Florida Department of Financial Services - Press Releases

CFO SINK COMMENDS HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR $100 MILLION GRANT AWARD

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:20:14 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended Hillsborough County Public School Superintendant MaryEllen Elia after it was reported that Hillsborough County schools will receive a $100 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

CFO SINK NAMES TAMMY TESTON AS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:06:17 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that Tammy Teston will be taking over as Chief of Staff for the Department of Financial Services, effective January 2010. Teston currently serves as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Department. Current Chief of Staff Jim Cassady will remain in the position until January for purposes of transition.

CFO SINK CALLS ON LEGISLATURE TO USE MORE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:25:35 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today called on the Florida Legislature to qualify Florida for more eligible federal economic recovery funds after the Department of Revenue said unemployment compensation taxes paid by the state’s businesses are set to otherwise skyrocket in 2010.

CFO SINK SWEEPS JOBSITES TO PROTECT FLORIDA WORKERS, CRACKS DOWN ON 55 EMPLOYERS

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:26 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her Division of Workers’ Compensation has completed a statewide sweep of construction and non-construction industries, interviewing more than 900 employers and employees at hundreds of jobsites across Florida. The sweep cracked down on 55 employers who were violating worker’ compensation laws, issuing stop work orders to the employers for violations such as failing to provide coverage, under-reporting payroll, and misclassifying job duties.

CFO SINK NAMES DANIEL FASCIANO AS NEW DIRECTOR OF TREASURY

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:31:48 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced the appointment of Daniel Fasciano as the new director of the Division of Treasury in the Department of Financial Services, which oversees the State of Florida’s financial assets. Fasciano is a seasoned institutional fixed income director with a strong performance record at globally recognized finance and investment firms. CFO Sink also commended the decades of exceptional public service by retiring Treasury Director Bruce Gillander.

CFO SINK ENCOURAGES FLORIDIANS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SENIOR PROTECTION DURING NATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:04:15 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today encouraged Floridians to recognize National Family Caregivers Month by learning more about protecting seniors from financial fraud. Citizens can get more information either by visiting FLseniors.net or by attending one of CFO Sink’s Safeguard Our Seniors forums being held this month around the state by her Department of Financial Services.

ON VETERANS DAY, CFO SINK HONORS THOSE WHO BRAVELY SERVED

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:32:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink encouraged citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities tomorrow to honor the brave men and women who so proudly served our country.
CFO Sink recently offered a resolution to the Florida Cabinet to commemorate the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Forces. Tomorrow she will visit with veterans and thank them for their service at the Baldomero Lopez Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.

CFO SINK BRIEFED ON TROPICAL STORM IDA AT NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:31:55 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami to receive a briefing from National Hurricane Center Director Bill Reid on Tropical Storm Ida.

CFO SINK OPENS UP HER 1-800 STORM LINE IN ADVANCE OF TROPICAL STORM IDA LANDFALL

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:07:08 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that her Department of Financial Services’ Storm Line, 1-800-22-STORM, has been activated to assist Floridians if homes, businesses or vehicles receive damage from Tropical Storm Ida.

CFO SINK VISITS WITH WORKERS AFTER HELPING KEEP THEIR MUCH-NEEDED JOBS IN HIALEAH

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:09:30 GMT

Sink Meets with Ascendant Commercial Insurance, Inc. Employees and Their Families

CFO SINK TAKES LEAD ON ENCOURAGING SMALL BUSINESS LENDING, COMMENDS FDIC CHANGES

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:38:28 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced specific steps she has taken to encourage more small business lending in Florida and help create jobs in the state. CFO Sink outlined her plans to support small business lending on a conference call less than two weeks ago.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS DIVISION OF INSURANCE FRAUD WORK ON “MORTGAGE FRAUD SURGE”

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:30 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended the contributions of her Division of Insurance Fraud in the “Mortgage Fraud Surge”, a nine-month joint effort with the U.S. Attorney Brian Albritton, the FBI and numerous other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to secure as many mortgage-fraud related indictments and arrests as possible.

CFO SINK SUPPORTS SUIT AGAINST INTERNET TRAVEL COMPANIES

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:11:38 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today issued the following statement in support of Attorney General Bill McCollum’s suit against Expedia and Orbitz for their failure to remit money back to the state:

CFO SINK CALLS FOR BETTER PROTECTIONS AGAINST ABUSIVE DEBT COLLECTORS, BRINGS TOGETHER OFFICES INVOLVED

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:46:13 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today called for changes that would create better protections for Floridians against abusive debt collectors and make it easier for citizens to report unlawful behavior.

JUDGE APPROVES PLAN TO OFFER RENEWAL COVERAGE TO AMERICAN KEYSTONE POLICYHOLDERS

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:20:33 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that the court has approved the transition plan filed by the Department of Financial Services to offer renewal policies to most homeowners currently insured with Ponte Vedra–based American Keystone Insurance Company, which was ordered into receivership for the purpose of liquidation earlier this month. A majority of the homeowners insured with American Keystone will be offered coverage with Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS OPENING OF SOLAR ENERGY CENTER, WELCOMES $200 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FLORIDA

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:17:20 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today welcomed the news that a $200 million grant will go to Energy Smart Florida for the installation of 2.6 million smart meters in homes and the installation of advanced monitoring systems in grid substations. CFO Sink commended President Obama for his commitment to new energy and his visit for the opening of Florida’s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the nation’s largest solar photovoltaic plant.

SOLD! CFO SINK’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION NETS RECORD $1.24 MILLION

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:18:16 GMT

TALLAHASSEE — Florida CFO Alex Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property continued its record-setting pace this weekend by netting over $1.24 million at the annual Unclaimed Property Auction held Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale. This is the most ever garnered by Florida’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property at the annual auction. CFO Sink’s push in the week leading up to the Unclaimed Property Auction also helped return to people a staggering $7.23M through over 20,000 accounts in just seven days.

CFO SINK SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS LENDING INITIATIVE TO HELP CREATE JOBS IN FLORIDA

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:12:25 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today discussed the potential impact of the White House’s Small Business Lending Initiative on Florida’s economy during a conference call with business reporters. According to the US Small Business Administration, over 91% of all employers in the State of Florida are small businesses.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF BOYNTON BEACH MAN FOR STAGED CAR ACCIDENT

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:42:54 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrest of Boynton Beach resident Fedely Esterlin, 34, for Insurance Fraud and Grand Theft after he presented a false insurance claim after a vehicle crash. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail Tuesday afternoon and, if convicted, faces up to 10 years in prison.

CFO SINK OFFERS TIPS TO FIGHT ID THEFT DURING NATIONAL ‘PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY WEEK’

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:40:15 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today encouraged Floridians to protect their identity as part of National Protect Your Identity Week held October 17-24, 2009. Identity thieves steal Social Security numbers, credit card and bank account numbers and other personal information to open bank and credit card accounts, secure car loans and more. Even if a victim doesn’t lose money, they can suffer financial difficulty and frustration from ruined credit ratings.

CFO SINK TALKS ABOUT SOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS AT HOUSING HELP ROUNDTABLE

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:15:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today highlighted two initiatives she started to bring real, tangible help to Florida homeowners facing foreclosure, and heard from community groups and homeowners who are on the frontlines of tackling the state’s housing crisis.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES THIRD ARREST OF PUBLIC ADJUSTER FOR PREYING ON SENIORS

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:54:31 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the third arrest this year of a South Florida public adjuster accused of bilking three senior citizens out of more than $100,000 in insurance compensation that was supposed to be spent to repair the victims’ homes. Two of the victims are from Broward County and one is from Miami-Dade. CFO Sink’s office is also seeking to revoke the scammer’s public adjuster license.

AMERICAN KEYSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY ORDERED INTO RECEIVERSHIP FOR LIQUIDATION

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:01:53 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge John C. Cooper has ordered American Keystone Insurance Company based in Ponte Vedra Beach into receivership for the purpose of liquidation. The Florida Department of Financial Services is appointed Receiver.
Floridians who have homeowners insurance with American Keystone should immediately contact their insurance agent to secure coverage with a new company. All policies will be cancelled effective 11:59 p.m. on November 8, 2009, unless otherwise terminated prior to that date.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES SECOND ARREST OF MIAMI AGENT FOR STEALING $14 MILLION WITH FAKE INSURANCE CONTRACTS

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:12:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that her Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) arrested a Miami insurance agent for the second time in less than a month for stealing more than $14 million by submitting thousands of fraudulent premium finance contracts for fictitious policyholders. Peris also had his insurance licenses suspended by CFO Sink’s Department of Financial Services.

COUNTY CHAMPION AWARD PRESENTED TO CFO SINK

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:21:02 GMT

This week Florida CFO Alex Sink was presented with the County Champion Award by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). The award is presented to select state leaders who champion issues and policies that support local government and preserve home rule.

CFO SINK CALLS FOR RECOMMENDATION OF SBA REFORMS, PLANS TO ATTEND INVESTMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:06:11 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today sent a letter to Investment Advisory Council (IAC) Members outlining her three proposals to improve the oversight of the State Board of Administration (SBA) and protect Floridians’ retirement security. CFO Sink informed the IAC Chair that she plans to attend the IAC meeting in December to personally present her oversight reforms to the Council.

CFO SINK: CHECK FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY BEFORE STATEWIDE AUCTION

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:36:29 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today asked Floridians to check for unclaimed property prior to her Bureau of Unclaimed Property’s Statewide Auction, an annual sale of unclaimed safe deposit box contents turned over to the state. The auction, which is open to the public, will be held October 24, 2009, in Ft. Lauderdale at the Embassy Suites Hotel. In the last three months, CFO Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property has reunited 67,270 citizens with a total of more than $41 million.

CFO SINK URGES SAFETY STEPS DURING 2009 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:45:21 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today recognized Fire Prevention Week 2009 by asking Floridians to take the necessary steps to safeguard against fires. During Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2009, State Fire Marshal officials are participating in events across the state focusing on promoting fire safety and prevention for Florida residents.

CFO SINK PROMOTES FLORIDA TO FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATOR ON EVE OF APPLICATION DEADLINE

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink met with Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo yesterday to advocate for Florida to receive federal funds for the state’s rail projects. The meeting fell on the eve of today’s application deadline for the billions of dollars in stimulus funds set aside for rail projects, that could mean up to 25,000 jobs for Floridians.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST, CONFESSION OF CHURCH ARSONIST

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:56:54 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced the arrest of Roderick Walker, 25, for the arson and burglary of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Riviera Beach. Walker confessed to setting the fires, and faces up to twenty-five years in prison if convicted.

CFO SINK: GUILTY PLEA BY SENIOR SCAMMER SHOWS NEED FOR BETTER PROTECTIONS

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:04:33 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today reiterated her calls for Safeguard our Seniors legislation that would increase penalties against agents who defraud senior investors and establish better disclosures and protections, after a guilty plea by a Tampa Bay Area scammer resulted in no jail time.

CFO SINK’S PROPOSED SBA OVERSIGHT REFORMS DELAYED

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:23:03 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today recommended reforms to strengthen and enhance the oversight of the state’s public pension fund, including a proposal to expand the Board of Trustees, but her motions were delayed until December by the other two members of the SBA Board, Governor Crist and Attorney General McCollum.

CFO SINK SENDS LETTER TO GOVERNOR CALLING FOR TIMELY ACTION ON CLEMENCY ERRORS

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:32:35 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today sent a letter to Governor Crist urging him to convene a meeting of the Clemency Board during the October 13 Cabinet meeting in order to take corrective action on the errors that allowed thirteen ex-offenders to wrongfully be granted restoration of their civil rights.

CFO SINK RETURNS $1.2 MILLION TO DELRAY BEACH SENIORS SCAMMED OUT OF LIFE SAVINGS

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:29:21 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the refund of more than $1.2 million to four Florida seniors scammed into buying inappropriate equity indexed deferred annuities that earned a Delray Beach insurance agent thousands of dollars in commissions while leaving the victims without access to their life savings.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF ESCAMBIA COUNTY MAN FOR INSUFFICIENT WORKERS’ COMP COVERAGE

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:38:54 GMT

“Injured workers can face devastating medical bills and serious financial hardship if their employers aren’t properly covered,” said CFO Sink. “I commend our Insurance Fraud investigators for exposing this criminal activity, and will continue to enforce compliance to make sure that all Floridians are protected on the job.”

CFO SINK STATEMENT ON ROSH HASHANAH

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:10:35 GMT

“I join all Floridians in offering best wishes as our state’s vibrant Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the new year. I hope these High Holy Days will be a joyous time for all Floridians who are joining with friends and families to rejoice and reflect. May this new year bring happiness and health. L’Shanah tovah.”

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ANNOUNCES 4TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:35:30 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced that volunteer firefighters from throughout the state will gather this weekend at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville for the 4th Annual Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend.

CFO SINK CHALLENGES TRUSTEES TO CONSIDER REFORMS FOR IMPROVED SBA OVERSIGHT

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:48:19 GMT

“As one of the SBA’s three trustees, and the only current trustee with prior business experience, I have long argued that it requires more than three elected officials meeting twice-a-month for fifteen minutes to oversee a $100-billion fund that our police officers, teachers and other state employees depend on for a secure retirement,” said CFO Sink. “I am eager for all the Trustees to review this study in-depth and consider reforms that provide better oversight and accountability over the actions of the SBA.”

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF GADSDEN COUNTY MAN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ARSON

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:42:05 GMT

“Arson is a serious crime that puts innocent citizens and rescue personnel at great risk, and this particular arrest shows just how destructive arson can be” said State Fire Marshal Sink. “I commend the SFM detectives, who have diligently worked this case and were able to take a violent criminal off the streets.”

