CFO Jimmy Patronis announced today the recent arrest of Victor Rennols, an ex-appointed New Jersey insurance agent with Great American Insurance Group, who stole a total of $100,000 from three senior New Jersey residents by selling fake annuities. Rennols misrepresented himself as an appointed agent with Great American Insurance Group and would travel to Naples, Florida, where Rennols had family ties, to cash the victims’ monies.

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to celebrate safely during upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an annual average of three deaths and cost $43 million in direct property damage.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Maria Cristina Romero Zelaya, owner of Miochosis Construction, Inc. Zelaya allegedly provided fictitious information when applying for workers’ compensation insurance coverage to obtain a lower premium. As a result, Zelaya illegally avoided paying more than $700,000 in premium payments and left her employees uninsured and vulnerable to workplace injuries.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS), announced today the recent arrest of Jared C. Brady following an investigation led by the Department's Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations' (BFAI) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit. Additional support was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and as a result of the investigation, Brady faces charges of manufacturing and possessing destructive devices after investigators found him in possession of a homemade explosive and evidence of him manufacturing illegal explosive devices in his home.

During today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sponsored a resolution highlighting the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s tireless efforts supporting the growth, protection and success of Florida’s foster children.

During today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS), held a swearing in ceremony for Oregon, the newest member of DFS’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians to take steps to prevent a fire during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an annual average of 200 home structure fires start with a Christmas tree resulting in an average of six deaths, 16 injuries and nearly $15 million in damages. In addition, 58 percent of Christmas tree fires occur in January and February when a tree is often neglected and becomes dry.

Today, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined local fire service professionals in Fort Lauderdale to announce he will be fighting to increase cancer and PTSD benefits for firefighters. Over the next several weeks, CFO Patronis will tour the state meeting with firefighters and their families to learn first-hand these issues have impacted them. Earlier this week, State Fire Marshal Patronis met with members of the fire service community in West Palm Beach, Tampa and Sarasota prior to visiting with the firefighter community in Fort Lauderdale.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis joined local fire service professionals in Tampa to announce he will be fighting to increase cancer and PTSD benefits for firefighters. Over the next several weeks, CFO Patronis will tour the state meeting with firefighters and their families to learn first-hand how these issues have impacted them. Earlier this week, State Fire Marshal Patronis met with members of the fire service community in West Palm Beach and after today's events in Tampa, he will be visiting with the firefighter community in Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale.

Today, at a press conference at Palm Beach Fire Rescue Station 23, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced he will fight to increase benefits for firefighters who are diagnosed with cancers connected with their job and PTSD.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced today the recent arrest of Alexi Izaguirre Ordonez, vice president of Orlando’s AA Contracting, Inc. Ordonez allegedly used various local money service businesses (MSB) to cash payroll checks in an alleged effort to conceal their true payroll from their workers compensation provider. By doing this, Ordonez illegally lowered the price of their premiums. Alexi Ordonez’s business partner and owner of AA Contracting, Dina Eunice Mejia-Ordonez, also has a warrant for her arrest and is suspected to have fled the country.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the selection of Tyndall Air Force Base as the preferred location for the MQ-9 Reaper Wing, housing 24 remotely piloted aircrafts headquarters, a mission control element, and a launch and recovery element.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today that he wants Florida to end all fees imposed to freeze credit reports, and remove requirements for data breach victims to submit investigatory paperwork to prove they were victimized in order to waive this fee. The recent major data breaches underscore the importance of eliminating the credit report fee.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today announced that investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) have arrested Wayne Allen Phillips III on charges of attempted felony murder, 1st degree arson and possession of methamphetamine after an investigation uncovered that Phillips intentionally set fire to an RV with the intent to cause life-threatening damages.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today announced that investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) have arrested William Nunery on charges of arson after an investigation uncovered that Nunery intentionally set fire to his neighbor’s front steps October 29, 2017.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services and State Attorney Katherine Fernande Rundle today announced the recent sentencing of Braulio Valenzuela, for filing a false insurance claim claiming benefits from a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) clinic. Valenzuela claimed, that as a pedestrian, he was struck by an elderly woman reversing her vehicle out of a convenient store’s parking space May 5, 2015.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced the recent arrest of Richard Joseph Girard, a licensed insurance agent and owner of A-Rated Insurance Group. Girard allegedly submitted a policy application for property insurance for a Key Largo client but provided fictitious supporting documentation that falsified the age of the roof of the property. As a result, Citizens Insurance accepted the application, initiated a policy and Girard received commission on the successful insurance sale.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) announced the recent arrest of Claude Milhomme after he was caught lying to his insurance company in an attempt to file a false insurance claim on his vehicle for damage allegedly caused by Hurricane Irma.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following seven safety tips to avoid a holiday disaster.

