**Consumer Alert** CFO Jimmy Patronis Provides Recovery Resources as Tropical Weather Causes Severe Flooding in South Florida
6/7/2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is providing important storm recovery resources as South Florida residents work to recover from severe flooding from Tropical Cyclone One that passed through the area last night.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "South Florida communities are currently dealing with severe flooding from the recent tropical weather that impacted the area with heavy rain last night. It’s vital that residents heed all warnings from state and local officials as first responders work to clear roads and ensure safety. As you begin to assess damage to your home or business, my PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for recovery resources and insurance assistance. Residents must also beware of post-storm fraud and bad actors looking to make a quick buck off of this storm. Always make sure you are working with a reputable, licensed contractor or restoration professional and never feel forced to sign away your insurance rights or pay by cash only. These are signs of fraud and you should report it immediately by calling my Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.”
The Prepare Florida website includes:
• An Emergency Preparedness Toolkit designed to help you prepare a home inventory and organize your financial information before and after a disaster.
• A “Natural Disasters – Are You Prepared” guide to inform consumers on insurance and financial preparation in the event of a natural disaster.
• A guide to navigating the flood insurance claims process.
• Tips on what to expect after filing a homeowners insurance claim related to a hurricane.
Visit PrepareFL.com for more information and to start your storm plan today. CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline is available to assist Floridians with insurance issues and the claims process. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236), to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "South Florida communities are currently dealing with severe flooding from the recent tropical weather that impacted the area with heavy rain last night. It’s vital that residents heed all warnings from state and local officials as first responders work to clear roads and ensure safety. As you begin to assess damage to your home or business, my PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for recovery resources and insurance assistance. Residents must also beware of post-storm fraud and bad actors looking to make a quick buck off of this storm. Always make sure you are working with a reputable, licensed contractor or restoration professional and never feel forced to sign away your insurance rights or pay by cash only. These are signs of fraud and you should report it immediately by calling my Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.”
The Prepare Florida website includes:
• An Emergency Preparedness Toolkit designed to help you prepare a home inventory and organize your financial information before and after a disaster.
• A “Natural Disasters – Are You Prepared” guide to inform consumers on insurance and financial preparation in the event of a natural disaster.
• A guide to navigating the flood insurance claims process.
• Tips on what to expect after filing a homeowners insurance claim related to a hurricane.
Visit PrepareFL.com for more information and to start your storm plan today. CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline is available to assist Floridians with insurance issues and the claims process. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236), to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).