DAVID J. GRAIN APPOINTED TO SBA INVESTMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:03:15 GMT

The State Board of Administration (SBA) Board of Trustees, comprised of Florida CFO Alex Sink, Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum, today approved David J. Grain as the newest member to serve on the SBA’s Investment Advisory Council.

CFO SINK FILES CHARGES AGAINST HAINES CITY FUNERAL HOME OWNERS FOR IMPROPER BURIAL OF ORGANS

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:05:46 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced that the Department of Financial Services issued administrative charges today against Haines City-based Holmes Funeral Directors, Inc., as well as the funeral director in charge and an additional funeral director and embalmer, for a range of violations including improperly preserving and burying internal body organs.

K-9 “JORDAN” NEWEST MEMBER OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL TEAM

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:23:21 GMT

“Jordan is the first K-9 with our Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations to receive certification in the Explosives Detection Canine Team and will be a great addition to our K-9 team located throughout the state,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK: RACKETEERING PASTOR FACES NEW CHARGES AFTER CONTINUING CRIMES BEHIND BARS

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:21:14 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that former Jensen Beach Pastor Rodney McGill, who was originally arrested for mortgage fraud in September 2008 after an investigation by CFO Sink’s Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR), now faces an additional Grand Theft charge for allegedly continuing his criminal activity while detained in the Martin County Jail.

CFO SINK SAVES JOBS, PROTECTS CONSUMERS AFTER INSURANCE COMPANY LIQUIDATED

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:14:34 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that the Department of Financial Services has saved more than 100 jobs and protected approximately 15,000 Florida policyholders by successfully negotiating a transition plan for the policyholders of First Commercial Insurance Company (FCIC) and First Commercial Transportation and Property Insurance Company (FCTPIC).

CFO SINK PULLS PLUG ON CELL PHONES AND BLACKBERRIES, SAVES $210,000 ANNUALLY

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:19:43 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her department will realize savings of $210,209 in state-paid annual wireless costs by implementing the recommendations of her Wireless Communications Cost Efficiency Team’s report. CFO Sink’s cost-cutting measures represent a 37% reduction in annualized costs for cell phones, BlackBerries, and air cards.

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH’

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:23:08 GMT

“With the 2009 Hurricane Season in full swing, it’s imperative that Floridians have a safety plan in place to protect our homes and families from devastation, as well as a plan to protect important financial documents and expedite recovery after any type of emergency,” said CFO Sink.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ANNOUNCES ARSON ARREST FOR HIALEAH KITCHEN FIRE

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:34:20 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Hialeah woman who has been charged with arson and insurance fraud for intentionally setting fire to her kitchen and submitting fraudulent insurance claim.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF LAWYER FOR STEALING NEARLY $500,000 IN INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:33:29 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a West Palm Beach lawyer who allegedly pocketed nearly $500,000 of his clients’ insurance claims settlements.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF FOUR FOR STAGED AUTO ACCIDENT IN MIAMI

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:47:45 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrests of four individuals in Miami who allegedly staged a motor vehicle accident and filed approximately $60,000 in fraudulent claims for false injuries.

FIRED ‘FRONT PORCH’ LIAISON FOUND GUILTY AFTER BEING INVESTIGATED BY CFO SINK’S OFFICE OF FISCAL INTEGRITY

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:45:10 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended the work of her department’s Office of Fiscal Integrity for their role in a joint investigation that led to the conviction of Thelma Manley, former community liaison for Front Porch Pensacola, on four counts of grand theft and one count of racketeering.

CFO SINK SHUTS DOWN COMPANIES FOR SELLING UNAUTHORIZED HEALTH INSURANCE

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:16:08 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that she has filed an Immediate Final Order (IFO) against Depawix Health Resources, Inc., Peck & Peck, Inc. (also known as Green Cross Managed Health System), and Smart Service, Inc. for soliciting and selling unauthorized health insurance in Florida.

FIRST COMMERCIAL INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY ORDERED INTO LIQUIDATION

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:46:59 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Charles A. Francis has ordered Miami-based First Commercial Insurance Company (“FCIC”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Commercial Transportation and Property Insurance Company (“FCTPIC”), into liquidation.

CFO SINK PUSHES FOR ‘ALLIGATOR TEETH’ IN SENIOR SCAM LAWS

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:01:48 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced her continued pursuit of stronger penalties against unscrupulous insurance agents who defraud senior investors.

CFO SINK ACTIVATES DFS STORM LINE FOR VICTIMS OF TROPICAL STORM CLAUDETTE

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:42:30 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that the state storm line has been activated to assist Floridians whose homes, businesses or vehicles were damaged by Tropical Storm Claudette as it passed through the Gulf and into the Florida Panhandle. Florida residents who have questions or need help filing a claim can call CFO Sink’s Storm Line at 1-800-22-STORM.

CFO SINK ATTENDS EMERGENCY MEETING IN OCALA, COMMITS HELP FOR 1,000 NEW FLORIDIANS OUT OF WORK

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:43:15 GMT

“Ocala’s economic recovery is vital to rebuilding our state’s economic foundation and I have pledged to do everything I can to bring attention and help to the region,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK LAUNCHES SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION OF ‘FLORIDA HOUSING HELP WEB SITE

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:56:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today launched a Spanish language version of her ‘Florida Housing Help’ web site, which offers extensive resources for Florida homeowners, including help to prevent foreclosure and mortgage fraud and details about Housing Help workshops across Florida.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN COMPLETED FUNERAL AND CEMETERY INVESTIGATIONS

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:37:17 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that her Department of Financial Services’ Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services has recorded 30 investigations completed and presented for disciplinary action to the probable cause panel of their Board for the first half of this year, compared to just 4 in the same time period in 2008. This increase reflects CFO Sink’s commitment to strong enforcement and protection for Floridians.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES DANIEL Y. SUMNER FELLOWSHIP IN LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:28:36 GMT

“I can think of no better way to honor Dan Sumner’s dedication to public service and his work for the people of Florida than to help cultivate more public servants just like him,” said CFO Sink. “I am excited to work with the University of Florida and each new Sumner fellow to introduce government service to our future generation of leaders.”

CFO SINK’S NEW WORKERS COMP WHISTLE-BLOWER SITE ALREADY PRODUCING BIG RESULTS

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:12:06 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her new workers comp whistle-blower website which allows citizens to submit referrals of alleged violations of workers compensation rules has already produced hundreds of new complaints and over $500,000 in penalties since its launch less than two months ago.

FLORIDA CABINET APPOINTS TOM CARDWELL AS NEW OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION COMMISSIONER

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:32:45 GMT

“I have every expectation that Tom Cardwell will bring a strong enforcement mentality and responsible approach to the Office of Financial Regulation,” said CFO Sink. “His experience will help him lead OFR with the integrity and dedication Floridians deserve in these challenging economic times.”

CFO SINK, STATE ATTORNEY COREY ANNOUNCE ARREST OF SCOTT CATES WITH LEE & CATES GLASS FOR INSURANCE FRAUD SCHEME

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:11:35 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink and State Attorney Angela Corey today announced the arrests of Scott Cates, Vice President of Operations for Lee and Cates Glass, Inc., for Cates’ involvement in a scheme that resulted in over 1,300 fraudulent insurance claims. Scott Cates and Jennifer Lamunyon Cribb, a former employee of Lee and Cates Glass, were arrested today after investigators found that four Lee and Cates Glass, Inc. stores located in Jacksonville allegedly overbilled numerous insurance companies more than $540,000 on over 1,300 separate fraudulent insurance claims.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD: FT. LAUDERDALE LANDS STATEWIDE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION THIS FALL

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:39:25 GMT

“We are so excited to bring this year’s Unclaimed Property Auction to Ft. Lauderdale this fall and, in the meantime, I encourage all Floridians to visit FLTreasureHunt.org and see what property they may have waiting,” said CFO Sink. “I am especially proud that in these tough economic times our Bureau of Unclaimed Property has been able to return record amounts through a diligent, proactive, and business-like approach to seeking owners and responding to citizens.”

CFO SINK URGES SELF-EMPLOYED FLORIDIANS TO BUY, REVIEW HEALTH INSURANCE DURING AUGUST OPEN-ENROLLMENT

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:37:08 GMT

“This is critical information for self-employed Floridians because they are guaranteed coverage under Florida law, but only if they enroll this month,” said CFO Sink. “I am reaching out to our state’s small business owners, who are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and urging them to take advantage of this open-enrollment period.”

ROOFING COMPANY OWNER CONVICTED OF WORKERS’ COMP FRAUD

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:33:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the conviction of Robert McDonald, owner of a well-known roofing company, on chargers of Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud. McDonald, the owner and operator of Gulfstream Roofing, Inc. in Delray Beach, was found guilty of using fake construction companies to avoid paying $400,000 in workers’ compensation premiums.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ANNOUNCES ARSON ARREST FOLLOWING ILLEGAL “RENOVATION” PLAN

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:00:51 GMT

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced that a Hialeah man has been charged with first degree arson for intentionally setting fire to the kitchen of his home, causing over $100,000 in estimated damage, and submitting a false and fraudulent insurance claim. The man admitted to setting the fire with the intention of renovating his home with insurance money.

RACKETEERING PASTOR FOUND GUILTY

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:47:23 GMT

CFO Sink’s Two-Year Investigation of Jenson Beach Pastor Rodney McGill and his Wife Shalonda Results in Guilty Verdicts

CFO SINK’S LEADERSHIP CREATES DRAMATIC PROGRESS IN FORECLOSURE PREVENTION FOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:08:43 GMT

“Our state has been especially affected by the housing crisis, which is why I continue to work hard to find avenues to provide real, tangible help to Floridians facing the threat of foreclosure,” said CFO Sink. “I want to thank the thousands of lawyers and top Florida lenders that have stepped up to the plate. I am optimistic that the progress we’ve seen so far will continue and encourage even more success and more cooperation.”

CFO SINK’S CONSUMER SERVICE SPECIALISTS RECOVER $11.5 MILLION IN SIX MONTHS

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:50:40 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink announced today that her Division of Consumer Services has helped Floridians recover more than $11.5 million in the first six months of this year in claim payments and premium refunds, including one case that resulted in a $1.2 million payment on a consumer’s unpaid hospital claims.

CFO ALEX SINK CONGRATULATES A.L.Ex.- ACADEMY OF LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2009

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:36:47 GMT

“I commend the A.L.Ex. class of 2009 for their academic achievement and their commitment to public service,” said CFO Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “As a state, we need to do everything we can to encourage and mentor our young people, providing a pathway for public service and a lifetime of success.”

CFO SINK AND EMERGENCY MANAGERS URGE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SAFETY

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:59:47 GMT

“As we gather this Fourth of July weekend to celebrate America’s Independence, I urge Floridians and visitors to take the proper fire safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said CFO Sink. “All fireworks can be dangerous, and that makes it all the more crucial that the public only use state approved fireworks for their celebrations.”

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER ROAD TRAVELS

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:13:25 GMT

“In the excitement of planning for a trip, it can be easy to forget how important it is to make sure you have the insurance coverage you need,” said CFO Sink. “Reviewing your auto insurance policy should be part of your travel preparation checklist, just like changing your oil and checking your tires.”

AS KIDCARE REFORMS GO INTO EFFECT, CFO SINK URGES FLORIDA FAMILIES TO SIGN UP

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:32:30 GMT

“In these tough times, we should make it as easy as possible for Florida’s families to get their children the heath care they need,” said CFO Sink. “I am so pleased that we were able to finally remove the unnecessary barriers that made it difficult for Florida’s kids to be enrolled and stay enrolled in Healthy Kids, and urge Floridians to make sure their children are covered.”

SHOW ME THE MONEY! CFO SINK’S BUREAU OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DOLES OUT RECORD MILLIONS

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:14:00 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her Bureau of Unclaimed Property returned over $173 million in unclaimed property for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year -- the largest amount in state history.

CFO SINK’S DIVISION OF INSURANCE FRAUD BRINGS A FIVE YEAR OLD FRAUD CASE TO A HALT

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:09:11 GMT

“Insurance fraud is a costly crime with serious consequences for businesses, communities, and consumers,” said CFO Sink. “I commend the diligent work of Detective Brian McCoy and all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals who worked to put this criminal behind bars.”

CFO SINK PRAISES MAYOR DYER & CSX FOR EXTENDING SUNRAIL NEGOTIATING PERIOD

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:14:19 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for his announcement that SunRail is extending their negotiating period, keeping alive Central Florida’s aspirations for commuter rail.

DHS SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO & CFO ALEX SINK LAUNCH ‘UNITED WE SERVE’ INITIATIVE, ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND PREPAREDNESS

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:29 GMT

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Florida CFO Alex Sink today helped launch President Barack Obama’s ‘United We Serve’ initiative in Florida during a visit to the Orlando Emergency Operations Center.

CFO SINK HIGHLIGHTS STATEWIDE EFFORT TO BRING MORE MONEY TO FLORIDA FAMILIES

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:07:57 GMT

“This morning, too many Floridians woke up worried about getting their next paycheck or making their next mortgage payment,” said CFO Sink. “Fortunately, community organizations around Florida have come together in a collaborative effort to provide financial help and tools for struggling families, and I’m honored to be a part of this statewide coalition.”

CFO SINK SUSPENDS HAINES CITY FUNERAL DIRECTOR’S LICENSE FOR INAPPROPRIATE DISPOSING OF REMAINS

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:34:28 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink, who oversees Florida’s Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, has ordered the emergency suspension of the license of a Haines City funeral home director accused of inappropriately disposing of remains.