The Florida Department of Financial Services’ (DIFS) Division of Investigative and Forensic Services announced today the recent arrest of insurance agent Michael Scott Goodrich. Goodrich was charged with grand theft after his alleged attempt to steal more than $1,000,000 from a client who thought they were purchasing an annuity from Goodrich.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today announced that the 12th annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend previously postponed due to Hurricane Irma will take place this weekend. More than 200 volunteer firefighters have registered for this rescheduled event, which offers free classroom and field training courses to volunteer firefighters. Hosted at the Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, the event is open to all volunteer firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and military in Florida and all southeast states.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that Anna Alexopoulos Farrar will join the Department of Financial Services (DFS) as Communications Director. In this capacity, she will oversee the communications strategy for the department.

As Floridians continue the recovery process after Hurricane Irma, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is partnering with Tampa Bay news station Fox 13 to host a live phone bank to assist Floridians with their insurance questions, concerns and complaints. The phone bank will take place Thursday, November 16, from 7:00–10:00am EST. During that time, Floridians can call the station at 1-800-826-4434 to speak one-on-one with an insurance specialist working for the Department. The Department will also answer questions posted to Fox 13’s Facebook account (@Fox13TampaBay).

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott awarded insurance fraud detective Barry Lewis with the Medal of Heroism for his role in a joint rescue during Hurricane Irma. The Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Detective Lewis, alongside the Florida Highway Patrol’s (FHP) Corporal John Schultz and Sergeant David Contessa, waded into rising flood waters in Fort Myers to rescue FHP Lieutenant Greg Bueno and his parents when the roof of their house collapsed as Hurricane Irma pummeled Southwest Florida.

During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, veterans working for the Department of Financial Services were honored for their service and the sacrifices they have made for Florida and our nation. Governor Scott presented each of the Department’s veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, CFO Patronis hosted a breakfast reception for the veterans and their families.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent arrest of Carlos Contreras, owner of DJC Builders & Construction. Contreras allegedly obtained a fraudulent workers’ compensation policy by underreporting the number of staff he employed, the company’s annual payroll amount and the company’s scope of work. By providing false information on the application, Contreras illegally avoided paying more than $1,000,000 in premium payments for an adequate policy.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS), today announced the recent arrest of Ysnabi Capote, owner of Sunlight Windows Incorporated, and his business partner, Arnaldo Pena for allegedly orchestrating a workers' compensation premium fraud scheme. Capote is accused of provided false and misleading information on his application for workers’ compensation in order to lower his premium costs.

Jimmy Patronis has been a traveling man since he began his job as the state’s chief financial officer on July 1. In fact, at the rate he’s going, his on-the-job mileage by November will match the earth’s circumference.

Assistance provided to Floridians by from Florida’s insurance consumer helpline led to the recovery of nearly $9.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, according to a statement from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.

