Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Terry Wayne LaCoste, owner of Terry W. LaCoste Weathertight Systems, Inc. and David E. Gilliland, Inc., after allegedly attempting to defraud multiple homeowners out of more than $49,000 and working without workers’ compensation insurance.

As Florida families are finishing their holiday shopping, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns of an increase in gift card scams. Gift cards are a convenient way to give a gift but they have also become a scammer’s favorite way to steal money.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned Floridians about a recall on Emerson Branded Sensi WiFi thermostats over fire risk. If the thermostat wires and the household line voltage come in contact, the thermostat can be damaged and in some cases, start a fire.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement regarding the vote by the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors to increase rates by an average of 8.3 percent statewide. CFO Patronis has two appointees on the Board and appoints the Chair.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today that S&P Global Ratings raised the fund quality rating on the Florida Treasury Investment Pool to AA- from A+. S&P cited the pool’s strong exposure—the quality of investment, comparison with other funds with similar composition, and sound management by CFO Patronis’ Division of Treasury as the reasons why they made this change.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been on the ground in the Panhandle affected counties since Hurricane Michael made landfall. Floridians are urged to call CFO Patronis' Insurance Help Line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to report anything suspicious.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment today of Dr. Stephanie E. Haridopolos as Chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board of Directors.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Kenny Niebla, owner and operator of Andoba Trucking Company and Sea Trucking in Hialeah, after allegedly selling fraudulent insurance coverage with certificates of insurance totaling nearly $60,000 to three local commercial truckers.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians about the growing dangers involved with e-cigarette use and the possibility of fire or injury caused by accidental explosions. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that have become a popular alternative to smoking, but they can be hazardous.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced today an extension of certification deadlines for fire professionals due to Hurricane Michael recovery efforts.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been on the ground in the Panhandle affected counties since Hurricane Michael made landfall. Floridians are urged to call CFO Patronis' Insurance Help Line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to report anything suspicious.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Ashley Porterfield, owner of Porterfield Building, by his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Force (DFAST) for allegedly conducting unlicensed roofing repairs following Hurricane Michael.

To help accelerate Hurricane Michael recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today an extension of continuing education deadlines for licensed insurance professionals.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Darrell Perry, Principal of Timucuan Elementary in Jacksonville, in an alleged attempt to commit over $16,000 in insurance fraud related to Hurricane Irma. Perry attempted to defraud State Farm Insurance Company for damages claimed to be sustained during Hurricane Irma.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians to be on the lookout for top scams surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday and offers top six tips to avoid them.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier spoke with insurance company executives today and called on the industry to step up more to aid in Hurricane Michael recovery.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement on organization session.

With only days left until the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urges federal leaders to include a flood mitigation requirement as they seek long-term solutions for the Florida subsidized program.

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 warned today of the fire hazards of frying a turkey and released the following eight safety tips to avoid a holiday disaster.

The holiday season is here and that means charitable donation scams are too. Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians to be on alert for online charitable donation scams, typically using reputable crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, RocketHub, or YouCaring.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of James Durkin, 39, owner of The Hope Center of Recovery, an opioid treatment facility located in Boynton Beach, Florida, for insurance fraud. Durkin was charged with two counts of organized scheme to defraud for allegedly submitting over $104,000 in fraudulent insurance billing.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been on the ground in the Panhandle affected counties since Hurricane Michael made landfall. He has been in constant communication with emergency management, local, state, and federal officials to assist with anything they may need. CFO Patronis is focused now on stopping post-storm fraud and urges Floridians to call his Insurance Help Line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to report anything suspicious.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is searching for a scam artist defrauding local businesses and putting people in harm’s way by posing as a fire extinguisher dealer. Pictured above, the alleged criminal is believed to be using the alias Hector Gonzalez.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been on the ground in the Panhandle affected counties since Hurricane Michael made landfall. He has been in constant communication with emergency management, local, state, and federal officials to assist with anything they may need. CFO Patronis is focused now on stopping post-storm fraud and urges Floridians to call his Insurance Help Line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to report anything suspicious.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis met with HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and SBA Administrator Linda McMahon to discuss Hurricane Michael recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement today regarding Moody's credit reporting agency's recent report about the financial impact of Hurricane Michael on Florida.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced three contractors conducting business in Leon, Gadsden, and Gulf counties have been removed from the Panhandle by his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team for unlicensed activity following Hurricane Michael. The contractors are banned from soliciting or conducting any work in Florida pending a full investigation.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Gov. Rick Scott met with Vice President Mike Pence today in Panama City.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been on the ground in the Panhandle affected counties since the day following Hurricane Michael's landfall. He has been in constant communication with emergency management, local, state, and federal officials to assist with anything they may need. CFO Patronis is focused now on stopping post-storm fraud and urges Floridians to call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to report anything suspicious.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis conducted an aerial survey of Hurricane Michael damage with Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford’s office.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today called on the banks and credit unions with customers in the Florida Panhandle to do everything they can to support victims of Hurricane Michael.