CFO SINK CALLS FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY, EMPHASIS ON TRANSPARENCY AS SBA REVISES BUDGET

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:24:07 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today sent a letter to State Board of Administration (SBA) Director Ash Williams, providing direction and recommendation as the SBA updates their initial FY 2009-2010 SBA Budget Proposal.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF ESCAMBIA MEN CHARGED WITH STEALING NEARLY HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FROM LOCAL SCHOOL

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:52:44 GMT

“It is appalling that state funds intended for educating students in need were being diverted to these people’s commercial interests and even their own pockets,” said CFO Sink. “I applaud the diligent work of our Office of Fiscal Integrity, State Attorney William Eddins and the Escambia County School District, who were able to crack down on this theft and make sure state money was being used for the students of Florida.”

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF JACKSONVILLE AGENT FOR ISSUING FRAUDULENT INSURANCE POLICIES, POCKETING MONEY

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:43:53 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that Julia Christina Hadley, Vice President of People’s Choice Insurance in Jacksonville, was arrested for the second time in two months on charges of diverting over $50,000 in an ongoing scheme to defraud insurance consumers.

CFO SINK CONGRATULATES PRODUCTIVITY AWARD RECIPIENTS

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:01:01 GMT

“I am very proud to congratulate all of the Department of Financial Services recipients on their Davis Productivity Awards and I thank them for their innovations and achievements,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK COMMENDS DFS DETECTIVE, MULTI-AGENCY EFFORT TO RECOVER MLLIONS FOR FRAUD VICTIMS

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:09:25 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that due to the tireless efforts of her Department’s Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and a multi-agency effort, 27 victims of a nationwide workers’ compensation fraud will be provided with millions of dollars of restitution money.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS SIGNING OF KIDCARE REFORMS

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:47:29 GMT

“In these tough times, we should make it as easy as possible for Florida’s families to get their children the heath care they need,” said CFO Sink. “I commend the Florida Legislature and the Governor for finally removing the unnecessary barriers that made it difficult for Florida’s kids to be enrolled and stay enrolled in Healthy Kids.”

CFO ALEX SINK APPOINTS NEW ‘SUNSHINE ATTORNEY’ SHOWING COMMITMENT TO OPEN GOVERNMENT

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:14:37 GMT

“Floridians deserve a government that is open and accountable to them,” said CFO Sink. “I have made a commitment to transparency, and by naming Robyn Jackson as my new Sunshine Attorney, our Department will have one more way to be as open as possible to the people of Florida."

CFO SINK UNVEILS NEW INSURANCE LIBRARY AS PART OF HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:38:42 GMT

“Our online Insurance Library is a convenient place for Floridians to find useful information when making informed decisions regarding their family’s insurance needs, something especially important on the brink of hurricane season,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK REVOKES LICENSE OF AGENT WHO WAS MISLEADING SENIORS IN ANNUITY SCAM

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:42:28 GMT

“This is a perfect example of why I created the Safeguard our Seniors Task Force -- to develop solutions to better protect senior citizens from becoming victims of financial fraud," said CFO Sink.

CFO ALEX SINK RECOGNIZES JACKSONVILLE OFFICER AS ‘TROOPER OF THE YEAR’

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:20:59 GMT

“It is an honor to recognize Joshua Earrey as Florida’s Trooper of the Year,” said CFO Sink. “His public service serves as an example to every law enforcement officer and every citizen of our state. Because of his valuable work, Florida is a safer, better place to live.”

CFO SINK, AARP JOIN OTHER GROUPS TO ‘CREATE THE GOOD,’ HELP NEIGHBORS, COMMUNITIES PREPARE FOR 2009 STORMS

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:18:18 GMT

Florida CFO Alex Sink and AARP Florida State Director Lori Parham today joined state agency leaders, elder advocates and volunteer organizations in announcing a new initiative, Create The Good/Operation Hurricane Prepare, to encourage Floridians to help neighbors and communities get ready for the 2009 hurricane season.

STATE PLANE TRAVEL LOGS POSTED ONLINE FOLLOWING CFO SINK’S RECOMMENDATION FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:19:40 GMT

“The business of state government should be as open and transparent as possible, which is why I applaud the Department of Management Services’s decision to implement this recommendation and post details about each state plane flight online,” said CFO Sink. “

CFO ALEX SINK UNVEILS 'FLORIDA'S CHECKBOOK', ADDS NEW LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Tue, 19 May 2009 16:58:08 GMT

“With the launch of Florida’s Checkbook, we’re taking government accountability and transparency to a new level, ensuring that every taxpayer has ready access to demand fiscal accountability,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK’S INVESTIGATORS CATCH WOMAN TRYING TO STEAL MILLIONS FROM FLORIDA

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:36:50 GMT

Florida’s CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrest of Angella Muthoni Chegge-Kraszeski, 33, of Raleigh, North Carolina, for trying to defraud Florida in a failed attempt to steal millions from the state.

CFO SINK'S CABINET MOTIONS PASS TO IMPROVE SBA TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT

Wed, 13 May 2009 18:13:30 GMT

“We need to be doing the business of the State Board of Administration in the sunshine, and I commend my fellow SBA Trustees for joining me in pushing for these reforms I proposed more than fourteen months ago,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK CALLS FOR STATE PLANE TRAVEL LOGS TO BE POSTED ONLINE

Mon, 11 May 2009 18:39:48 GMT

“We have a responsibility to increase openness and transparency in Tallahassee, and making this travel information available to the public continues this commitment,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK WARNS OF HARM TO SMALL BUSNESSES AND STATE IN LETTER TO FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Mon, 11 May 2009 13:15:19 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter to every Member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation asking them to repeal a 3 percent withholding requirement on government contracts, which would be harmful for Florida’s small businesses and cost millions to implement in tight budget times.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF 7 SOUTH FLORIDIANS ON CHARGES OF PIP FRAUD

Fri, 08 May 2009 20:48:04 GMT

“Arrests like these send a strong message that PIP scams will not be tolerated in Florida,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK, STATE ATTORNEY ANNOUNCE ARREST OF PENSACOLA MAN CHARGED WITH FRAUDULENTLY OBTAINING NEARLY $70,000

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:09:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, together with William Eddins, State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida, today announced the arrest of an Escambia County man charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $70,000 in state funds that were intended for payment to local businesses for labor, services and materials provided in an affordable housing program.

CFO SINK SENDS LETTER TO SBA DIRECTOR ON OVERSIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS

Fri, 08 May 2009 14:56:41 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter to State Board of Administration (SBA) Executive Director Ash Williams today asking that he discuss the status of the 10 recommendations the CFO proposed in 2008 to improve accountability and oversight of the SBA’s investments at the next Cabinet meeting.

CFO SINK ATTENDS RIBBON CUTTING OF CONSOLIDATED CALL CENTER, SAVING FLORIDIANS MILLIONS

Mon, 04 May 2009 20:38:57 GMT

“Floridians expect us to spend their money as wisely and efficiently as possible, and I will continue to lead by example in these tough economic times,” CFO Sink said. “With help from Department of Financial Services’ employees, we found smart operational efficiencies that will generate millions in taxpayer savings without compromising customer service..."

$14 MILLION RECOVERED BY CFO SINK’S INSURANCE CONSUMER SPECIALISTS LAST YEAR

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:37:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that assistance provided to Florida consumers by insurance consumer specialists in the Department of Financial Services led to the recovery of more than $14 million for Floridians in 2008.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ENCOURAGES FLORIDIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:54:08 GMT

“As Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I commend the many men and women who have helped put together this year’s statewide events for Arson Awareness Week,” said CFO Sink. “I hope this week will demonstrate the dangerous consequences of arson and will help everyday Floridians become more aware of this costly crime.”

CFO SINK CALLS FOR FUNDING OF INLAND PROTECTION TRUST FUND

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:41:24 GMT

“Adequately funding the Inland Protection Trust Fund is a smart investment -- it provides long term cost savings by avoiding the potential costs of contaminated drinking water,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK COMMENDS FL SENATE FOR PASSING SAFEGUARD OUR SENIORS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SENIORS

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:23:07 GMT

“This legislation offers much-needed financial protections for our growing population of senior residents and tougher consequences for those who defraud our seniors, and I am pleased it passed in the Florida Senate,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK URGES CONTINUATION OF MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM WITH EXISTING FUNDS

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:48:39 GMT

“In these challenging economic times, a renewed commitment to hardening homes against hurricanes with the My Safe Florida Home program is a smart investment for Florida..." CFO Sink wrote.

CFO SINK URGES SUPPORT OF KIDCARE LEGISLATION

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:29:00 GMT

“In these tough times, we should make it as easy as possible for Florida’s families to get their children the heath care they need,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK RESTRICTS LAKE WALES FUNERAL HOME DIRECTOR’S ACTIVITIES AFTER DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has filed an emergency order immediately prohibiting a Lake Wales funeral home director and embalmer from performing embalming of bodies after a routine inspection by the Department of Financial Services led to the discovery of an improperly embalmed body that had been left to decompose for more than three months.

CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE ORDERS CORAL INSURANCE POLICIES CANCELLED AS OF MAY 31, 2009

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:13:55 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge P. Kevin Davey has ordered that all policies of Coral Insurance Company, which is currently in receivership for the purpose of rehabilitation, will be cancelled as of 12:01 a.m. May 31, 2009, unless otherwise cancelled or terminated earlier than that date.

CFO SINK OPPOSES NEAR-SHORE DRILLNG BILL THAT THREATENS FLORIDA’S ECONOMY

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:29:25 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today released the following statement opposing the near-shore drilling bill (HB 1219) that is scheduled to be voted on by the Florida House of Representatives:

ON EARTH DAY, CFO SINK’S DIVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:59:20 GMT

To celebrate Earth Day 2009, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has announced that her Division of Legal Services has qualified as a Partner in the Law Office Climate Challenge sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

CFO SINK: THREE ARRESTED AFTER PREYING ON SENIORS IN INSURANCE FRAUD SCHEME

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:36:15 GMT

“From annuity fraud to cases like this one, each year my
department investigates hundreds of bad actors who prey on seniors to take advantage of them financially,” said CFO Sink.

CFO SINK’S ‘PROTECTING FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS’ ROUNDTABLE BRINGS TOGETHER LAWYERS & LENDERS

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:33:53 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink brought together top Florida lenders and lawyers with the Florida Attorneys Saving Homes program today in Tampa during a roundtable discussion focused on keeping more Floridians in their homes.

CFO SINK RELEASES DETAILS FOR UPCOMING LAWYER/LENDER ROUNDTABLE IN TAMPA

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:15:59 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink will bring together Florida lenders and attorneys with the Florida Attorneys Saving Homes program on Monday, April 20, in Tampa for a roundtable discussion on efforts to keep Floridians in their homes.

CFO SINK WORKS TO PROTECT FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS AND BOOST HOUSING MARKET

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:30:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Sink joined Florida Realtors® and Sadowski Workforce Housing Coalition members during two separate events today to promote her efforts to protect Florida homeowners. As a champion for homeowners, CFO Sink underscored her department’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program and efforts to address Florida’s high rate of home foreclosures.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK HONORS FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS DURING FIREFIGHTER APPRECIATION WEEK

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:10:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink honored Florida firefighters in a ceremony and at the Florida Cabinet today, recognizing April 13-18, 2009 as Florida Firefighter Appreciation Week.

CFO SINK SAVES OVER $2 MILLION ANNUALLY WITH CALL CENTER CONSOLIDATION

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:11:56 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that she will save Florida’s taxpayers over $2.2 million annually as a result of streamlining and consolidating the Department of Financial Services’ consumer call centers.

CFO SINK’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY BUREAU DELIVERS $19.7 MILLION IN MARCH, SETTING STATE RECORD

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:47:54 GMT

“In these tough economic times it’s important that Floridians account for every dollar, and sometimes that includes lost or misplaced accounts,” said CFO Alex Sink. “I encourage all Floridians to visit our Web site at www.FLTreasureHunt.org. With nearly eight million accounts, the chances are good we are holding cash or property for you, your business, or someone you know.”

CORAL INSURANCE COMPANY ORDERED INTO REHABILITATION BY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:09:53 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge P. Kevin Davey ordered the Hollywood-based Coral Insurance Company, a residential property insurance provider in Florida, into receivership for the purpose of rehabilitation, effective today.

CFO SINK: FOUR ARRESTED IN WINDSHIELD INSURANCE FRAUD SCHEME

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:59:53 GMT

Employees at windshield replacement stores billed almost 1,000 fraudulent insurance claims

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES UPCOMING LAWYER/LENDER ROUNDTABLE TO HELP FLORIDIANS AVOID FORECLOSURE

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:59:10 GMT

“As we are all aware, for a number of years Florida has been ground zero for the housing crisis faced by our country today,” said CFO Sink. “That’s why I have worked to find any avenue possible to provide real, tangible help to Floridians facing the threat of foreclosure.”

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES NEW STATE FIRE MARSHAL DIVISION DIRECTOR

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:33:19 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink announced today that Longboat Key Fire Chief Julius Halas will be the new Director of the Department of Financial Services’ Division of State Fire Marshal effective May 4, 2009.

CFO SINK: DON’T BE AN ‘APRIL FOOL,’ GET FINANCIALLY LITERATE

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:47:57 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink says April, which has been declared Financial Literacy Month in Florida, is a great time for Floridians to take control of their financial future.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES $300,000 IN STATE AGENCY SAVINGS IN THREE MONTHS

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:23:06 GMT

“Especially in our state’s budget crisis, I am working to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent as responsibly and efficiently as possible. I am pleased that in my Department, we have already saved over $300,000 just since January through renegotiating our contracts,” said CFO Sink. “I will continue to look for any way we can tighten our belt here in Tallahassee and cut government waste.”

CFO SINK OPPOSES USE OF CREDIT SCORING BY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:07:23 GMT

“Because of the challenging times everyday Floridians are facing, I am opposed to the use of credit scoring when determining the availability and cost of auto insurance. We should not be kicking Floridians when they are down.”