At least 25 separate arsons that happened over the past two and a half years in a Northwest Jacksonville neighborhood have sparked a federal investigation and ignited fear among families living in Birdville.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that assistance provided to Floridians by insurance specialists working Florida’s insurance consumer helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) led to the recovery of nearly $9.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation urging them to address the costly and ill-designed federal Health Insurance Tax (HIT) ahead of its impending implementation. The HIT requires insurance companies offering full coverage plans to pay an annual tax to help cover the cost of the federal exchange. While Congress delayed the HIT’s 2017 implementation, without additional action, it will become effective January 1, 2018. To cover the cost of paying the HIT, insurance companies are expected to significantly raise rates.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Oscar M. Palma made by the Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team. Palma, a Fort Myers contractor, was reported to authorities after allegedly making subpar roof repairs to an area apartment complex following Hurricane Irma. Upon launching an investigation, fraud detectives quickly learned that while Palma advertised himself as a licensed and insured contractor, he in fact held no workers’ compensation coverage and was not licensed as a contractor.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William “Brock” Long urging FEMA to reconsider an upcoming vendor transition that could delay the processing of federal flood claims in Florida. CFO Patronis asked FEMA officials to release a transition plan that ensures no pending claims face delays or to consider delaying the transition until the end of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis honored Department of Financial Services Lieutenant Glen Clasen as a recent recipient of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida’s Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. Lt. Clasen was honored for his work on a high-profile personal injury protection (PIP) case that led to a successful 14-year mail fraud conviction in federal court.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis honored Department of Financial Services Detective Scott Utecht as a recent recipient of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida’s Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. Detective Utecht’s expertise and dedication led to the successful conviction of South Florida sober home operator Kenneth Chatman in a high-profile fraud case.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services’ long-time Legislative Affairs Director Elizabeth Boyd has been promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In this new role, Elizabeth will oversee the Department’s legislative affairs, research and planning, cabinet and communications offices, as well as the Division of Consumer Services and Division of Unclaimed Property.

Today, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis honored Florida firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. CFO Patronis was joined by family members of the fallen and fire service personnel from across Florida to memorialize Joseph T. DeMarinis with the Clermont Fire Department and James F. Dorminy with the Reedy Creek Fire Department. Seven historical line of duty deaths were also recognized as part of today’s ceremony.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services is sending insurance specialists to the Florida Keys to assist with the handling of Hurricane Irma claims.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Jose Manuel Caballero-Morlesin (Caballero), an insurance agent and owner of Axis Underwriters, Inc., a Miami-based insurance agency. An extensive investigation led by the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud unraveled a complex scam in which Caballero enlisted a finance company to pay annual premiums tied to fake insurance applications. In total, Caballero submitted 38 fake applications and stole $276,000 in premium payments. Caballero confessed to investigators and now faces up to 157 years in prison, if convicted.

On Friday, October 13, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will join firefighters from across Florida to honor members of the fire service community who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.

Hurricane season isn’t over and therefore neither is consumer scam season, which has gone into hyper mode following Irma’s destructive sweep through Florida.

On Sunday, Major Karl Morgan with the Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico alongside personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement to assist with hurricane recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.

Following the impact of Hurricane Nate, Northwest Florida families are assessing their homes and property for damage and may be taking steps to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage before filing insurance claims. CFO Jimmy Patronis encourages Floridians to quickly notify their insurance companies of any damages and to be cautious of repair deals that sound too good to be true.

As Tropical Storm Nate moves from the Caribbean Sea into the Gulf of Mexico, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis joined Governor Rick Scott at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center to learn the latest information on the storm’s projected path. Northwest Florida residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts and to prepare for possible severe weather.

As Tropical Storm Nate moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians of the importance of using gas-powered generators safely.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis joined Governor Rick Scott and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center for an update on Tropical Storm Nate. As the storm approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Northwest Florida residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts and to prepare for possible severe weather.