Following Hurricane Michael’s devastation to areas in Florida, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will deploy an emergency insurance village in Marianna. At least 15 insurance companies will be on hand to assist residents with the insurance claims process.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis met with Governor Rick Scott today at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center for updates on Hurricane Michael recovery efforts.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis met with emergency management personnel today at the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center for updates on Hurricane Michael recovery efforts.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians of the importance of using gas-powered generators safely during Hurricane Michael recovery.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier warn Floridians recovering from Hurricane Michael to use caution when asked to sign any paperwork. You could be signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB). An AOB transfers the insurance claims rights or benefits of your insurance policy to a third party and it may be presented to a homeowner before repair work begins.

Following Hurricane Michael’s devastation to areas in Florida, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will deploy an emergency insurance village in Tallahassee to assist residents with the insurance claims process. As of today, October 17, CFO Patronis’ Division of Consumer Services will be joined by American Integrity, Auto Owners, Avatar Insurance Company, Capitol Preferred Insurance Company, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Consumer Protection Coalition, Edison Insurance Company, Farmers/Foremost, FedNat Insurance Company, Florida Family Insurance Company, Florida Peninsular Insurance Company, GEICO, Monarch National Insurance Company, Nationwide Insurance, Southern Fidelity Property & Casualty, Southern Owners, Tower Hill Insurance, Travelers, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program will be on site to answer flood-related questions.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on recommended measures for Hurricane Michael healthcare assistance from the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 5 of Jacksonville on one of their missions in Bay County. This task force is one of 21 deployed following Hurricane Michael.

CFO Jimmy Patronis released the following statement today, applauding Governor Rick Scott's call for telecommunications companies to treat disaster impacted residents fairly in the wake of the storm.

Following Hurricane Michael’s devastation to the Florida panhandle, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will deploy an emergency insurance village in Panama City to assist residents with the insurance claims process. As of today, October 15, CFO Patronis’ Division of Consumer Services will be joined by FEMA, along with American Bankers Ins. Co. of FL, American Integrity, American Security Insurance Company, American Strategic Insurance, Anchor Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Cabrillo Coastal, General Insurance Agency, LLC, Capitol Preferred Insurance Company, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Cypress Property and Casualty, FedNat Insurance Company, Florida Association of Insurance Agents, Monarch National Insurance Company, Nationwide Insurance, Olympus Insurance, Security First Insurance Company, Southern Fidelity Ins. Company, Southern Fidelity Property & Casualty, Standard Guaranty Insurance Company, Tower Hill Insurance, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company, USAA, and Weston Insurance Company.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined President Donald Trump in Lynn Haven today as he received updates on disaster response and recovery efforts.

The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Office of the Inspector General invites public comment as the Office seeks reaccreditation. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, the granting entity, will conduct a reassessment on December 6th. The reassessment determines the Office’s compliance on policies and procedures, management, operations and practices. To become reaccredited is recognition that the Office maintains standards of excellence that are confirmed by peer organizations.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned that scammers and crooked contractors are already out, preying on families in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis coordinated Hurricane Michael disaster response and recovery efforts today at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined Gov. Rick Scott at Bay County Emergency Operations Center today to continue Hurricane Michael disaster response and receive updates on recovery efforts.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis directed his office to assess the needs of fire departments in the areas impacted by Hurricane Michael.