CFO SINK STATEMENT ON PEOPLE’S TRUST CONSENT ORDER WITH OIR

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:39:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today released the following statement in response to the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) Consent Order with People’s Trust Insurance Company

GOVENOR CRIST AND CFO SINK UNVEIL SUNSHINE SPENDING WEBSITE

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:17:05 GMT

“For the last two years, I have worked to make Tallahassee more open and accountable to Florida’s taxpayers,” said CFO Sink. “I am pleased that Floridians will be able to know exactly who is spending and who is getting their tax dollars..."

CFO SINK URGES STEPS TO REDUCE FLORIDA’S HURRICANE RISK

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:57:54 GMT

Citing the high level of catastrophic risk exposure Florida faces, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today laid out responsible guidelines she suggested the Legislature follow when working to reduce the state’s risk and protect homeowners.

CFO SINK NOTIFIES TRAVEL AGENCIES TO STOP REPRESENTING UNAUTHORIZED TRAVEL INSURERS

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:54:39 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has notified three travel agencies that she intends to order them to stop selling insurance on behalf of Colorado-based Prime Travel Protection Services, Inc. and any other unlicensed travel insurer.

UPDATE: CFO SINK’S ‘SAFEGUARD OUR SENIORS’ LEGISLATION PASSES FIRST HURDLE, ANOTHER BAD AGENT ARRESTED IN TAMPA AREA

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:29:08 GMT

“The number of complaints from Florida seniors about annuities has nearly quadrupled in the last three years,” said Sink, whose department has opened 474 investigations on financial fraud involving seniors, with approximately 70 percent of cases related to annuity and life insurance transactions. “Better financial protections for our growing population of senior residents and tougher consequences for those who defraud our seniors demand our immediate attention.”

ORLANDO-BASED DETECTIVE MICHAEL VITTA AWARDED INVESTIGATIVE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:24:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today congratulated Detective Michael Vitta after he was awarded Investigative Officer of the Year by the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association at an event in Tallahassee.

CFO SINK SENDS LETTER TO HOUSE AND SENATE URGING AGAINST FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY OF TABOR

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:57:21 GMT

“TABOR’s near-sighted proposals will hurt Florida’s bond rating, something we can’t afford in these uncertain economic times,” said CFO Sink.

TAMPA MAN ARRESTED FOR DEFRAUDING 71-YEAR-OLD WIDOW

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:22:57 GMT

Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Tampa man who allegedly operated a scheme to defraud a 71-year-old widow out of $19,000. This arrest underscores the need for CFO Sink’s Safeguard our Seniors legislation, which creates tougher penalties for unscrupulous individuals who defraud senior investors and establishes better protections up-front for seniors who invest in annuities products.

CFO SINK’S FLORIDA HOUSING HELP INITIATIVE TO JOIN PASCO COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS TO HOST FORECLOSURE WORKSHOP

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:20:32 GMT

Saturday’s Housing Help Workshop will include opportunities for homeowners to meet with mortgage lenders, HUD-certified housing counselors, local housing authorities, legal assistance, credit counseling services, and representatives from many other foreclosure assistance programs.

CFO SINK UNVEILS “GET LEAN” WEB SITE, SEEKS CITIZEN HELP TO CUT GOVERNMENT WASTE

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:50:14 GMT

CFO Sink’s new and improved Get Lean Florida program will feature the interactive web site, www.GetLeanFlorida.com, and still include the toll-free hotline, 1-800-Get-Lean.

CFO SINK TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST PEOPLE’S TRUST AGENCY FOR ALLOWING UNLICENSED AGENTS TO SELL INSURANCE

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:07:53 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today took legal action to prevent People’s Trust Insurance’s Managing General Agent (MGA) from using unlicensed agents to sell its homeowners insurance.

CFO SINK RECEIVES TOP NATIONAL HONOR FOR VOLUNTEERISM FROM JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:23:22 GMT

CFO Sink named from pool of more than 160,000 volunteers nationwide.

CFO SINK CALLS FOR GREATER OVERSIGHT OF STATE-ISSUED CELL PHONES AND BLACKBERRIES AFTER OPPAGA FINDINGS

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:21:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today called for greater oversight of state-issued blackberries, cell phones, and aircards, following the release of an Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) analysis indicating that over $17 million is spent each year on the state-issued devices.

CFO SINK RECOMMENDS SMART STEPS TO GET FLORIDA’S FAIR SHARE OF FEDERAL FUNDS

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:34:39 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today released an initial report detailing ways Florida’s taxpayers can see more of their money come back from Washington, D.C.

CFO SINK’S CRACKDOWN ON INSURANCE FRAUD LEADS TO PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:03:01 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today saw her Division of Insurance Fraud receive full accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation at a ceremony in Tampa.

CFO SINK URGES FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND OFFERS HELP AS PART OF FLORIDA SAVES WEEK

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:08:04 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging Floridians to take advantage of Florida Saves Week and be pro-active about their financial futures.

CFO SINK ASKS FLORIDA LENDERS TO APPOINT MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NEGOTIATORS

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:25:43 GMT

Ombudsmen to work with attorneys, Florida homeowners to alleviate foreclosure crisis

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON OIR’S CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF STATE FARM FLORIDA WITHDRAWAL PLAN

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:38:48 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today offered the following statement on OIR's conditional approval of State Farm Florida withdrawal plan.

CFO SINK JOINS DFS DETECTIVES FOR INSURANCE FRAUD ARREST IN TAMPA

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:43:43 GMT

Today, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink joined detectives from the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud for the arrest of a woman accused of forging insurance documents in order to collect more than $38,000 in school- readiness state funding.

McCOLLUM, SINK PRESENT OVER $1.48 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO TAMPA PUBLIC ENTITIES

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:48:15 GMT

Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today presented six Tampa area public entities with checks totaling over $1.48 million from two insurance-related settlements reached in 2007 and 2008.

CFO SINK MIXES FIRE PREVENTION, FINANCIAL EDUCATION AMONG FUN AT DFS DISPLAY AT FLORIDA STATE FAIR

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:38:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink invites visitors to the 2009 State Fair, which kicked off last week and continues through Monday, February 16, to visit the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) interactive display and booth to learn more about protecting their families and finances.

CFO SINK NAMES KYRA JENNINGS AS NEW COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:39:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced Friday that Kyra Jennings will be starting as her new communications director, effective February 23, 2009.

CFO SINK: REPORTING PIP FRAUD PAYS MORE THAN PARTICIPATING IN IT

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:31:18 GMT

some Floridians are tempted by fraud scams promising extra bucks. But Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Division of Insurance Fraud, warns that planning or participating in a staged accident can cost you more than you bargain for-- a minimum two-year prison sentence for starters.

THOUSANDS OF FLORIDIANS NOW SAFER FROM STORMS DUE TO INNOVATIVE HOME-HARDENING PROGRAM

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:29:37 GMT

In two years, the My Safe Florida Home program reports retrofitting more than 26,000 homes and alerting Floridians to nearly $47 million in potential insurance discounts.

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO CLAIM VALUABLE TAX CREDIT

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:48:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today visited the United Way House of Ft. Myers to promote Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about the EITC and free tax preparation sites.

CFO SINK HONORS FSU RHODES SCHOLAR AT FLORIDA CABINET MEETING

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:04:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today recognized the achievements of Myron Rolle, a Florida State University (FSU) graduate who was recently awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, at Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet.

CFO SINK, NFL PLAYERS KICK OFF FINANCIAL FOOTBALL

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:54:29 GMT

Sink was joined by Tampa Bay Buccaneer Running Back Warrick Dunn and New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees in launching the statewide release of Financial Football, a money management computer game for high school and college students, at the Tampa Convention Center.

CFO SINK INVESTIGATES ST. PETERSBURG FUNERAL HOME AFTER RECEIVING DISTURBING COMPLAINTS

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:52:56 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has ordered a St. Petersburg funeral home, which has been the subject of complaints regarding inappropriate presentation of bodies, to immediately cease from providing any embalming and refrigeration services.

CFO SINK PUTS THE BRAKES ON MIAMI-DADE AGENT ACCUSED OF PUTTING DOZENS OF UNINSURED TRUCKERS ON THE ROAD

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:51:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging the commercial trucking industry and the public to provide any information that may assist the Department of Financial Services’ ongoing criminal investigation into an agent who pocketed at least $500,000 in commercial auto premiums and failed to place coverage for dozens of truckers, causing them to unknowingly operate without insurance.

CFO SINK WARNS ANNUITY FRAUDSTERS: TOUGHER LAWS NOW ON THE BOOKS

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:45:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink's 2008 legislative push to target agents using predatory annuity practices against seniors today results in tougher penalties for fraudsters in Florida.

CFO SINK OFFERS MONEY-SAVING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:21:56 GMT

The New Year is just around the corner, and while 2008 will be a year to remember for financial crises large and small, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Florida’s Department of Financial Services are encouraging Floridians to take stock of their personal financial situations and make resolutions that will make 2009 a happy and prosperous new year.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL ALEX SINK ISSUES HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:11:11 GMT

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink joined Tallahassee City Fire Marshal Chief John Gatlin and local firefighters from the Tallahassee Fire Department to provide holiday fire safety tips to Floridians. Every year, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,600 more, and cause over $990 million in damage.

STATE ARSON DETECTIVES ARREST ZELLWOOD ARSONIST

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:55:46 GMT

Alex Sink today announced that three men have been charged in a series of fires in the Zellwood neighborhood that began in the summer.

CFO APPOINTS JOHN B. CLARK TO ENERGY AND CLIMATE COMMISSION

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:25:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the appointment of John Boston Clark to the Florida Energy and Climate Commission.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE NEED FOR A SPECIAL SESSION

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:36:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today offered the follow statement following the Revenue Estimating Conference for the General Revenue Fund

CFO SINK: INSURANCE FRAUD INVESTIGATION LANDS SOUTH FLORIDA ATTORNEY IN PRISON

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:08:33 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that a South Florida attorney has been disbarred and has been ordered to surrender on Nov. 7, 2008, to serve 366 days in a Florida prison after an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DFS) led to numerous felony charges for stealing insurance settlement payments from clients.

CFO SINK HELPS SOUTH FLORIDA SENIOR RECOVER MORE THAN $217,000 FROM AN INAPPROPRIATE ANNUITY TRANSACTION

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:55:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s investigators recently helped Kikuko West, a Vero Beach senior, recover more than $217,000 in potential losses after she allegedly was tricked into prematurely replacing an existing annuity by an area insurance agent.

MORTGAGE SCHEME PROBE PROMPTS DOZENS OF CALLS, SECOND SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:07:11 GMT

Shalonda and Rodney McGill were arrested September 16, 2008, on allegations that they saddled investors in their “Fab 5” club with more than $1.15 million in mortgage loans by “flipping” properties in Martin and St. Lucie counties that the McGills sold using fraudulent loan applications.

CFO ALEX SINK ASKS CHAIRMAN BERNANKE TO EXTEND COMMERCIAL PAPER FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:17:14 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alex Sink, while in Washington, D.C., speaking before the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s National Roundtable on Insurance Literacy, issued the following statement:

LEON COUNTY JUDGE ORDERS MD MEDICARE CHOICE INTO RECEIVERSHIP FOR PURPOSES OF LIQUIDATION

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:26:17 GMT

A Leon County Circuit Court judge late Monday ordered Tampa-based MD Medicare Choice (MDMC), a Medicare Advantage plan with more than 16,000 members in 23 Florida counties, placed into receivership for the purpose of liquidation.

CFO SINK CREATES ‘SAFEGUARD OUR SENIORS’ TASK FORCE

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:23:10 GMT

Standing beside Mr. David Greene, an 81-year-old retired Army Master Sergeant and victim of annuity fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that she has created the “Safeguard our Seniors” (SOS) Task Force to review and recommend solutions to better protect Florida seniors against financial fraud, with an immediate focus on annuity fraud.

CFO SINK PROMOTES WORKPLACE SAFETY WITH FREE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLASSES

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:30:23 GMT

The classes will provide information on what is required under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, when exemptions apply, what resources are available to help employers and contractors comply with the law, and training on workplace safety. Contractors who successfully complete the classes will be eligible for continuing education credits.

MORTGAGE BROKER AND PASTOR CHARGED WITH BILKING CONSUMERS IN $1 MILLION SCHEME

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:04:00 GMT

A Florida mortgage broker and her husband, a pastor and popular radio show host, are facing numerous felony charges stemming from a state investigation that found the couple allegedly scammed consumers in a real estate investment scheme.

CFO SINK LEADS FLORIDA CABINET IN REJECTING OVERPRICED LAND DEAL

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today led the Florida Cabinet in objecting to using nearly $38 million in tax dollars to purchase a parcel of land known as Pine Plantation that the state twice appraised for $28 and $25 million, respectively.

CFO ALEX SINK RECOGNIZES “FINANCIAL PLANNING WEEK”

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:44:11 GMT

At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today designated the week of October 6 through 12, 2008, as “Financial Planning Week.”

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON WALL STREET FINANCIAL CRISIS

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:16:45 GMT

Millions of Floridians today awoke to news of increased volatility among several global financial institutions. Today’s tumultuous events continue the global financial turmoil witnessed during the last 18 months, and provide clear evidence that the federal government needs to provide increased oversight of large financial institutions to better protect consumers.

CFO SINK LAUNCHES LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES TO HELP STATE EMPLOYEES STRETCH HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:02:15 GMT

The Lunch and Learn series began in the summer and, following rave reviews, a third is scheduled for noon on Friday, September 12, 2008, in the Cabinet Room of the Capitol. Participants can bring their lunch.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ASSISTING IN THIRD ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:15:41 GMT

The memories of 9-11 will never be forgotten and have become synonymous with the dedication of our nation’s firefighters. In honor of those who gave everything they had to rescue their fellow citizens, the third annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend will be held September 19 -22, 2008, at the Okaloosa/Walton College, 100 College Blvd., in Niceville, Florida.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA TREASURY FIRST TO REVIEW CLIMATE RISK

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:17:50 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that Florida is the first Treasury in the nation to formally analyze investments for the financial impacts of climate change. In an effort to better protect the Treasury portfolio from emerging risks, CFO Sink has launched a semi-annual review process to assess how public fund managers incorporate climate risk in portfolio holdings as part of prudent investment management.

