Dear Fellow Floridians:

President Lincoln said, “If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool.” On Monday, we celebrate the American ideal of hard work that strengthens our economy and promotes the well-being of our great nation. We are committed not only to the environment of success for the talented labor force of Florida, but also their safety in the workplace. Recently, we uncovered a new workers' compensation scheme and are working hard to get to the bottom of it. This scheme is leaving Florida workers without workers' compensation coverage and it's my goal to ensure every Florida worker is safe on the job.

Also, as I travel around the state, I have had the opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs, business and community leaders who embody that same American ideal. Business owners inspire me, because, despite their struggles, they display a deep passion to be successful entrepreneurs. Florida’s businesses and corporations are the backbone of our economy.

After meeting many economic trailblazers, I wanted create a place to celebrate Florida entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations that help boost the economy and promote a healthy long-term economic outlook for our state. “Florida’s All-Stars” is a Web site that celebrates our fellow Floridians who own businesses, or organizations that do just that. The site is interactive, highlights people and groups from across the state, and puts faces and stories to Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit. It is important to me to share with you these all-stars who do their part, however small, to put Florida on a successful economic path. We will continue to update this site as I meet new entrepreneurs around the state.

If you would like for me to visit your business email me: Jeff.Atwater@myfloridacfo.com.

Happy Labor Day!

News of Interest

The Florida Current: ICA releases list of those asked to serve on auto insurance panel

The Florida Current: Repair 'no fault' or junk it

Sun-Sentinel: Woman busted for allegedly using name of dead doctor for PIP claims

South Florida Sun-Sentinel: 10 tips for filing an insurance claim effectively

Ocala Star-Banner: Watch for contractor scams

Sun-Sentinel: Small business jobs increase in Florida, payroll firm says

St. Petersburg Times: Port expects rising cargo numbers for next year

Small Business Views: The Morean Arts Center

During my recent visit to Saint Petersburg, I had the opportunity to stop by the Morean Arts Center where owner Katee Tully took me behind the scenes for a glass blowing demonstration.

An art gallery, glass studio and pottery center, the Morean Arts Center embodies business innovation by intersecting business skills and the arts.

During tough economic times, it is important for entrepreneurs to be innovative and adapt their business model in order to ensure long-term success. It is businesses like the Morean Arts Center that help fuel Florida’s economy.

Understand Your Deductible Before Disaster Strikes

It is important to know your insurance deductible and the policy limits before a disaster occurs, so that you will know how much coverage you have and what you will have to pay out of pocket.

The deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket if you suffer a loss. For example, if you file a claim for $3,000, and your deductible is $500, the insurance company should pay $2,500. If the amount of your damage is less than your deductible, you should not file a claim.

All insurers must offer a hurricane deductible of $500, 2 percent, 5 percent, and 10 percent of the policy dwelling or structure limits, unless the specific percentage deductible is less than $500. The deductible must be stated in the policy as a dollar amount regardless of the percentage. The declarations page also provides the limits for other coverage included in your policy such as other structures, personal property, and liability.

For more information on disaster preparation, visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com.