Florida Chief Financial (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis alerts Floridians and anyone with friends, family, and loved ones in the Bay County and Panhandle areas impacted by Hurricane Michael, that Verizon Wireless has widespread outages and those with the service are likely unable to be reached.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier held a call with insurance company executives today and urged them to be ready to meet Floridians’ needs immediately following Hurricane Michael.

Now that the storm has been upgraded, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has activated seven out of eight Emergency Support Functions 4 & 9 (ESF 4&9) State of Florida, Search and Rescue task forces in preparation for Hurricane Michael’s landfall. CFO Patronis’ Division of State Fire Marshal is the lead agency for this activation.

With Gov. Scott announcing he will issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency for counties in the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend for Tropical Storm Michael, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) which will deploy to protect Floridians from storm-related fraud. CFO Patronis urges residents across counties in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend to act now to prepare for possible damage and flooding from the storm.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis delivered the first set of firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in Miami today. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits were created in partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion.

Cell phone spoofing is a massive problem that costs Florida families. Due to the out-of-control growth of cell phone spoofing and despite legislative efforts to ban it, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced he will work to deepen penalties for these scam artists and directs his office to begin investigating those who break this law.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement regarding the news that Sen. Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) has passed away.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis delivered the first set of firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits to the Panama City Fire Department today. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits were created in partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the day Senate Bill 376, mental health benefits for first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), goes into effect.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis’ office currently holds more than two million unclaimed property accounts valued at over $655 million in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Florida consumers can claim their money at any time, at no cost.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced in a press conference in Boca Raton today, the launch of Electric Vehicle Fire training for Florida’s first responders. This new statewide training will offer courses for firefighters on alternative fuel vehicles and help them better understand how to prepare for and extinguish lithium-ion battery fires found in many electric vehicles.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announces the arrest of 20 individuals in “Operation Hot Water,” a workers’ compensation insurance fraud sting operation involving unlicensed contractors in Pasco County.

Data now shows that student loan debt is a $1.5 trillion crisis, with an average student in the Class of 2016 owing more than $37,000 and a default rate of more than 10 percent. In light of these harrowing statistics, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Florida families to plan ahead for college by utilizing the Florida Prepaid College Program and urges the Florida legislature to keep college tuition rates low. The Prepaid College Board met today at their quarterly meeting.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis delivered firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits were created in partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis delivered the first set of firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits, which help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion, to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Fire Station 1 in Jacksonville today.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the following statement on the implementation of a new federal law removing fees associated with consumer credit freezes.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians of the financial risks of not checking your credit on a regular basis. Checking your credit frequently can help stop identity fraud and financial ruin. As of July 2018, there is no longer a fee imposed on Floridians to freeze your credit, which was a top priority for CFO Patronis during the 2018 Legislative Session.

In the wake of Hurricane Florence’s impact on North and South Carolina and Virginia, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians to be on alert for charitable donation scams typically using reputable crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, RocketHub, Indiegogo, or YouCaring.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Carlos Guillermo Aponte, 44, of Palmetto Bay for three counts of insurance fraud and grand theft to defraud Citizens Property Insurance Corporation of more than $30,000 relating to Hurricane Irma. Formed in the wake of Hurricane Irma, CFO Patronis’ Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) deployed boots on the ground to combat insurance fraud and educate consumers on what to look out for after a storm.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced today the launch of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) training materials on mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment for first responder employers such as local police or fire departments. Senate Bill 376, the top priority for CFO Patronis during the 2018 Legislative Session, becomes effective October 1 and provides first responders suffering from PTSD access to mental health benefits. The PTSD education requirement is a key provision in the law.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announces the 13th Annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend, kicking off at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville today, September 14.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis launched C.L.I.M.B., Children Learning the Importance of Money Basics, a new financial literacy program for youth ages 10 and under.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis has called on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to host a series of roundtables with his office to hear from stakeholders on how to best tackle assignment of benefits (AOB) fraud and help keep insurance rates low.