CFO SINK UNCOVERS FRAUDULENT CHECK-CASHING SCHEME; DELIVERS $325,000 IN RESTITUTION

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:41:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Insurance Fraud, has led to more than 110 criminal charges against Christiano Leonardo Gloria, the operator of one of the largest check-cashing operations in Broward County, for allegedly conspiring in a major money-laundering and workers’ compensation fraud scheme.

CFO SINK CHEERS PROPOSED SIXTH CONSECUTIVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATE DECLINE

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:10:35 GMT

The National Council on Compensation Insurance filed a request with the Office of Insurance Regulation for an average 14.1 percent rate decrease, which if approved would constitute a cost savings of about $465 million for Florida employers effective January 1, 2009. The cumulative rate decrease since 2003 is 58 percent.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON FLORIDA’S DEEPENING REVENUE SHORTFALL AND BUDGET DEFICIT -

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:56:24 GMT

The latest report shows a looming $3.5 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009-2010. Although not surprising and slated for next fiscal year, it dramatically underscores the severity of Florida’s growing budget deficit.

SINK SURVEYS DAMAGE IN THE BIG BEND AREA, OFFERS ADVICE TO STORM VICTIMS

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:32:11 GMT

With Tropical Storm Fay now downgraded to a tropical depression, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink surveyed storm damage in the state’s Big Bend area today.

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO PREPARE FOR TROPICAL STORM FAY

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:18:32 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today urged Floridians to continue to monitor and prepare for Tropical Storm Fay including taking the necessary financial and fire safety precautions to weather the storm with the help of a Hurricane Toolkit available online at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

CFO SINK CREATES “FINANCIAL ACTION TEAM”

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:13:43 GMT

In an effort to increase the amount of aid to Floridians facing economic crisis, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has created a “Financial Action Team” to identify federal assistance available to our state.

CFO SINK APPOINTS REP. AUSLEY AS CHAIR OF HEALTHY KIDS BOARD

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:17:31 GMT

Calling upon one of the state’s leading children’s advocates, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has appointed State Representative Loranne Ausley to serve as the Chair of the Healthy Kids Board, effective after her fourth legislative term.

SINK ORDERS EXTERNAL AUDIT OF ACCOUNTING & AUDITING

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:28:19 GMT

In a continuing effort to improve safeguards over public funds, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP., to review procedures surrounding electronic payments and transfers within the Division of Accounting and Auditing.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION RAISES RECORD FUNDS FOR FLORIDA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:30:13 GMT

Bidders from around the nation descended on Tampa Bay last Saturday to find lost treasure at Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s annual Unclaimed Property Auction. Coordinated by CFO Sink’s Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau), the auction shattered previous auction records by raising $925,550 for Florida’s public schools — a $108,000 increase over last year.

CFO SINK RECEIVES CHAMPION FOR BUSINESS AWARD

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:54:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink will be the first Florida Cabinet member to receive the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Champions for Business Award when she addresses the organization at an AIF luncheon today in Tallahassee.

CFO SINK URGES SELF-EMPLOYED TO BUY, REVIEW HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE DURING AUGUST OPEN ENROLLMENT

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:22:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Florida’s self-employed individuals to take advantage of the August open enrollment period that allows single-group employers, sole proprietors, independent contractors and others to obtain health insurance or switch plans on a guaranteed-issue basis.

DFS HELPS FBI NAB SUSPECT IN WIRE FRAUD CASE

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:08:45 GMT

A 35-year-old man is in custody after being arrested on charges of wire fraud. Moments before he boarded an international flight, Ali Hammoud was arrested by federal agents at the Miami International Airport.

CFO ALEX SINK CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT AUDIT TO ENSURE WELLCARE FULLY REFUNDS FLORIDA HEALTHY KIDS

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:46:09 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today called for an independent audit after Tampa-based WellCare Health Plans, Inc. reported “errors” resulting in $46.5 million of overpayments, including millions from Florida’s Healthy Kids program.

CFO SINK APPOINTS JIM MALONE AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF CITIZENS BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:02:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced Friday the appointment of James R. Malone as the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, effective August 1, 2008. Citizens is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in the nation and the largest property insurer in Florida.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD! CFO SINK TO AUCTION LOST TREASURE IN TAMPA BAY

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:01:14 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the State of Florida will auction off more than 40,000 unclaimed items estimated to be worth more than $500,000 at an upcoming auction on August 2, 2008, at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

400,000 INSPECTIONS AND 35,000 GRANTS LATER, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME SIGN-UPS COME TO AN END

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home program will meet the Florida Legislature’s goal of approving 400,000 homeowners for free wind inspections a full year ahead of schedule. The program will cease to take new applications in the next few days.

CFO SINK AND EMERGENCY MANAGERS URGE FIREWORKS SAFETY THIS FOURTH OF JULY

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:38:43 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today joined State Emergency Management officials in urging Floridians to observe fire safety rules and follow fireworks laws as they celebrate this Fourth of July.

CFO SINK: TAMPA DUO ARRESTED FOR OVER $40,000 IN PIP-RELATED FRAUD

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:38:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of two Tampa women on charges they allegedly billed insurance companies for over $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection- (PIP) related fraud charges.

CFO SINK REMINDS FLORIDIANS MOST HOMEOWNERS POLICIES DO NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGES

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:11:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Florida homeowners to review their insurance policies, reminding homeowners that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damages, even when the flood is caused by a hurricane.

OVER 365,000 FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS SERVED, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM APPROACHING GOALS

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:29:47 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that more than 365,000 Florida homeowners have signed up for free wind inspections through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, only 35,000 inspections shy of the Florida Legislature’s goal of 400,000 free wind inspections by June 2009.

MEDIA ADVISORY -- Insurability of the Coast

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:21:51 GMT

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, along with insurance commissioners from Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Georgia, will participate in a day-long forum to discuss the Insurability of the Coast. Read More...

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST FOR FRAUDULENT USE OF TAX DOLLARS IN PENSACOLA

Thu, 29 May 2008 12:47:09 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs Tom Pelham, and State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida William Eddins today announced the arrest of an Escambia County woman charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $150,000 in state funds from a local non-profit organization.

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS “ACT-OUT FOR HEALTH” TO WIN KIDCARE PSA CONTEST

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:24:04 GMT

Three Lincoln High School students enjoyed the spotlight today after winning the Florida KidCare “Act-Out for Health” video PSA contest. Kyle Johnson, Christle Moorer and Darsak Patel were honored by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Healthy Kids Executive Director Rich Robleto today for writing and producing a :30 second public service announcement promoting the state-subsidized health insurance program for kids under the age of 19.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM NEARS 35,000 GRANTS

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:54:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is projecting it will exceed the Florida Legislature’s goal of approving 35,000 homeowners for grants by the end of May.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK PROMOTES ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

Fri, 09 May 2008 18:22:20 GMT

This week, Florida State Fire Marshal Alex Sink joined the United States Fire Administration during Arson Awareness Week in recognizing the dangers of toylike lighters.

CFO SINK SIGNS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR ALAN CROTZER

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:57:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Alex Sink today signed an agreement for the state of Florida to provide a $1.25 million settlement to compensate Alan Jerome Crotzer for more than 24 years of wrongful incarceration.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE LEGISLATURE’S PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:01:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Legislature for passing legislation (SB 2082) that seeks to combat annuity fraud, including strengthening fines against agents who target Floridians using fraudulent annuities sales practices.

STATEMENTS BY CFO SINK & INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE ON PASSAGE OF PRO-CONSUMER PUBLIC ADJUSTER LEGISLATION

Fri, 02 May 2008 20:59:51 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and interim Insurance Consumer Advocate Terry Butler today applauded the Legislature’s passage of the important public adjuster reforms within Senate Bill 2012.

CFO SINK ENCOURAGES FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2008 NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:02:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today encouraged Florida high school students and teachers to participate in the 2008 National Financial Literacy Challenge (NFLC), available online until May 16, 2008.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM ANNOUNCES HIGH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON 2008

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:39:10 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today released survey results from Floridians participating in the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program showing 97 percent of homeowners rate the application process as easy or somewhat easy, 80 percent rate their overall experience as excellent or good, and 82 percent of respondents say they are willing to recommend the program to neighbors as hurricane season draws closer.

CFO & STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ANNOUNCES FREE TRAINING FOR FLORIDA’S VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:56:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced over 150 volunteer firefighters from across the state will journey to the Florida State Fire College in Ocala for an intensive five-day training.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON SENATE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Committee on General Government Appropriations for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces Floridians’ risk of hurricane assessments from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE SENATE PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:23:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Senate for unanimously passing legislation (SB 2082) that comprehensively addresses the issue of annuity fraud, including strengthening penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally-disabled, using predatory annuity and life insurance practices.

CFO SINK TURNS UP THE HEAT ON THIEVES STEALING ESSENTIAL FIRE EQUIPMENT

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:22:18 GMT

Florida State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of two men in connection with the theft of meters on fire department sprinkler backflows throughout Broward and Dade Counties. Fire sprinkler backflows provide essential water to sprinkler systems in commercial buildings, a life-saving resource in the event of a fire emergency.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON SENATE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:59:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Committee on Governmental Operations for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces the amount of exposure Florida’s consumers have to hurricanes.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT TO RECOVER ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR POE COMPANIES’ CLAIMS

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:15:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the Department of Financial Services (DFS) filed a civil lawsuit against the officers, directors and affiliates of three former Florida insurance companies.

CFO SINK: MILLIONS OF FLORIDIANS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS, BUT ONLY IF THEY FILE

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:57:16 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, along with representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the AARP, held a press conference Wednesday to alert millions of Floridians who are normally not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible for federal economic stimulus payments to be issued beginning May 2008.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:41:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Banking & Insurance Committee for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces the amount of exposure Florida’s consumers have to hurricanes.

CFO SINK DESIGNATES APRIL AS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:28:38 GMT

At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced her resolution designating April as Financial Literacy Month.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS’ UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:24:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Committee on Financial Institutions for unanimously passing House Bill 1003, sponsored by State Representative Clay Ford (R-Pensacola), which addresses annuity fraud and strengthens penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally disabled.

STATEMENT BY CFO & STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ON THE HOUSE COMMITTEE’S UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF FIRE SAFETY BILL

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:18:51 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Committee on Financial Institutions for unanimously passing House Bill 1041, “Fire Prevention and Control Bill.”

CFO SINK WORKS WITH FLORIDA SENATE ON LEGISLATION TO INCREASE PENALTIES ON ANNUITY FRAUD

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:52:22 GMT

TALLAHASSEE-- Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Senate’s Banking and Insurance Committee for unanimously passing legislation (PCS/SB 2082) that comprehensively addresses the issue of annuity fraud, including strengthening penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally-disabled, using predatory annuity and life insurance practices.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES PALM BEACH COUNTY PIP FRAUD ARREST

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:05:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Palm Beach County man on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud charges. This week’s arrest concludes the arrest of four South Florida residents on charges they perpetrated a PIP fraud scheme.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF A DUVAL COUNTY MAN ON CHARGES OF INSURANCE FRAUD, GRAND THEFT, AND FORGERY

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:48:58 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Duval County man on charges he fraudulently received nearly $400,000 in life insurance from an accelerated death claim. The arrest involves charges of alleged insurance fraud, grand theft, forgery and uttering a forged instrument.

CFO SINK DESIGNATES FLORIDA SAVES WEEK, FEB. 24th – MAR. 2nd

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:35:42 GMT

Today, at a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced a resolution designating February 24 – March 2, 2008, as “Florida Saves” Week. “Florida Saves” Week, a part of the national “America Saves” campaign, aims to help Floridians better learn how to manage their money by stressing the importance of saving money and building wealth.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE HOUSE JOBS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF HER LEGISLATION TO REDUCE RISK OF ASSESSMENTS

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:39:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Jobs & Entrepreneurship Council for unanimously passing PCB JEC 08-01 – the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Risk Reduction Bill.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES 47 SUSPECTS ARRESTED SO FAR IN STATEWIDE THREE-DAY OPERATION

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:34:56 GMT

The arrests, which range from Pensacola to Miami, involve alleged fraud schemes uncovered during months-long investigations with millions of dollars in potential losses.

FIVE PENSACOLA JUVENILES CHARGED WITH ARSON, BURGLARY

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:46:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink announced today that five juveniles are facing arson and burglary charges following an investigation into a fire that destroyed a commercial building

REP. FITZGERALD DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO SARASOTA RESIDENT TODAY

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:47:08 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Representative Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Sarasota homeowner who hardened her home through the state’s MSFH program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES 13TH ANNUAL GREAT FLORIDA FIRE SCHOOL

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:09:34 GMT

AVON PARK—Firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this week in this Central Florida community to receive the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques to help them prepare for potential disaster, whether manmade or natural.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM INCREASES STANDARDS FOR INSPECTION FIRMS & INSPECTORS

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:45:49 GMT

Nearly six months after expanding statewide, the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program today announced it is increasing standards for participating wind inspection firms, in a continued effort to improve the quality of inspections provided for Florida homeowners.