As Tropical Storm Nate approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Gulf Coast and Big Bend residents to prepare now for the possibility of severe weather in the coming days.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that law enforcement personnel from the Department of Financial Services will join the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and others to offer aid in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis joined state, local and industry leaders at the Latin America Summit hosted in Miami by Governor Rick Scott. The summit called together leaders from a wide array of professions, including international trade, human rights and economic development, to increase communication, collaboration and growth opportunities between Florida and Latin American countries.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services, in partnership with local officials, is hosting a free financial safety workshop for seniors, their families and caregivers this week in Havana, Florida. This ‘Be Scam Smart’ workshop will teach attendees about how to spot a scam, how scams work and steps they can take to protect themselves.

Ranging from overbilling insurance companies to being unlicensed contractors, scam artists often attempt to take advantage of consumers following a disaster. Many times an insurance policyholder does not understand the paperwork they are signing when repairs begin.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis attended the Securities and Insurance Licensing Association’s (SILA) National Conference in Orlando. CFO Patronis joined Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, John D. Doak, and various other state regulators and insurance professionals during SILA’s four-day event. While in attendance, CFO Patronis discussed his role as CFO, disaster recovery and post-storm insurance fraud awareness.

CFO Patronis today announced the formation of anti-fraud strike teams that will soon be deployed across the state to protect Floridians from post-storm fraud. Three teams will work in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma: South Florida, including Miami-Dade and Monroe counties; Southwest Florida, including Lee and Collier counties; and Central Florida, including Polk and Orange counties. To ensure that law-breakers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of Florida law, CFO Patronis is working directly with dedicated prosecutors housed within each of the respective State Attorney’s Offices.

CFO Jimmy Patronis today announced that Scott Fennell has joined the Department of Financial Services as Deputy Chief Financial Officer over operations. In this capacity, Fennell will oversee the State of Florida’s accounting and auditing responsibilities, as well as the Department’s $299 million-dollar budget. Fennell most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Florida, Inc.

To help accelerate Hurricane Irma recovery efforts across Florida, CFO Patronis today announced an extension of continuing education deadlines for licensed insurance professionals in Florida. Continuing education deadlines are set by the licensee’s birthday month, and any licensee with a deadline in September, October, or November will now have an extended deadline of December 31, 2017, to complete their continuing education requirements.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today warned Floridians of scammers looking to take advantage of those impacted by Hurricane Irma. Floridians should be vigilant in verifying the identity of those claiming to represent government and relief agencies, and should ask questions to fully understand all contracts with insurance and repair companies.

This week, on Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 21, CFO Jimmy Patronis and Senator Marco Rubio will co-host on-site insurance villages and comprehensive disaster recovery centers in Naples and Lehigh Acres in Southwest Florida. Local, state, and federal partners, including FEMA, will be in attendance to offer Floridians a wide array of relief assistance in one centralized location.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 19, CFO Jimmy Patronis and Senator Marco Rubio will co-host an on-site insurance village and comprehensive disaster recovery center in Jacksonville. Local, state, and federal partners, including FEMA, will be in attendance to offer Floridians a wide array of relief assistance in one centralized location.

Today, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis toured the impacts of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys while joining first responders and community members in their efforts to provide food, water and supplies to local residents.

Today, Governor Rick Scott took emergency actions requiring the immediate installation of life-safety features in assisted living facilities and nursing homes following eight deaths at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills in Broward County. Governor Scott’s emergency rules include a mandatory inspection of all newly-installed generators at assisted living facilities and nursing homes to be completed by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. In response to Governor Scott’s emergency actions, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today issued the following statement.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that, in partnership with Senator Marco Rubio, insurance villages and disaster recovery centers will be opening next week in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Local, state and federal partners will be in attendance to offer Floridians a wide array of relief assistance in one centralized location.

On Thursday, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Jacksonville with Jacksonville Fire Rescue Chief Kurtis Wilson. Steven Woodward, Emergency Preparedness Director for Jacksonville Fire Rescue, and Todd Smith, Assistant Fire Chief for Jacksonville Fire Rescue, also attended to discuss area relief efforts.