On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma’s landfall in the state, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns residents not to let their guard down during the peak of hurricane season. Florida experienced two hurricanes during this time of year for the last two years including Hermine and Matthew in 2016 and Irma and Nate in 2017.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today his new “Tax Transparency” initiative and launched a website to help inform Floridians of potential increases in their property taxes. The newly created page includes county-level data on 2019 proposed property tax rates compared to last year’s rates, as well as water management and school district tax rate information.

With Tropical Storm Gordon expected to turn into a hurricane and potentially impact parts of the Florida Panhandle, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns residents about the dangers of not being prepared and going without flood insurance.

With Tropical Storm Gordon having formed in the Florida Keys and headed toward the Gulf of Mexico, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians of potential flooding, flash flooding, and gusty winds, and offers flood tips for residents.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Vanessa Arreguin, 25, owner of V&G Concrete, Inc. for workers’ compensation fraud. Over the course of two years she conducted more than $7.5 million in business, but claimed she made less than $50,000. By doing so, she deliberately evaded paying $51,000 in workers’ compensation premiums. Arreguin was charged with three felony counts of concealing payroll to avoid workers’ compensation premiums and two felony counts of application fraud.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to be vigilant for potential scams this Labor Day weekend. Scam artists know the holidays are an opportune time to give offers in effort to obtain your personal information or even persuade Floridians to splurge on fake vacation packages.

n response to Gov. Rick Scott’s letter to the legislature urging the Florida House and Senate to send the remaining $58 million from the guardian program to the Legislative Budget Commission so school districts can access these dollars for safety measures, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis released the following statement.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the National Council on Compensation Insurance's (NCCI) recent proposed workers’ compensation rate decrease of 13.4 percent for most employers in Florida.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Jill Hollis Jaynes, a licensed acupuncture and owner of Absolute Integrated Medicine (AIM), for participating in a more than $1.4 million insurance fraud scheme stemming from 2,470 false insurance claims.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis delivered firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits to Orange County Fire Station 67 in Orlando today. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits were created in partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion.

On Thursday, August 23, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will host a press conference on the delivery of firefighter cancer-fighting decontamination kits to Orange County Fire Station 67 in Orlando, Fla. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits were created in partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine announced that 405 Florida fire departments will collectively receive 4,216 kits to help decontaminate and will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of serial arsonist Benjamin Harris, 54, of Lake Worth for 10 counts of 2nd degree arson in Palm Beach County, causing $300,000 in damage. He was apprehended in South Carolina Tuesday evening by U.S. Marshals. Harris had previously served eight years in prison for arson.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement on the resignation of Chris Gardner, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s Board of Governors Chairman, and announces the appointment of an interim chair. Per Florida Statute, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer appoints the chair of the Citizens Board.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today announced that the 2018 unclaimed property auction in Tampa earned $1.1 million for public schools in the state, drawing more than 400 attendees, including 188 bidders.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today the arrest of former NFL player and assistant coach Marlon Tarron McCree for insurance fraud totaling nearly $78,000. McCree was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played for several teams during his nine-year NFL career. He served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Jaguars in 2012.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis will host at media availability during the preview day of the 2018 Florida Unclaimed Property Auction on Friday, August 17, at the Marriott Westshore Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The auction comes on the heels of a recording-breaking year of returns for CFO Patronis’ Division of Unclaimed Property.

Facebook has been looking to expand its business through partnerships with financial institutions across the nation to gain access to some of your financial data, including card transactions and checking account balances for customer service functions in the Messenger app. While this may add convenience to banking and other financial transactions, it could make your financial information vulnerable. A current scam includes criminals cloning accounts of your family and friends to steal photos and personal information, this move could put your financial information at risk.

