous place to work, grow a family, and live the American dream.”

Alix Miller, President and CEO of Florida Trucking Association said, “Florida truck drivers are vital to our state’s economic success and keeping the lanes of commerce running on time. These men and women work around the clock to keep resources readily available even in times of disaster. My thanks to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for highlighting Florida’s professional truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Florida is home to 125,950 trucking companies, primarily small, locally owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, trucking careers serves as one out of every eighteen jobs in the state of Florida, with more than 453,000 Floridians employed in the trucking industry; and

WHEREAS, 84.9% of communities in Florida depend exclusively on trucks to import and export their goods; and

WHEREAS, Florida trucks transport more than 95% of manufactured tonnage, which is equivalent to 470,310 tons per day; and

WHEREAS, the Florida trucking industry paid approximately $1.5 billion in federal and state roadway taxes; and

WHEREAS, Florida truckers transport 70% of the fuel needed to power Florida’s electricity grid, distribute 540 million pounds of food to food banks annually; and

WHEREAS, total trucking industry wages paid in Florida in 2022 exceeded $24.1 billion; and

WHEREAS, Florida Trucking Association (FTA) has been promoting and protecting the trucking industry for 90 years as the sole state liaison between the trucking industry and the legislative, regulatory, and judicial branches of state and federal government.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize September 15th-21st, 2024, as

NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

and encourage all Floridians to thank a truck driver and practice safe driving around large trucks.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 16th of September 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).