CFO SINK, AG McCOLLUM & COMMISSIONER MCCARTY ANNOUNCE $4.5 MILLION INSURANCE SETTLEMENT

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:19:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that Florida and other states have reached a settlement with a large insurance carrier involved in a “pay to play” tactic used with Marsh & McLennan and other insurance brokers. ACE Group Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries will pay a multi-state task force $4.5 million to resolve allegations of bid-rigging and price-fixing in the commercial insurance market that resulted in higher premiums being paid by Florida governmental entities, companies and nonprofit organizations.

CFO SINK DELIVERS $28,000 CHECK TO BAKER COUNTY SCHOOL NURSE

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:51:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today delivered a check to Shelly Bennett, a Baker County resident, along with a reminder about the importance of regularly checking the Bureau of Unclaimed Property Web site for your unclaimed property.

CFO SINK ACTIVATES STORM LINE FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:30:52 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging residents whose homes or businesses were damaged by a tornado that struck downtown Pensacola to call the Department of Financial Services’ storm hotline at 1-800-22-STORM (1-800-227-8676) if they have questions regarding steps to take to immediately protect their homes or if they need help filing an insurance claim.

SISTERS RECEIVE COLLECTIVE 17 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STEALING SCHOOL VOUCHER FUNDS

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:11:58 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Jerry Hill, State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit, announced today that sisters Betty Mae Jives Mitchell, 40, and Jeannette Jives Nealy, 39, were sentenced Monday to a collective 17 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining and misusing more than $200,000 from Florida’s school voucher program.

BOARD SUSPENDS LICENSE OF FUNERAL DIRECTOR WHO SENT FAMILY TWO SETS OF REMAINS FOR FATHER

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:18:01 GMT

A funeral director who sent two sets of ashes to a family has been ordered to serve a six-month suspension and submit to other disciplinary measures. The decision was rendered last week during a meeting of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.

CFO SINK JOINS NATIONAL COALITION CALLING FOR MORTGAGE CHANGES

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:14:39 GMT

With the mortgage crisis continuing to affect the country and the financial markets, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today has joined a coalition of national elected officials and consumer organizations to call on mortgage companies and lenders to adhere to basic principles of transparency and fairness.

SIX COLLIER COUNTY CONTRACTORS CITED IN SURPRISE SWEEP

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:15:47 GMT

Investigators from the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, issued six Stop Work Orders (SWOs) during a surprise enforcement sweep last week of 39 contractor sites throughout Collier County.

CFO SINK ON GOVERNOR’S SIGNING OF NO-FAULT REFORM LEGISLATION

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:50:08 GMT

Today, Governor Charlie Crist signed into law HB 13C, which makes crucial reforms to Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

ANNUAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNED

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:40:35 GMT

Firefighters and families from all parts of Florida will gather on Friday, October 12, 2007, at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala to remember the 137 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

CFO SINK UNVEILS PROPOSAL TO REFORM FLORIDA’S CAT FUND

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:40:49 GMT

Holding up a stack of property, auto and other insurance bills full of assessments, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink unveiled her proposal today to reform the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund), which could reduce the potential for future Cat Fund assessments on Florida’s insurance consumers.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO OF CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:41:18 GMT

Within hours of receiving the legislation from Congress, President Bush today vetoed the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO FOCUS ON SAFETY DURING FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, OCTOBER 7-13

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:44:10 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, is urging Floridians to take steps to protect themselves and their families from fire and to learn more about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday, October 7, and continues through October 13.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ON ADDITION OF FLORIDA’S NO-FAULT LAW TO CALL OF SPECIAL SESSION

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:43:22 GMT

In response to Governor Charlie Crist’s announcement today that he has added reform of Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law to the call of the upcoming special session, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink issued the following statement:

CFO SINK: PUNTA GORDA RESIDENT RECEIVES SIX-FIGURE CHECK FROM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:12:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that members of the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau), returned a six-figure check to a Punta Gorda resident along with a reminder about the importance of regularly checking the Unclaimed Property Web site to determine if the state is holding assets that belong to you or your relatives.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDES FREE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:47:24 GMT

Volunteer firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this weekend in Valparaiso to get the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques dealing with potential manmade and natural threats.

BROWARD COUNTY APARTMENT EXPLOSION RULED ACCIDENTAL

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:11:01 GMT

Detectives with the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations have determined that an explosion last Thursday at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex was an accidental fire that started in a propane gas line leading to a stove in a vacant apartment.

CFO SINK: PENSACOLA MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIR BREAKS ATTENDANCE RECORDS

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:46:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Fair last Saturday in Pensacola broke all previous MSFH event records with attendance of more than 3,000 North Floridians.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF FORMER AGENT WHO STOLE MORE THAN $90,000 IN PREMIUMS FROM MORE THAN 40 VICTIMS

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:59:27 GMT

Bruce Anthony Fonte, 53, former owner of the now-defunct Family Insurance, located in Port Richey, is charged with organized scheme to defraud in the first degree, punishable by up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted.

CFO SINK, MAJOR INVESTORS, STATE OFFICIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SIGN PETITION TO SEC REQUIRING FULL CORPORATE CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:46:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, along with a broad coalition of investors, state officials with regulatory and fiscal management responsibilities, and environmental groups, today filed a landmark petition asking the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose their financial risks from climate change.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARRESTS IN $8 MILLION ESCROW THEFT

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:48:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrests of a husband and wife on multiple counts of theft of escrow funds and money laundering for allegedly stealing nearly $8 million from their title company escrow accounts.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIR TO BE HELD IN PENSACOLA SATURDAY

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:47:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is partnering with Escambia County non-profit organizations and businesses to hold a fair designed to raise awareness about the safety and financial incentives of mitigation.

REP. TAYLOR DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO RIVIERA BEACH HOMEOWNERS WEDNESDAY

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:14:14 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Representative Priscilla Taylor (D-Riviera Beach) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Riviera Beach couple who hardened their home through the state’s MSFH program.

SENATOR GELLER DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO FT. LAUDERDALE RESIDENT TUESDAY

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:28:48 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Senator Steve Geller (D-Hallandale Beach) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Ft. Lauderdale homeowner who hardened his home through the state’s MSFH program.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIRS

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 21:04:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program will partner with local government and non-profit organizations and businesses to hold fairs in three Florida cities with the intent of raising awareness about the MSFH program’s safety and financial incentives. The series of fairs will take place from September to November in Pensacola, Tampa, and Ft. Lauderdale and will be free to the public.

CFO SINK TO MEET WITH BRITISH LEADERS IN LONDON IN NOVEMBER

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:54:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that her office has been invited by Keith Allan, Her Majesty’s Consul General of Miami, to meet with British leaders in London in early November.

CFO SINK ADDS LINK TO MYFLORIDACFO.COM TO GUIDE FLORIDIANS ON EQUITY INDEXED ANNUITIES

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:07:03 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has created a link at MyFloridaCFO.com to help consumers better understand equity indexed annuities, which have become big sellers despite being a relatively new and complex annuity product.

CFO SINK ISSUES $6.5 MILLION CHECK TO MINOUCHE NOEL

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:41:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced her office will issue a $6.5 million check today to Minouche Noel, appropriated by the Florida Legislature during the 2007 Legislative session, while vowing to continue to fight to protect the additional $2 million the Legislature appropriated to Minouche’s parents.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MIAMI-DADE FRAUD ARRESTS FOR PIP, PROPERTY DAMAGE FRAUD

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:07:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced arrests today of individuals accused of various insurance fraud schemes including auto body damage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and hurricane claim fraud.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:10:49 GMT

A former insurance agent who had his license revoked last year by the Department of Financial Services is now facing criminal charges after he allegedly offered to sell insurance to an undercover insurance fraud detective.

CENTRAL FLORIDA MAN CHARGED WITH SELLING FRAUDULENT IDs

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:49:01 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that a Central Florida man is facing several felony charges after fraud detectives with the Department of Financial Services caught him allegedly selling fraudulent social security and resident alien cards from his home.

QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT NO-FAULT? GET ANSWERS AT MyFloridaCFO.com

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:02:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that Florida’s auto insurance consumers can log onto her Web site, MyFloridaCFO.com, and click on the “Life without No-Fault” link to learn about the new insurance laws in effect after the sunset of No-Fault.

NEW JERSEY MAN GETS 30 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR STEALING FLORIDA UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACCOUNTS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:28:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink together with Gregory R. Miller, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, and Enrique Gutierrez, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announced today that a New Jersey man who filed fraudulent claims on two unclaimed property accounts held by the State of Florida has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION RAISES RECORD FUNDS FOR FLORIDA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:05:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau) broke previous unclaimed property auction records at Saturday’s auction in Orlando, raising more money than previous auctions and breaking last year’s attendance record.

WORKERS’ COMP COMPLIANCE SWEEP NABS 23 EMPLOYERS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:39:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today commended state workers’ compensation compliance investigators who conducted a recent sweep of 177 businesses in two Panhandle counties that resulted in 23 Stop Work Orders against employers found to be operating without the required coverage.

CFO SINK NAMES NEW INSURANCE FRAUD DIVISION DIRECTOR

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:23:54 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that she has named a 30-year law enforcement veteran to run the Department of Financial Services’ nationally recognized Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), a sworn statewide agency that investigates fraud in all lines of insurance.

CFO SINK REMINDS SELF-EMPLOYED ABOUT AUGUST OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:31:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging self-employed Floridians to remember that August is open enrollment month for single-group employers to get health insurance or switch plans on a guaranteed-issue basis, meaning insurers and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) must offer coverage without regard to health status. The open enrollment period begins today and continues through August 31, 2007.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME ADDS NEW HELPLINE SPECIALISTS

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:39:47 GMT

In a continuing effort to improve customer service, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has added 12 helpline specialists - doubling the resources - to assist homeowners inquiring about the program through its toll free helpline.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FUTURE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE THE RECORDKEEPING OF CIVIL REMEDY NOTICES

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:38:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced her plan to improve the Department of Financial Services’ recordkeeping of civil remedy notices and the resolutions of these disputes between policyholders and insurance companies.

CFO SINK WORKS TO STREAMLINE HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:08:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation that will examine ways to make it easier for families to enroll in the low-cost health insurance program and increase the number of children the program retains.

CFO SINK RETURNS RARE CENTURY-OLD $20 GOLD COIN

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:34:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the return of a 1907 gold coin with an estimated value between $25,000 and $90,000 to the daughter of the late Tere Claiborne. Representatives of the state’s Unclaimed Property program presented the coin Thursday to Phyllis Childers of Palm Beach County.

CFO SINK RETURNS A PURPLE HEART AND SILVER STAR TO THE FAMILY OF A FLORIDA MARINE

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:15:19 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the return of a Purple Heart and a Silver Star to the son of the late Kenneth DeVillez, a Marine who earned the medals for injury and bravery sustained at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Representatives of the state’s Unclaimed Property program presented the medals Tuesday to Daniel DeVillez and his wife Beverly at their residence in Homosassa.

CFO SINK TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO SUPPORT MINOUCHE NOEL AND FAMILY

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:39:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today filed a complaint asking for a declaratory judgment from the Leon County Circuit Court regarding “The Noel Relief Act,” or Chapter 2007-261, Laws of Florida (House Bill 593). At issue are competing claims for the $8.5 million appropriated by the Florida Legislature to Minouche Noel and her family, which are in direct conflict with the Legislature’s intended payment of the claims bill.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION IN ARSON OF HOME THAT WAS TARGET OF ANTI-ISLAM SLURS

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:48:13 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as state fire marshal, announced today that a reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for an intentionally set fire on July 6 at a Sarasota residence where anti-Islam slurs were also spray-painted throughout the home.

Letter from CFO Sink to Governor, Legislative leaders about sunset of No-Fault

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:01:55 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today sent Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Ken Pruitt, House Speaker Marco Rubio and other legislative leaders the letter copied below about the implications of the October 1, 2007, sunset of Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

CFO SINK ADVISES FLORIDIANS THAT TENNESSEE HAS PLACED NFOA INTO RECEIVERSHIP

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:56:25 GMT

Following up on a warning she issued in April, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is now advising Florida consumers who made annuity transactions with the unauthorized Tennessee-based National Foundation of America (NFOA) that the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has appointed a special deputy to take over and resolve the company’s business affairs.

CONSUMER ALERT: CFO SINK WARNS OF BOGUS LOTTERY, CHECK SCAM

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:55:08 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is warning consumers to be on the lookout for a bogus lottery contest scam that includes a letter indicating the recipient has won money from the “North American Prize Pool” along with a check that appears to be a State of Florida warrant and contains the CFO’s name and signature—but it is all bogus, warned CFO Sink.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO SIGN UP HOMEOWNERS FOR FREE WIND INSPECTIONS AT FAIA HURRICANE EXPOS

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:44:23 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced that over the next two weekends the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program will be signing up eligible homeowners for free wind inspections at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents' (FAIA) Hardening Your Home Against Hurricanes: A Trusted Choice Safe Living Expos.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDING DISASTER TRAINING FOR FLORIDA’S FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICERS

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:31:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink said Floridians will be better protected this hurricane season now that dozens of law enforcement officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) have been trained to deploy during natural or manmade disasters with the state’s nine Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams.

CFO SINK REVOKES AGENT’S LICENSE FOR EXPLOITING SENIORS

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of a south Florida insurance agent and ordered him to pay a $40,000 fine for targeting senior citizens, some suffering from dementia, for the sale of unsuitable deferred annuity products.

CFO SINK DELIVERS NEARLY $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO PENSACOLA RESIDENT FRIDAY

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:32:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today 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.

BANKER OBDULIO PIEDRA ELECTED CHAIR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNCIL

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:19:33 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced last week’s 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.

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

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:21:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today 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.

CFO SINK TO STATE EMPLOYEES: MAXIMIZE STATE BONUS BY INVESTING IN DEFERRED COMP

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:56:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today unveiled a new initiative that gives state employees a way to maximize their annual bonus by investing it in the State of Florida Deferred Compensation Plan.