Today, CFO Patronis joined Fort Myers Fire Department Chief John Caufield and Representative Dane Eagle to survey Hurricane Irma damage in Lee County.

On Tuesday, CFO Jimmy Patronis toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Manatee County with Manatee County Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst.

On Tuesday, CFO Jimmy Patronis toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Hillsborough County with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones. CFO Patronis, Captain Ken Forward and Chief Jones rode with Station 16 as they continued to survey damage and conduct urban search and rescue efforts.

Following the landfall of Hurricane Irma, many Floridians are now assessing their homes and property for damage and taking steps to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage before filing insurance claims. CFO Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier encourage Floridians to be prompt in notifying their insurance companies and cautious of repair deals that sound too good to be true.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services are making final preparations ahead of Hurricane Irma. As the state’s lead for urban search and rescue and firefighting emergency support functions, and as the lead agency for insurance consumer services, the Department is lining up resources to assist Floridians after the storm.

In advance of Hurricane Irma’s impact to Florida, CFO Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier are advising the state’s more than 20 million residents to take actions now and get prepared.

As Hurricane Irma moves closer to Florida’s shores, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians that personal safety comes ahead of physical possessions. He is strongly encouraging Floridians to seek safer ground away from the path of Hurricane Irma.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has launched a Hurricane Irma insurance information website to provide comprehensive insurance information for Floridians ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Irma. Using this website, Floridians can find insurance company contact information, learn critical information about their insurance policies, and find help for insurance-related questions and concerns.

Ahead of Hurricane Irma’s potential impact, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is stressing the importance of understanding insurance coverage. As Floridians finalize their preparations, they are encouraged to include copies of their insurance policies in their family disaster kits and to call Florida’s Insurance Helpline (1-877-693-5236) for help with any insurance-related questions or concerns.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier hosted a conference call with insurance company executives to confirm that companies are prepared to meet Floridians’ needs following Hurricane Irma.

As Hurricane Irma continues to strengthen, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to prepare now for possible Florida impact. Residents should take steps immediately to ensure their family is prepared to possibly weather this major category 5 storm, the most intense on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent conviction of Ivan Alberto Hernandez-Madrigal (Hernandez) following an in-depth investigation into Hernandez’s attempt to fraudulently provide his company’s clients, which consisted of various construction industry employers, with workers’ compensation insurance in return for a fee. In addition, Hernandez was found to have performed various payroll services for those clients where he withheld and pocketed thousands of dollars in state and federal payroll taxes.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to collect donations for Texas residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Franklin County Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith organized a weeklong donation drive that is accepting donations through the weekend. Early next week, volunteers will combine donations from three Franklin County locations and head to Texas.

Tuesday evening, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis spoke to Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy with Texas’ Department of Insurance and offered the full support and resources of Florida’s fire service community to assist with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the second 2017 unclaimed property auction, hosted Saturday in Orlando, earned $1.186M. Nearly 60,000 individual items went up for auction, and every item sold. The highest individual grossing item was a pair of 17.6-carat diamond and platinum earrings with a starting reserve value of $19,000 that sold for $75,000. The pair features two 5.78-carat diamonds, flanked by a total of 112 diamonds.

This week, CFO Jimmy Patronis will host a second 2017 Florida Unclaimed Property Auction at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando.

While in Orlando preparing for the second 2017 Unclaimed Property Auction, Walter Graham, Director of Florida's Unclaimed Property Program, hand-delivered an unclaimed property check for $54,000 to an Orlando-area resident. The check represents benefits from her mother's life insurance policy that weren’t paid out properly when her mother died, and Vicki, the check recipient, plans to use the funds to help her daughter start classes at Rollins College.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis invites Floridians to participate in the state’s second and final 2017 unclaimed property auction this weekend in Orlando. The auction, featuring the sale of nearly 60,000 individual items valued at more than $625,000, is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, August 26, at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando. A public preview will be held Friday, August 25, at the same location. During the preview, Floridians can view and inspect items they may wish to bid on during the auction.