As the new school year begins, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) directed his Division of Unclaimed Property to work with Florida’s schools and school districts to reunite unclaimed property held for public and private K-12 schools, school boards, and districts in the state. This new “Back to School” unclaimed property initiative includes more than 4,600 unclaimed property accounts for schools and school entities.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on Governor Rick Scott’s announcement that since December 2010 state debt has been paid down by more than $10 billion.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis’ office charged Denise Williams with three counts of insurance fraud greater than $100,000, all first-degree felonies. In May, CFO Patronis directed his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to investigate life insurance fraud relating to Mike Williams’ disappearance nearly two decades ago.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians of a telemarketing scam targeting seniors and most often Florida Blue customers. Blue Cross Blue Shield nationally has received complaints from members about scammer calls involving “experimental pain relief cream” to replace current pain medication. Some of these callers aim to steal identities while others may attempt to fraudulently charge an insurer, resulting in paying out-of-pocket expenses or receiving a bogus product.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine announced that 405 Florida fire departments will collectively receive 4,216 kits to help decontaminate firefighters’ gear after a fire. The Post Fire On-Scene Decontamination Kits will help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion. The first 492 decontamination kits have been distributed to 48 fire departments, with the remainder of the kits to be delivered in the coming weeks.

In a continued effort to bring clarity to cryptocurrency in Florida, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis named Ken Lawson, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, as cryptocurrency advisor. In this role, he will lead efforts to identity a cryptocurrency chief chief and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure innovation and economic development are at the forefront while getting ahead of potential fraud. Lawson will work with CFO Patronis’ law enforcement team, regulatory entities, existing cryptocurrencies, and business stakeholders.

Child pool and spa deaths in Florida continue to rise.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on congressional action to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until November 30, 2018, coinciding with the end of the 2018 Hurricane Season.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis directed his staff to expedite payments to local Supervisors of Elections for additional cybersecurity protection in Florida’s elections.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that his Division of Unclaimed Property returned more than $321 million to Florida residents and businesses, breaking the previously held record set in the program’s 57-year history by more than $8 million.

Since July 1, 2017, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis’ mission has been to focus on policies and initiatives that help all Floridians. In the first year, CFO Patronis successfully fought to secure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) benefits for first responders, helped put in place even more consumer protections, cracked down on insurance fraud, and returned more money than ever to Floridians through his unclaimed property program.

With more than 1.5 million veterans calling Florida home, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns veterans and all military servicemembers on Military Consumer Protection Day of some of the top scams targeting this community, and reminds the military community to take advantage of the benefits they have earned through their service.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the Florida Chamber Foundation’s assessment that the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) topped $1 trillion today.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced the addition of the newest member of his Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations K9 Accelerant Detection Team. Ginger, a 2-year old Yellow Lab, will be based in the Panama City field office. She was obtained through a funding and training program in conjunction with State Farm Insurance.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following safety alert for Florida firefighters and fire service professionals regarding the highly combustible lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles such as in Tesla or Chevrolet Volt vehicles. CFO and State Fire Marshal Patronis directed his office to offer a training course for Florida fire departments to help our first responders better understand how lithium-ion battery fires should be handled.

Hurricane Beryl, the first named hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is a reminder for Floridians to financially prepare now before a storm threatens the state. Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis encourages Floridians to get prepared financially, know their insurance coverage, and research what kinds of coverages they may need.

With fireworks starting an average of 18,500 fires per year causing an average of three deaths, 40 injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to take necessary safety precautions while celebrating America’s Independence. As a reminder, fireworks in Florida are only allowed with specific exemptions. Sparklers, however, are allowed and should be used with extreme caution.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released a statement on the need for Florida to provide oversight of the growing industry of cryptocurrency by creating a statewide cryptocurrency chief.

As a result of the recently released cause of the Franklin County fire, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has directed his Division of Risk Management to send adjusters to the area to assist residents with filing a partial settlement claim for up to $5,000 per household for emergency living expenses such as temporary housing, clothing, food or pet care.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis directed his Division of Consumer Services to send insurance experts to Franklin County to assist residents with navigating the insurance claims process. They will be on the ground today, June 26, and Wednesday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please see below a statement issued by CFO Jimmy Patronis in response to members of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors today postponing the proposed vote to increase rates for policyholders.

