Dear Fellow Floridian:

When I took office as Florida’s CFO, I made a promise to combat insurance fraud and protect the money Floridians work so hard for every day. Since I took office, our efforts have forever changed the landscape of insurance fraud in Florida. Not only did Floridians win significant battles against insurance fraud this legislative session, but since 2011 my Division of Insurance Fraud has made more than 1,700 arrests and won more than $155 million in court-ordered restitution. These are real results that continue to help stabilize Florida’s economy as a whole and increase consumer confidence throughout our state.

When I spoke with the Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee this week, I shared with them our successes in working with different law enforcement agencies and partners statewide and nationally. Most recently, fraud investigators received a tip regarding a "John Doe" in Madison County and, through diligence and excellent investigative work, were able to identify the suspect as one of “America’s Most Wanted.” Teamwork and dedication helped uncover this dangerous fugitive hiding in Florida, and he will now be held accountable.

We could have no stronger team in the fight against fraud in Florida than the one we have. Key parts of that team are the professionals all throughout our state and the citizens we serve every day. With your help we will be able to save billions of dollars in fraud-related costs.

Visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Fraud/ to learn more or call 1-800-378-0445 to report suspected fraud.

Fathers are Honored Sunday

A father is a hero and an example of strength, honor, sacrifice and responsibility. We appreciate our fathers for their love and guidance and celebrate the contribution fathers and father figures make in children's lives. On Father's Day, we honor dads, those with us and those who have left this world, for their love and the lessons they have taught us.  Happy Father’s Day!

CFO Jeff Atwater's father, John Stafford Atwater:  1923-2001

Ernst & Young Presents Lifetime Achievement Award

CFO Atwater had the privilege to present Jabil Circuit, a provider of electronics manufacturing services, with the Ernst and Young Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Gala in Orlando this week. As CFO Atwater travels the state, he is able to meet many hard-working and successful entrepreneurs such as Bill Morean and Tim Main, chairman and chief executive officer, respectively, of Jabil.

CFO Atwater believes it is vital to the long-term prosperity of Florida to cultivate a community of cutting-edge companies, to encourage investments in innovative start-ups and to take a proactive approach to ensure our home-grown entrepreneurs build their companies in our state.

Ernst and Young’s event is an excellent way to recognize, celebrate and encourage Florida’s many outstanding entrepreneurs.

News of Interest

Tampa Bay Times: More entrepreneurs turn to crowdfunding to start their businesses

Washington Post: With crisis rooted in Europe, U.S. less vulnerable but has less flexibility to act

Wall Street Journal: Apple veers away from Google

Bloomberg: State revenue tops forecasts as U.S. governors reduce spending

Miami Herald: Causeway attack brings new attention to synthetic drugs

Tampa Bay Times In race for entrepreneur trophy, former beauty queen taps her comedy skills

Daytona Beach News-Journal: Local business bounces back from adversity

Florida's Financial Future

The latest issue of Florida’s Bottom Line focuses on how Florida can attract much-needed investors to support Florida’s entrepreneurs, who can effectively grow health care, technology and manufacturing in our state's burgeoning economy. Our companion website provides the most up-to-date financial and economic statistics for Florida, serving as a roadmap for your financial future.

Visit Florida's Bottom Line website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/floridasbottomline/.