Today, CFO Patronis issued a statement following the news of the passing of former State Senator Greg Evers.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent arrest of an Oviedo woman, Kistin Bentley, following her alleged submission of fraudulent applications for public assistance benefits to the Department of Children and Families. As a result of her actions, Bentley received $19,322 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps or SNAP, and Medicaid benefits that she did not qualify for.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the recent arrest of Juan Jose Castro, owner of JACM Construction Corp., after his alleged attempt to operate a shell company with the sole intent of circumventing the state’s workers’ compensation laws. A “shell company” is an entity that conducts no significant business operations and can be used as vehicle to conduct fraudulent financial transactions, such as workers’ compensation fraud.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent arrest of insurance representative, Claudia Estevez, and her client, Ariel Mora, following an investigation led by DFS’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud. In an alleged attempt to evade a higher insurance premium, Estevez aided Mora by helping him submit a fictitious insurance application allowing Mora to fraudulently obtain a less expensive, inadequate insurance policy.

Next Wednesday in Pensacola, the Department of Financial Services will co-host a community disaster preparedness workshop alongside the Office of Representative Frank White. As the Atlantic Hurricane Season heats up, it’s more important than ever for Floridians to be as informed and prepared as possible.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, is hosting free financial safety workshops for seniors, their families and caregivers this week in Gainesville and Starke. These ‘Be Scam Smart’ workshops will teach attendees about how to spot a scam, how scams work and the steps they can take to protect themselves.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Ryan West as Chief of Staff, effective later this month.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of John M. McKay to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors.

As waves of heavy rain stemming from Tropical Storm Emily cross the central corridor of Florida, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to remain prepared for severe weather. Flash flooding is likely, and Floridians are encouraged to keep copies of their homeowners’ and auto insurance policies handy, and to take note of the state of Florida’s insurance consumer helpline in case of insurance-related questions. The toll-free helpline can be reached by calling 1-877-693-5236.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the first of two 2017 unclaimed property auctions, held Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, earned $1.194 million. All of the auction’s nearly 48,000 individual items sold, and the highest grossing individual auction item was a 14k gold ring with a 4.02-carat European cut diamond that sold for $11,500.

Next week, following the election of a newly-formed National Constituent Assembly, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro may extend his brutal reach with the ability to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution, making it even more important for Florida leaders to stand up and speak out against his oppressive actions.

Every day, people go to banks to place their treasures in safe deposit boxes. Sometimes, they never come back. It’s hard to imagine how someone could forget about their collection of gold South African krugerrands, Mexican pesos and Canadian coins, leaving thousands of dollars behind.

The number is (877) 693-5236. Your tax dollars already pay for it. Maybe you never heard of it, but more than 141,000 Floridians called it in first six months of 2017, saving a collective $16.6 million.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that assistance provided by insurance experts working Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline led to the recovery of more than $16.6 million during the first half of 2017. Helpline experts answered more than 141,000 calls from Floridians and aided in the recovery of funds that included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.

On Tuesday evening, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis launched Florida’s Firefighter Grant Assistance Program with a check delivered to the Monticello Volunteer Fire Department. The first of its kind, the grant program will benefit volunteer fire departments across Florida by making funding available to purchase costly fire safety equipment. During its initial year, nine fire departments will receive a total of $150,000. Recognizing its life-saving importance, the Florida Legislature increased second-year funding to $1 million.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property returned an astonishing $313 million during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the highest annual return figure in the program’s 56-year history. More than 513,000 individual claims were paid throughout the 2016-2017 fiscal year, a double-digit increase over the previous fiscal year. One in five Floridians has an unclaimed account in their name, and all are encouraged to regularly search for accounts on the Division’s website.