Please see below letter CFO Jimmy Patronis sent to members of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors today regarding the proposed vote to increase rates for policyholders.

Upon news reports confirming an active criminal investigation into the recent breach and identity theft of CFO Jimmy Patronis, today CFO Patronis’ communications director Anna Alexopoulos Farrar released the following statement.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released a statement on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s new policy for requiring lobbyists to register their efforts on behalf of their clients. This new policy comes after CFO Patronis called on Citizens to examine its internal Code of Ethics and consider options to increase transparency when it comes to lobbyist disclosure. The corporation’s President and CEO Barry Gilway presented a policy at the meeting of the Florida Cabinet today.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today additional workers’ compensation cost reductions that will save carriers an estimated nearly $20 million in 2019, allowing carriers to help further alleviate costs on Florida businesses. These reductions are a direct result of the sound financial management of the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund (WCATF) and the Special Disability Trust Fund (SDTF), two funds that workers’ compensation carriers contribute to.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Timothy Matthew Cox, owner of Nationwide Catastrophe Services, Inc. and Restoration Response Services, Inc., for an alleged Assignment of Benefits (AOB) fraud scheme that impacted 19 homeowners in eight Florida counties and one Texas county. Cox stole nearly $140,000 for home repairs related to damages from tropical weather events that he never provided. As a result of Cox’s alleged activity, the victims’ homes sustained additional damage from significant weather events, including Hurricane Irma.

In his continued efforts to support Florida’s fire service community, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, in conjunction with Hendry County, presented more than $1 million in financial support to members of the Felda Volunteer Fire Department, Montura Volunteer Fire Department, Pioneer Plantation Volunteer Fire Department and the City of LaBelle. The grant funds were awarded from Florida’s Firefighter Grant Assistance Program and will be used to purchase fire safety equipment and update existing facilities.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement regarding the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) appointment of Valerie Szczepanik as the first cryptocurrency adviser. As Associate Director of the Division of Corporation Finance and Senior Adviser for Digital Assets and Innovation, Szczepanik will oversee how securities laws apply to emerging digital asset technologies, including Initial Coin Offerings and cryptocurrencies.

On the official start of the 2018 Hurricane Season, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians of the importance of financial preparedness before the next storm. CFO Patronis warns that homeowners insurance policies contain limitations and exclusions and it is important to review your policy to understand your coverages.

Cryptocurrency continues to gain momentum in Florida.

With a state of emergency now declared in all 67 counties for Subtropical Storm Alberto, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFSAT), which will be deployed across the state in the event of major flooding and damage to protect Floridians from post-storm fraud.

With the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season one week away and Subtropical Storm Alberto developing and strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to prepare for severe flooding.

Ahead of Invest 90L’s potential impact, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis stresses the importance of understanding insurance coverage and financial preparedness. As Floridians finalize their preparations, CFO Patronis reminds Floridians to include copies of insurance policies in your 2018 Hurricane Season disaster kits and to call the CFO’s Insurance Helpline for assistance with insurance-related questions or concerns.

As the 2018 Hurricane Season approaches, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to contact his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) if they suspect they may have fallen victim to insurance fraud during their recovery after a hurricane. DFAST investigations stemming from the 2017 Hurricane Season have resulted in the arrest of 22 alleged insurance fraud criminals while nearly 100 investigations currently remain open and ongoing.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today announced the recent arrest of Nadia Caraballo, 41, after a public assistance fraud investigation revealed that Caraballo submitted false applications to the Department of Children and Families in order to qualify for Food Stamps and Medicaid assistance. As a result, Caraballo fraudulently obtained more than $93,000 in public assistance benefits.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding Attorney General Pam Bondi's announcement that her office has filed an action in state court against some of the nation’s largest opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in the national opioid crisis.

During National Hurricane Preparedness Week’s “Get an Insurance Check Up” day, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians that now, more than ever, is the time to prepare for the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season. In his continued efforts to ensure Floridians are well-prepared, CFO Patronis has debunked the top myths and most common insurance-related misunderstandings when preparing and recovering from a tropical weather event.

