Division of Insurance Fraud

Welcome to the Division of Insurance Fraud

The Division of Insurance Fraud was originally formed in 1976 by the Florida Legislature to investigate only fraudulent automobile tort claims. In the early years, investigators had arrest powers but could not carry firearms. Today, the division investigates all types of insurance fraud crimes. Investigators now are armed, sworn state law enforcement officers.

The division is a law enforcement agency within the mostly civilian Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The department is headed by the Chief Financial Officer, who is elected every four years and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. The Director of The Division of Insurance Fraud, Dan Anderson, was appointed by the Chief Financial Officer in January 2012; and he is assisted by Deputy Director Jack Kelley.

The Division of Insurance Fraud is composed of 150 sworn officers, managers and administrators, and 46 non-sworn, civilian support staff members. The Division has had record setting months in March and April with 147 and 176 arrests, respectively. For this fiscal year to date, the Division received 12,471 tips, which resulted in 1,534 criminal investigations, 991 cases presented for prosecution, 962 arrests and over $33 million in court-ordered restitution. ( DIF’s fiscal year starts July 1 and ends June 30).

The Division of Insurance Fraud has five regions located throughout the state of Florida, each commanded by a law enforcement captain. Twenty squads, each headed by a lieutenant, are located throughout the state.

Investigators are assigned to work general fraud cases, workers’ compensation fraud, medical and health-care fraud, and agent and company fraud. Areas of assignment may include:

• Insolvency – fraud committed by insurance companies that fail financially due to internal fraud by owners and corporate officers.

• Unauthorized entities – fraud, both criminal and civil, committed by insurance companies operating illegally in the state.

• Health care – fraud involving organized medical and health care scams.

• Workers’ compensation – investigates employers for workers’ compensation premium fraud and workers’ compensation claim fraud.

Additionally, insurance companies doing business in Florida must report suspected fraud to the division. Those reports are protected from civil liability, provided the information is reported in good faith.

A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading to a conviction in insurance fraud cases.