As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, I am committed to ensuring that every citizen and every business negatively affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are made whole. While the stories have dropped from the headlines, I am well aware that real struggles continue, and I am determined to ensure every legitimate claim gets paid and every community is restored.

Even for those of you who have accepted final payment from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF), I know that does not mean your challenges are over. Many Floridians are facing economic challenges today, that's why I launched Your Money Matter$, a financial education initiative that aims to teach Floridians of all ages how to make the most out of their money, and for small businesses how to strengthen and grow their enterprises.

My Department has been involved from the beginning and understands that oil spill victims are not asking for a handout, only what they are due. When that happens, only then can we declare an end to the oil spill.

Press Releases

January 10, 2012 – Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder inquiring as to when the U.S. Department of Justice plans to commence its audit of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF).

January 20, 2011 – Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Letter to BP Claims Administrator Kenneth Feinberg on formally requesting that a representative of the Florida Department of Financial Services participate in the methodology created to determine claims payments.

May 13, 2010 – Summary of the Federal Administration's Proposed Oil Spill Legislation.

Personal Stories of Recovery

"Thank you for all your help with my continued problems with GCCF. Even though nothing was resolved and my emergency claimed was denied, the DFS were a lot of help and had great info to share with me and always made me feel you were trying to help me find my way through the GCCF maze. Having DFS call on my behalf seemed like it helped speed up the response time." – Leo Collins

"We really appreciated your help in getting through to GCCF and having them expedite our claim as soon as possible. It was great to know you wouldn't let GCCF let us get lost in the shuffle. We can't thank you enough!" - Mike and Rita Janecek

"The DFS offered a much needed light to guide us through the black hole of the GCCF claims process. They were an advocate for many of our small business owners here on Pensacola Beach who sustained and continue to sustain significant losses due to the oil disaster. The DFS staff shepherded our claims and extracted information from the GCCF, providing us hope during some of the darkest times any of us have weathered. It is critical that the DFS continue to advocate effectively on our behalf during the next phase of this claims process." - Lynne Foster, owner BeachPops, Pensacola Beach

"If it was not for the efforts of the CFO’s office and specifically the diligent work put forth by their staff, the business dedicated to the memory of my son would be out of business today. The only meaningful communication we were able to have throughout the 89 days of torture we went through was via the CFO’s office. DFS needs to stay involved in this process and retain the very effective and compassionate people who were involved." - Gary & Ellen Eichler, Satisfaction Guaranteed Fishing Charters

"Without the assistance of the DFS, I would be out of business now, and bankrupt. My business is all I had after getting a divorce and the GCCF was unwilling to cooperate with me even after sending a stack of documents. Now I am looking forward to a Great New Year, Spring Break, and Summer all to the thanks of the DFS." - Arlene Edwards, owner of Prickly Pears, Inc.

"Without a doubt the DFS has been the most outspoken advocate for businesses crushed by the oil spill disaster. When aide did arrive – if it arrived, it was often as a direct result of the DFS efforts." - Alison Davenport, owner of Davenport Properties, Inc., Perdido Key

Need our Help? 1-877-MY-FL-CFO