In light of the recent arrest of Denise Merrell Williams for her alleged involvement in the murder of Mike Williams following an investigation by state and local law enforcement partners, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today announced he has directed his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to investigate alleged life insurance fraud relating to Mike Williams’ disappearance nearly two decades ago.

During National Arson Awareness Week, recognized May 6-12, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis calls on all Floridians to report suspicious activity and be on the lookout for those who attempt to commit arson-related crimes.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent the below letter to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation President and CEO Barry Gilway today regarding the lack of a requirement for those lobbying the Corporation.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the following statement on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) approval of a 1.8 percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance rates for Florida businesses. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) submitted the rate reduction request because of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

In his continued effort to combat financial exploitation of seniors, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is hosting free Operation S.A.F.E. (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) Be Scam Smart workshops in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. CFO Patronis’ Operation S.A.F.E. initiative educates seniors on how to protect and police their finances.

Florida's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today the donation of 1,000 copies of “Sammie Learns to Earn,” a financial literacy book developed by the CFO’s Division of Consumer Services, to the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend in honor of Teach Children to Save Day on April 20. Teach Children to Save Day introduces children to smart money management and prepares them for major financial decisions ahead.

Continuing his work to crack down on insurance fraud, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today released his top 10 most wanted insurance fraud criminals and calls on local communities to help put these individuals in jail. Each of these criminals are wanted for different types of insurance fraud crimes, and with the community’s help these criminals can be brought to justice.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the following statement on his office’s continued analysis of President Trump’s tax cuts and how they will make it possible to phase out Florida’s corporate income tax because of expected increased revenue to the state through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Senator Rene Garcia as the first recipient of the “CFO Champion of Consumers” award. This award highlights community leaders who have worked to enact policies that benefit Florida families, helping keep Florida as the best state to live, work and raise a family.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) announced the recent arrest of Michael Christopher Hensley, owner of BOSC Insurance Company and Hensley Insurance Company. Hensley admitted to stealing $61,954 in insurance premiums between 2011 and 2018 in Orange County.

Data breaches at major companies like Equifax, Target, Uber, and most recently Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord &Taylor and Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal app will continue to happen and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) wants to ensure Floridians take steps to protect themselves from fraud and safeguard their finances. One of the top ways to protect yourself from fraud is to freeze your credit, and CFO Patronis successfully eliminated the fee imposed to do so during the 2018 Legislative Session. Knowing how to protect your finances is equally as important as knowing how to manage your finances and with Financial Literacy Month recognized in April, CFO Patronis released his top 7 easy tips to strengthen and protect your financial future.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis was joined by members of the fire service and law enforcement communities from across Miami-Dade County at the Firefighters Memorial Building to highlight the signing of Senate Bill 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state. SB 376 was sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Matt Willhite.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Marc Dunbar to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors. A resident of Tallahassee, Dunbar has nearly 20 years of experience working with Florida businesses and consumers.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis was joined by Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Heather Fitzenhagen, Representative Dane Eagle, Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, Ft. Myers Fire Department Chief John Caufield and members of Ft. Myers' fire service and law enforcement communities to highlight the signing of Senate Bill (SB) 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state. SB 376 was sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Matt Willhite.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reappointed Bryan Anderson to the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) Board of Directors. Anderson has years of experience working in the healthcare industry, and currently serves as vice-president of government relations for HCA’s National Group.

Today, CFO Jimmy Patronis was joined by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Sen. Audrey Gibson, Rep. Cord Byrd, Rep. Tracie Davis, Rep. Jason Fischer, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Kurt Wilson and members of the fire service and law enforcement communities to highlight the signing of Senate Bill 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill this week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state. SB 376 was sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Matt Willhite.

Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis and Gov. Rick Scott honored first responders in Tampa as the governor signed Senate Bill 376 surrounded by hundreds of first responders and their families. The bill allows first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to access mental health benefits through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement praising Gov. Rick Scott for signing House Bill 1073, streamlining and modernizing the Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis calls on fire departments, local state fire marshals, fire prevention advocates and Florida realtors to take immediate action to raise awareness of a national recall on approximately 450,000 smoke detectors that may not detect smoke.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding Gov. Rick Scott today signing one of his top priorities, House Bill 953, eliminating the fee imposed on Floridians to freeze their credit.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that his Division of Unclaimed Property has set a new monthly record of unclaimed property returns in the program’s 57-year history. During the month of February, the Division’s total returns were valued at $37,885,255, exceeding the previous monthly record of $35,956,507 which was set in October 2016.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today praised the Florida legislature for the unanimous support of his 2018 legislative priorities including fighting for first responders, protecting consumers from fraud, making Florida a more military friendly state, and streamlining and modernizing government.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the final unanimous passage of his top legislative priority, Senate Bill 376. The bill will now be ready to head to Gov. Rick Scott for signature.

Highlighting National Consumer Protection Week, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced since July 1, 2017, his Division of Consumer Services has helped more than 2,761 consumers recover millions from insurance, financial, and other companies. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers turned to the Department of Financial Services for help.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 today by the Florida Senate Committee on Rules.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 today by the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee.

Today Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis provided an analysis of a report commissioned by the Florida League of Cities on legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits to members of the Senate Appropriations and House Government Accountability Committees. Below please find a statement from CFO Patronis and a copy of the analysis memorandum.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following statement today from the scene of the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida: “We need more mental health care funding in our state. Governor Scott is right to call on our Legislature to address this while we are still in session. Senator Galvano is asking senators to support $100 million in mental health screening and training as well as improving K-12 school security infrastructure and resources. Similarly, members of the Florida House are beginning to assemble their own package of mental health and K-12 funding. I urge the legislature to move quickly to compromise on their different packages and send our school districts the critical increase in mental health and security resources they need.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today an increase in Florida’s investment in Israel Bonds by $10 million in 2018, increasing the state’s holdings to an unprecedented $50 million. The decision comes after discussions with Israel’s Finance Minister, Moshe Kahlon, and representatives, including the president, from Israel Bonds. Florida is the third largest U.S. state investor in the State of Israel.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the recent arrest of Jeovane Felizardo, owner of JJF Construction Services, LLC, after a workers' compensation fraud investigation revealed that Felizardo allegedly used various local money service businesses to cash checks in an alleged attempt to illegally conceal his total payroll from his workers’ compensation insurance provider to avoid higher premium costs.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the Finance Your Future app, a financial literacy app for middle and high school students. Finance Your Future is a free, interactive online course designed to educate Florida’s students on core money management skills. The free app is available for download now on both the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store.

Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Robert Doyle to the Treasury Investment Committee.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of House Bill 953, sponsored by Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa), by the Florida House of Representatives Commerce Committee.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis calls on state organizations and companies to take immediate action to fight the flu epidemic. Recent reports state there have already been more than 20 pediatric deaths associated with the flu, with two of those deaths occurring right here in Florida. In an open letter, CFO Patronis encourages Department of Financial Services (DFS) offices, Florida Health Insurance Companies and HMOs, Florida Fire Marshals and Fire Departments, Florida State Chartered Banks and Credit Unions, Florida Licensed Insurance Agents, and Florida Healthy Kids to help Florida fight the flu epidemic. Click here for a copy of the letter.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, sponsored by Senator Lauren Book.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis along with Governor Rick Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet today signed a resolution declaring January 14-20, 2018 as “Florida Thrift Week.” The resolution was done in partnership with the James Madison Institute (JMI), a Florida-based research and educational organization with the mission of keeping Floridians informed about their government, to renew the study and teaching of thrift to Floridians.

At a joint press conference today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam along with Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa) urged lawmakers to eliminate the credit report freeze fee during the 2018 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 1302, sponsored by Sen. Brandes, and House Bill 953, sponsored by Rep. Harrison, aim to make it easier for Floridians to protect themselves from fraud. HB 953 passed unanimously out of its first committee, House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee, today.