Volume 4 Number 27
July 6, 2007

Dear Floridian,

The Department of Financial Services has approximately 300 fraud detectives and investigators who are committed to tracking down those who would prey on our citizens. Recently, one of our longtime insurance fraud detectives, Henry “Tommy” Clark in the Jacksonville office of the department’s Division of Insurance Fraud, received a letter of commendation from one of the nation’s top investigators, Robert S. Mueller III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Director Mueller commended Clark for his work in a major workers’ compensation fraud case that has so far resulted in seven indictments. One of the men was ordered to serve 14 years in prison for his part in the scheme that investigators believe raked in more than $200 million in premiums for non-existent coverage.

In the letter, Director Mueller wrote, “My associates in Jacksonville have told me that you were the point of origin for the detection of this insurance fraud scheme and the authoritative source from which they relied upon before, during and after the implementation of the federal case.”

Clark has been with the division for more than 10 years and has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. It is an honor to have someone of his caliber serving in this department, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him again for his hard work on this and his many other cases. His dedication to his work is truly an inspiration to us all.

Sincerely,

Alex Sink

Read the Letter of Commendation from FBI Director Robert Mueller.

 

 

 CFO SINK DELIVERS NEARLY $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO PENSACOLA RESIDENT
Sink urging more Panhandle Floridians to sign up at www.MySafeFloridaHome.com

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $4,942.57 to a Pensacola homeowner who hardened his home through the state’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

“Hardening your home is the best way to protect your family, reduce the state’s exposure to hurricane damage and potentially result in savings on homeowners’ wind premiums,” said CFO Sink who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “I encourage more Floridians to follow Mr. Dill’s lead and sign up for their free wind inspections through the My Safe Florida Home program.” CONTINUED


CFO Sink at Florida House in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1973 by Rhea Chiles as Florida's 'embassy' in our nation's capital, Florida House is owned by the people
of the state of Florida. Florida is the only state to have such a facility and enjoys approximately 10,000 visitors a year. Florida House serves as "home base" for tourists as well as the business community.
http://www.flahouse.org

CFO'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with members of the Florida Delegation. The CFO discussed potential methods so that Florida could receive federal assistance in the event of a natural disaster, including a national catastrophe fund. CFO Sink also expressed her commitment to improving KidCare in Florida and encouraged members of the delegation to reauthorize federal funding for children's health care for our state.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson hosted a reception for CFO Sink at Florida House with members of the Florida Delegation and staff.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, CFO Alex Sink and U.S. Rep. Ron Klein at Florida House.

 

 

CFO SINK ORDERS 50 PERCENT REDUCTION IN WORKERS’ COMP ADMIN TRUST FUND ASSESSMENT RATE  

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink ordered a 50 percent cut in the 2008 Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund assessment rate.  This reduction is projected to result in as much as $19 million in savings that can be passed on to Florida employers. 

“During the past five years, Florida’s healthy workers’ compensation system has led to the addition of 28 new carriers writing workers’ compensation in our state,” said CFO Sink.  “A strong economy and tougher compliance efforts have generated significant premium growth, making these reductions to the workers’ compensation trust fund assessment rate possible.” CONTINUED

MELBOURNE/PALM BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES CFO SINK

CFO Alex Sink spoke to the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, advocating a federal catastrophe fund that would help stabilize Florida's reeling insurance market. In a recent visit to Washington, D.C., CFO Sink spoke with members of Congress on the issue. The House of Representatives is more willing than the Senate to set up the fund, she said.

To read more about it in Florida Today, click here.

 

 BANKER OBDULIO PIEDRA ELECTED CHAIR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNCIL

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the election of Obdulio Piedra as chair of the Financial Literacy Council. As Market President of Great Florida Bank in Miami, Piedra has extensive experience in financial matters and is focused on helping Floridians make better financial decisions.

“Obdulio Piedra will serve the people of Florida well as chairman of the state’s Financial Literacy Council,” said CFO Sink who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “His experience as bank president will assist the council in identifying ways in which the state can better inform and assist Floridians about their finances.” CONTINUED
 


CFO Sink meets with Hardee County Fire Chief Michael Choate

HARDEE COUNTY GREETS CFO SINK

On Wednesday, June 27th, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink visited Wauchula in Hardee County to speak with elected officials, including Sheriff J. Loran Cogburn,  Supervisor of Elections Jeff Ussery, County Manager Lex Albritton, Chamber of Commerce President Jama Abbott and Fire Chief Michael Choate.


CFO Sink met with local officials to discuss issues important to Hardee county residents including the recently passed property tax legislation, unclaimed property, state fire issues and more.

Click here to get the financial tools you need, from basic preparedness information to a complete set of documents to aid in recovery.

PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE EXPO

Why not attend a hurricane expo? It is worth the time to learn the necessary steps in preparation for possible windstorms in your area.

Many experts gather together in one location to present innovative and valuable information on the many facets of hurricane preparedness.

The Treasure Coast Square Mall planned its 2007 Hurricane Expo well in advance, never anticipating that the Treasure Coast would feel the effects of Tropical Storm Barry that weekend. Several inches of rain fell but many residents decided it was worth the effort to attend the exposition. Bags of information about hurricane preparation and samples from companies touting their storm products were available, along with demonstrations and door prizes. Attendees met and listened to local TV newscasters and meteorologists discuss storm forecasting.

A Florida Department of Financial Services specialist talked about participation in the “My Safe Florida Home” wind inspection and matching grant program. Residents noted that they have received their wind inspections and were anticipating the arrival of  their inspection reports. These reports will not only detail ways to further fortify their homes against windstorm damage but also outline potential hurricane insurance premium savings.

When hardening your home, a first line of defense would be storm shutters and fortified garage doors and the expo had plenty on display. CONTINUED