AGENTS’ LICENSES SUSPENDED FOR IMPROPER SELLING OF DISCOUNT HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE PLAN

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:29:41 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the licenses of two Sarasota insurance agents have been suspended for making “false and worthless promises” to more than 40 elderly Floridians who thought they were buying a home health care services plan but paid nearly $200,000 for access to providers and never received any services.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRST MEETING OF FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNCIL IN TALLAHASSEE MONDAY

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:41:28 GMT

In an ongoing effort to increase financial literacy and help Floridians make better financial decisions, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced that the Financial Literacy Council will convene its first meeting next week in Tallahassee. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2007, at the Capitol Complex, House Office Building, Room 306.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK SUPPORTS 2007 INTERNATIONAL FIRE AND EMS SAFETY STAND DOWN

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:33:41 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink is calling for Florida's firefighters to join fellow responders around the nation in a "stand down" this week and suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on safety during the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down, being held this week through Saturday, June 23, 2007.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME ‘BLOWING’ THROUGH WIND INSPECTIONS

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:30:21 GMT

More than one month ahead of schedule, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has “blown” through its waiting list and urged more Florida homeowners to take advantage of the valuable service through the program. Since the program resumed offering inspections in late April, more than 50,000 Floridians who were on the program’s waiting list from the pilot phase have received free wind inspections.

27 ARRESTED IN MIAMI STAGED ACCIDENT RING

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:24:16 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrests of 27 people in an ongoing investigation into a staged accident ring that billed auto insurers more than $300,000 in fraudulent Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims. The investigation was dubbed “Operation TGIF” because the staged accidents occurred on Fridays.

CFO SINK AND COMMISSIONER BRONSON TO HOST SECOND WORKSHOP “CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE”

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:47:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson will host the second in a series of “Conversations on Climate Change,” on June 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. The second workshop, set to begin after Tuesday’s Florida Cabinet meeting is titled Climate Change: Renewable Energy Solutions.

TASK FORCE ON CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLING AND RESOLUTION TO MEET IN PENSACOLA WEDNESDAY

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:21:03 GMT

In an ongoing effort to improve Citizens’ policyholder and applicant services, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is convening the third meeting of the legislatively-created Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution.

CFO SINK BANS INSURANCE AGENT FOR EXPLOITING ELDERLY JEWISH FLORIDA CONSUMERS

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:53:21 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of a south Florida agent and permanently banned him from the insurance business in Florida for using his insurance license to exploit elderly Jewish Floridians.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND CFO SINK APPOINTS NEW FIRE CHIEF TO THE BUREAU OF FIRE AND ARSON INVESTIGATIONS

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:42:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced the appointment of Dan Spillman as Chief of the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL ACCELERANT K9 TO RETIRE

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:59:44 GMT

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office will be retiring its Southern Region Accelerant K9 “Buddy” on Tuesday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m. at the Plantation Fire Department located at 550 NW 65 Ave. in Plantation.

CFO SINK: NEW URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING FACILITY WILL MAKE FLORIDA BETTER PREPARED FOR DISASTER

Fri, 25 May 2007 20:04:37 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink said a new Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) training facility, one of the first of its kind in the nation to simulate a post-blast environment with smoke and heat, represents the state’s continuing commitment to be better prepared for potential disasters.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS 14-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE HANDED DOWN IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD CASE

Fri, 18 May 2007 17:36:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink applauded a 14-year sentence handed down Wednesday against Thomas Daniel King, former owner and operator of a now-defunct professional employee organization, Miralink Group Inc., which left thousands of workers in Florida and several states without workers’ compensation coverage despite collecting more than $5.8 million in premiums.

CFO SINK DELIVERS NEARLY $300,000 IN UNCLAIMED CASH TO SARASOTA COUNTY YOUTH INSTRUCTOR

Thu, 17 May 2007 18:59:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today delivered a check for nearly $300,000 in unclaimed cash to a Sarasota County youth instructor along with a lesson on the importance of regularly checking the Bureau of Unclaimed Property website.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF CITIZENS TASK FORCE ON CLAIMS HANDLING AND RESOLUTION

Wed, 16 May 2007 19:15:41 GMT

In an ongoing effort to improve Citizens’ policyholder and applicant services, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today appointees to the legislatively-created Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution. The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2007, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Citizens Claims Center in Jacksonville.

CURRENT, FORMER HEADS OF KIDCARE URGE QUICK SAVE BY LAWMAKERS

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:34:08 GMT

Three days after the Florida Legislature ended its annual session without steps to bolster a program that provides low-cost health insurance for hundreds of thousands of kids, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders to shore up the program during an upcoming special session.

CFO ALEX SINK CONGRATULATES LEGISLATURE FOR IMPROVING MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Thu, 03 May 2007 19:59:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Legislature’s passage of HB 7057, which makes improvements to the state’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS FLORIDA LEGISLATURE FOR INCREASING PROTECTIONS FOR FLORIDA’S MILITARY FROM DECEPTIVE INSURANCE PRACTICES

Wed, 02 May 2007 18:35:55 GMT

The Florida Legislature today passed House Bill 1381, which allows the Department of Financial Services and the Financial Services Commission to adopt formal rules that increase protections against deceptive insurance practices for military service men and women.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ENCOURAGING LEGISLATURE TO RESOLVE IMPASSE ON KIDCARE

Wed, 02 May 2007 17:12:50 GMT

With less than three days remaining in the Legislature and no agreement on legislation that would improve the KidCare program, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged the House and Senate to resolve the current stalemate, which threatens to undermine the work of Florida’s Congressional Delegation in reauthorizing federal funding for the program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE, TALLAHASSEE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT MOCK VEHICLE ARSON INVESTIGATION

Wed, 02 May 2007 16:57:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink along with the Division of State Fire Marshal and the Tallahassee Fire Department will conduct a mock vehicle arson investigation beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2007.

“BE PREPARED” BOY SCOUTS HOLDING CAMPOREE AT THE FLORIDA STATE FIRE COLLEGE

Tue, 01 May 2007 17:49:06 GMT

Dave Casey, Bureau Chief at the Fire College, announced that approximately 120 Boy Scouts will be occupying the campus beginning Friday evening.

CFO SINK HONORS DECORATED MILITARY RESERVIST, STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL SCIONTI

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:46:26 GMT

In admiration of his commitment to military service, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today proposed a resolution at the Florida Cabinet meeting to honor State Representative Michael Scionti of Tampa. Rep. Scionti is a Captain in the United States Army Reserve and has been awarded both the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for exceptional meritorious performance of duty in ground combat operations.

DETECTIVE AMY, FIRE MARSHAL K-9, HELPS WIN 20-YEAR SENTENCE AGAINST PANAMA CITY MAN WHO KILLED DOG IN FIRE

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:04:14 GMT

A man who set fire to his home during an argument with his girlfriend was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison after being convicted in Bay County Circuit Court on charges of arson and felony cruelty to animals.

CFO SINK: AFTER REORGANIZATION, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM RESUMES FREE WIND INSPECTIONS STATEWIDE

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:07:48 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has been streamlined to provide better service and has been expanded to offer free wind inspections to eligible Floridians statewide.

CFO SINK JOINS U.S. ATTORNEY, FBI IN ANNOUNCING 25-COUNT INDICTMENT IN $100 MILLION FRAUD CASE

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:29:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today joined Acting U.S. Attorney James R. Klindt and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Folmar in announcing a 25-count indictment charging five suspects in a $100 million workers’ compensation fraud scam that left hundreds of workers in Florida and throughout the United States without urgently needed medical care.

UNLICENSED AGENT SNARED IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:36:12 GMT

A South Florida man is facing charges of selling insurance without a license after he attempted to sell an annuity to an undercover Department of Financial Services’ investigator.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:22:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today honored 10 fire and rescue service personnel and a community college for exemplary dedication to fire and rescue services last year.

CFO SINK: REWARD MONEY GROWS IN ISLAMIC CENTER ARSON

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:49:16 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as state fire marshal, announced today that an additional $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for a fire last week at the Islamic Education Center of Tampa. The reward money, posted by the Florida Advisory Council on Arson Prevention, is in addition to $10,000 in rewards already being offered by the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:51:47 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Chief Fire Officer Al Cruz of the Miami Dade Fire Rescue was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Cruz as 2006 Professional Firefighter of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:46:22 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Linda M. Stoughton, the Deputy Director for St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Stoughton as Florida 2006 Emergency Preparedness Manager of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:43:06 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Professor Kurt P. Larson of Pensacola Junior College was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Larson as Florida’s 2006 Fire Service Instructor of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:39:20 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Brevard Community College was recognized today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink as 2006 Florida Training Center of the Year. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing the college along with 10 individuals recognized for outstanding leadership in the fire and rescue services.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:33:56 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Randall Napoli, former director of the Division of State fire Marshal, was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Napoli as Florida’s 2006 Fire Marshal of the Year.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA TREASURY JOINS INVESTOR NETWORK ON CLIMATE RISK

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:41:53 GMT

Fresh off the heels of hosting the first in a series of “Conversations on Climate Change,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that as the state treasurer, she will join the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a national network of investors focused on the business impacts of climate change.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM SET TO EXPAND STATEWIDE WITH 11 NEW WIND INSPECTION FIRMS

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:21:27 GMT

TALLAHASSEE– Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that 11 new windstorm inspection firms have been selected to aid Floridians interested in hardening their homes through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDES FREE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:32:44 GMT

Nearly 200 volunteer firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this week at the Florida State Fire College to get the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques dealing with potential threats from agribusiness chemical accidents to bombs.

THEY CAN RUN, BUT THEY CAN’T HIDE

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:53:36 GMT

Esmeralda Ildefonso, 25, Arturo Ildefonso, 27, and Melissa Miranda, 27, were arrested last week on warrants stemming from an investigation by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), and the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). The arrests resulted from close collaboration with the New York Police Department, who made the arrests.

INDIAN RIVER COUPLE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF INSURANCE FRAUD AND GRAND THEFT

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:48:52 GMT

Lisa Lynn Bock, 42, and her husband Patrick John Bock, 43, of Vero Beach, were arrested today following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF). They were booked into the Indian River County Jail with bond set at $10,000 and $25,000, respectively. If convicted on the charges filed against them, Lisa Bock faces up to five years in prison and Patrick Bock up to 20 years in prison. Both also face possible fines and restitution.

MAN ACCUSED OF FILING FRAUDULENT WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:49:44 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a man who allegedly filed fraudulent workers’ compensation claims for 10 years after being injured on a job that he got by using his deceased uncle’s social security card.

STATEMENTS FROM CFO SINK AND GENERAL MILLIGAN ON AUTO INSURERS’ USE OF INCOME, JOB INFO IN RATE SETTING

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:49:44 GMT

Responding to findings issued today by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty that auto insurance companies are using income and occupation information to set rates, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and General Bob Milligan, Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, issued the following statements:

CFO SINK AND COMMISSIONER BRONSON ANNOUNCE “CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE” WEB SITE

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:58:06 GMT

The day before holding the first of four half-day “Conversations on Climate Change,” Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson unveiled today an official website for their Cabinet initiative.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRE PREVENTION TASK FORCE

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:54:15 GMT

IMMOKALEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, announced today that the Division of State Fire Marshal and several South Florida fire and law enforcement agencies have created a task force to promote fire safety after a fire at a mobile home park earlier this month resulted in five deaths and the hospitalization of five others.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRST MITIGATION GRANTS BEING MAILED TO FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:30:46 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that ten mitigation grants totaling almost $30,000 have been mailed to Florida homeowners from five counties who hardened their homes against hurricanes through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

CFO SINK NAMES JACKSONVILLE CLAIMS EXPERT TO CITIZENS CLAIMS HANDLING TASK FORCE

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:15:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the appointment of Mike Lancashire to the Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF PANAMA CITY MAN SUSPECTED OF BEING SERIAL ARSONIST

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 22:04:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal, announced the arrest today of a Panama City man who allegedly admitted to setting more than 20 fires in and around the Panama City area in less than two years.

CFO SINK REVOKES ORLANDO AGENT’S LICENSE FOR POCKETING CUSTOMER PAYMENTS

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:55:25 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of an insurance agent who, from 2004 to 2006, diverted premium payments from his clients into a personal account and never forwarded the payments to the insurance carriers.

JUDGE APPROVES NEW POLICY OPTIONS FOR VANGUARD POLICYHOLDERS

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:47:14 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry P. Lewis approved an order today allowing Royal Palm Insurance Company (Royal Palm) and Security First Insurance Company (Security First) to offer new coverage to the 57,000 homeowner policyholders currently with Maitland-based Vanguard Fire & Casualty Company.

VANGUARD FIRE & CASUALTY ORDERED INTO LIQUIDATION

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:16:22 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry P. Lewis has ordered Maitland-based Vanguard Fire & Casualty Company into liquidation, effective Monday, to ensure policyholder claims continue to be paid.

STATEMENTS FROM CFO SINK AND GENERAL MILLIGAN ON INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE LEGISLATION

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:38:53 GMT

Led by State Senator Bill Posey (R- Rockledge), the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today unanimously approved Senate Bill 1884, which expands the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES STATE-OF-THE-ART INTERVIEW RECORDING SYSTEM, TO INCREASE FRAUD CONVICTION RATES

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:23:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that a new state-of-the-art interview recording system is now being used in the Miami regional office of the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

WASHINGTON COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD, PERJURY

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:09:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a Washington County woman on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and perjury in an official proceeding.

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN $250,000 WAL-MART FIRE

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:53:02 GMT

The fire occurred shortly after 5:40 p.m., March 3, at the Wal-Mart located at 174 Cypress Point Parkway. Store video of the fire being set is being distributed to media in the central Florida region with the aim that someone will identify the perpetrators or provide more information.

WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE PUBLISHES FINAL REPORT

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:51:13 GMT

On the first day of the 2007 legislative session, the Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee published its final report analyzing mitigation efforts in Florida, including the My Safe Florida Home program, and detailing recommendations for future efforts to harden homes in Florida.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE SEEKS INFO IN FATAL ARSON

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:05:37 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, is urging anyone with information about a fire at a mobile home that led to the deaths of four people and the hospitalization of six others to call 1-877-662-7766 (1-877-NOARSON).

CFO ALEX SINK AND GENERAL MILLIGAN, INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE, UNVEIL NEW WEBSITE FOR FLORIDIANS

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:17:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink joined General Bob Milligan Monday on his first day reporting for duty as Florida’s new Insurance Consumer Advocate.

PENSACOLA MEN CHARGED WITH ARSON AND CONSPIRACY

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:25:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, said two men, including one who has been convicted twice before of arson, are facing numerous felony charges after setting fire to a mobile home in January.

BROWARD COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUD

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 19:56:08 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, announced the arrest this week of a Broward County man on a charge of filing false and fraudulent insurance claims in connection with two fires at his mobile home.

BROWARD COUNTY DENTIST FACES GRAND THEFT CHARGE

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:20:54 GMT

Dr. Amy Masri, 35, was arrested Wednesday and charged with grand theft following a joint investigation between the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. She was booked into the Broward County Jail. If convicted on the charge, she faces up to five years in prison in addition to possible fines and restitution.

VIATICAL COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO RACKETEERING, FRAUD

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 21:19:01 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that Mutual Benefits Corp., once the largest viatical settlement company in the country, pled guilty in Broward County Circuit Court to criminal charges of racketeering and numerous counts of investment fraud.

CFO SINK: ARRESTS MADE IN $2 MILLION MORTGAGE FRAUD RING

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:49:45 GMT

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrests of two title agents believed to be part of a six-member mortgage fraud ring suspected of duping several mortgage lenders and a homeowner out of nearly $2 million.

CFO SINK BANS AGENT WHO MISLED SENIOR, ORDERS SON TO PAY RESTITUTION

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:43:32 GMT

Hunter Stephen Bowen, Sr., 57, and Hunter Stephen Bowen Jr., 32, both of Ocala, allegedly convinced the woman to surrender several annuities, which she had bought over a period of time from Bowen, Sr., in favor of a new annuity carrying with it years of surrender charges.

REVISED: CFO SINK ANNOUNCES NEW MEETING SCHEDULE FOR WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 19:48:18 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—The Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee will conduct conference calls this Thursday and Saturday, March 1 & 3, and meet in Tallahassee Friday and Monday, March 2 & 5, 2007. The committee calls on Thursday and Saturday will be held from 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Committee meetings on Friday and Monday will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m, and with a conference call connection available throughout the meeting.

CROSS CITY MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER, ARSON

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:24:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, said a 43-year-old man who set fire to a mobile home while his wife was in it has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and arson.

CFO SINK AND COMMISSIONER BRONSON ANNOUNCE “CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE”

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:00:43 GMT

Bringing awareness to how environmental changes affect Floridians, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson announced Tuesday they will be co-hosting “Conversations on Climate Change,” a series of Cabinet workshops on how Florida’s economy is affected by changes in climate and the need to expand renewable energy sources.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE CALLS, MEETING SCHEDULE FOR WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:41:11 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—The Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee will conduct conference calls next Monday-Wednesday, February 26-28, 2007, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will meet Thursday and Friday, March 1-2, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Room 37 of the Senate Office Building.

MARION COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD, FALSE AND MISLEADING STATEMENTS

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:09:28 GMT

SUMMERFIELD– Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a Marion County man on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and providing false and misleading statements. From July 28, 2005, until his arrest earlier this week, Marshall Lake, 59, allegedly represented his condition as being worse than it was and received nearly $22,000 worth of medical treatment and medication.

Governor Crist and Chief Financial Officer Sink Seek Best Practices for Efficient Government

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:40:24 GMT

Governor Crist appoints Council on Efficient Government

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES UNCLAIMED PROPERTY BUREAU SET TO RETURN $150 MILLION

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:00:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Unclaimed Property has already returned more unclaimed property to rightful owners in the last seven months than was returned during all of the previous fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2006.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL MEETINGS OF THE WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:41:20 GMT

The Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee will meet Thursday, February 22, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, February 23, 2007 from 9 a.m. until adjournment in the Cabinet Meeting Room in the Florida Capitol.

CFO ALEX SINK ANNOUNCES GENERAL MILLIGAN AS INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:56:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink Wednesday announced General and former Comptroller Bob Milligan as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate.

CFO SINK HONORS BLACK-OWNED MEDIA FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO FLORIDA, PROMOTES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:51:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today honored members of the Florida Association of Black-Owned Media, Inc. for their contributions to Floridians and promoted February as Black History Month. At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet this morning, CFO Sink presented a resolution honoring the association and its members.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES SECOND MEETING OF THE WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:52:32 GMT

The next meeting of the legislatively-created Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee will be Thursday, February 15, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 37 of the Senate Office Building in Tallahassee.

BROWARD COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED 2ND TIME FOR FRAUD

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:19:23 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a Broward County woman on charges that she stole $200,000 in insurance payments from her former boss, a chiropractor. She was previously arrested in September on charges that she collected nearly $24,000 on fraudulent chiropractic treatment claims she filed on herself and her husband.

CAPE CORAL HOMEOWNER FACES ARSON CHARGE

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:16:45 GMT

A Cape Coral man is facing felony charges stemming from the suspicion that he set his home on fire.

SOUTH FLORIDA FISHING BOAT CAPTAIN REELS IN A BIG ONE WITH UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:05:06 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink helped the South Florida fishing boat captain reel in a big one when she delivered a check from stock accounts held by Cohen and his sister. The stocks were reported last August to the Department of Financial Services as abandoned.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES THREE-DAY OPERATION TO ARREST DOZENS OF INDIVIDUALS ON INSURANCE FRAUD CHARGES

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:53:50 GMT

Culminating several months-long investigations, dozens of individuals from Pensacola to Miami will be arrested this week for insurance fraud schemes that totaled at least $1 million. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the three-day operation as it kicked off today, stating she wants to send a strong message that Florida will not tolerate this costly crime.

CFO SINK TO ANNOUNCE MAJOR ANTI-FRAUD OPERATION

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:58:10 GMT

PLANTATION—Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink will announce in South Florida at noon on Tuesday, January 23, a major anti-fraud operation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON PROGRESS OF SPECIAL SESSION AND POTENTIAL CITIZENS REFORMS

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:26:10 GMT

As the House of Representatives and Senate moved into the conference position Thursday during the Special Session on hurricane insurance, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink offered this statement:

CFO SINK COMMENDS LEGISLATION IMPROVING THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:58:14 GMT

Working with the Legislature to make a number of improvements to the state’s newly-created mitigation fund, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink Wednesday commended legislation moving through the House of Representatives that will expand protections and access to the services available through the My Safe Florida Home program.

CFO SINK LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR NEW DIVISION DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE FRAUD

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:34:55 GMT

In effort to combat the mounting rate of insurance fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink Wednesday launched a nationwide search for a highly-experienced and talented law enforcement official to lead the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF).

SINK ANNOUNCES FREE COURSES SCHEDULED FOR CONTRACTORS INTERESTED IN MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:51:57 GMT

TALLAHASSEE— Alex Sink, Florida’s chief financial officer, today announced that free courses will be offered to licensed contractors who are interested in participating in the My Safe Florida Home program. The four-hour course will teach contractors the techniques and standards for effective wind-resistant retrofit improvements.

TAMPA MAN FACES FELONY CHARGES FOR SELLING BOGUS PIP INSURANCE CARDS

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:45:07 GMT

Andre Coachman, 37, worked at Coat Used Auto Sales, located at 4170 East Hillsborough Ave., and was arrested Tuesday by detectives with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES NEARLY $700,000 IN HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDS AWARDED TO STATE BOMB TEAM, LABORATORY

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:47:39 GMT

Alex Sink, the chief financial officer of Florida and state fire marshal, announced today that the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) Unit and Forensic Laboratory have been awarded nearly $700,000 in homeland security funds to buy equipment to protect Florida communities.

CFO-ELECT ALEX SINK ANNOUNCES CHIEF OF STAFF, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:25:18 GMT

Chief Financial Officer-elect Alex Sink Tuesday announced Jim Cassady as chief of staff for her administration and

FREE JUVENILE FIRESETTER WORKSHOP DRAWS NEARLY 60 FLORIDA FIRE SAFETY AGENCIES

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:08:08 GMT

Representatives from nearly 60 fire safety agencies from 35 Florida counties are gathered today for a free one-day Juvenile Firesetter Skills Building Workshop provided by the State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, along with the National Association of State Fire Marshals and Fireproof Children, an educational group.

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARREST OF PALM BEACH MAN FOR INSURANCE FRAUD

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 21:21:25 GMT

Ronald Salvatore Mauro, 64, of South Palm Beach, was arrested this morning following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. Mauro was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and faces up to 15 years in prison, in addition to fines and restitution, if convicted.

STATEMENT FROM CFO GALLAGHER ON SCRIPPS FLORIDA

Tue, 16 May 2006 18:05:58 GMT

...LAHASSEE – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today helped Scripps Florida, a state-of-the-art biomedical research institute, move one step closer to becoming a reality. As a member of the Florida Cabinet, Gallagher approved puttin...

GALLAGHER: INSURANCE RELIEF BILL STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION

Tue, 16 May 2006 13:55:57 GMT

...>$1.2 billion set aside to help reduce premiums, hurricane-proof homes

TALLAHASSEE—After two years of intense lobbying by Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher and other consumer advocates, the Florida Legisl...

ARSON AWARENESS WEEK TO HIGHLIGHT THE DANGER OF METH LABS

Thu, 11 May 2006 19:47:37 GMT

...p; &n...

GALLAGHER LE PIDE A LA CORTE QUE COLOQUE EN LIQUIDACIÓN A LAS COMPAÑÍAS DE SEGURO POE

Wed, 10 May 2006 16:30:16 GMT

...;

Gallagher asegura que la liquidación no será un obstáculo para el pago de los reclamos o la protección de los asegurados

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, anunció que le ha pedido a...

GALLAGHER: AGGRESSIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN FOR ACTS OF ARSON THAT DESTROY PROPERTY, HOMES

Wed, 10 May 2006 15:22:15 GMT

...sp; &...

GALLAGHER PETITIONS COURT TO PUT POE INSURANCE COMPANIES INTO LIQUIDATION

Tue, 09 May 2006 21:20:46 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE–Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, announced today that he has petitioned a court to order three financially troubled property insurers of the Tampa-based Poe Financial Group into liquidation. ...

GALLAGHER: $2 MILLONES DE DÓLARES EN REEMBOLSOS A ASEGURADOS

Tue, 09 May 2006 13:43:32 GMT

...an Mercury y Mercury Insurance han acordado el rembolsar más de $2 millones de dólares a sus asegurados en la Florida. De acuerdo con la oficina de Regulación de Seguros del estado, el examen de las dos compañías fue iniciado basado en quejas de los...

GALLAGHER: ALIVIO DE LAS TASAS DE SEGUROS VA EN CAMINO PARA LOS DUEÑOS DE VIVIENDA

Mon, 08 May 2006 19:09:48 GMT

...;

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, aplaudió anoche a los legisladores del estado, por aprobar $715 millones de dólares en remedios de las tasas de seguros para los dueños de vivienda en la Florida. Desde el 2004,...

GALLAGHER: POLICYHOLDERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN REFUNDS

Mon, 08 May 2006 18:31:35 GMT

...at American Mercury and Mercury Insurance companies have agreed to refund more than $2 million to their policyholders in Florida. According to the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation, its examination of the two companies was initiated...

GALLAGHER APLAUDE LA LEGISLACION QUE COMBATE EL FRAUDE DE SEGUROS

Mon, 08 May 2006 16:57:05 GMT

...lign=center>
"La ley acrecienta las penalidades por fraude"

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, elogio hoy a los legisladores por aumentar las consecuencias de...

GALLAGHER: INSURANCE RATE RELIEF IS ON THE WAY FOR HOMEOWNERS

Sat, 06 May 2006 04:46:20 GMT

...oving $715 million in insurance rate relief for property owners in Florida. Since 2004, Gallagher has urged the Legislature to earmark surplus revenue collected during hurricane recovery to help homeowners deal with insurance assessments, hurri...

GALLAGHER ACLAMA EL PROYECTO DE LEY QUE LIMITA LA APROPIACIÓN POR EL GOBIERNO DE PROPIEDADES DEL SECTOR PRIVADO

Fri, 05 May 2006 18:43:14 GMT

...ASSEE – La Legislatura de la Florida pasó hoy el proyecto de ley HB 1567, que restringe al gobierno el adquirir propiedades del sector privado. Después de pasar la ley, Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero, emitió el siguiente comunicado:

...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS LEGISLATION TO COMBAT INSURANCE FRAUD

Thu, 04 May 2006 20:16:54 GMT

...al officer, today praised legislators for tightening the grip on fraud artists who steal from Florida’s hard-working families by staging or fabricating auto crashes and making fraudulent auto insurance claims.

“I a...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BILL TO FIGHT METH

Thu, 04 May 2006 18:12:19 GMT

...p;
TALLAHASSEE—State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher said Florida’s children and emergency responders and, ultimately, its communities will be better protected because the Legislature today passed a bill enhancing penalties for metha...

GALLAGHER REANUDA EL LLAMADO A LOS LEGISLADORES EN LOS ULTIMOS DÍAS DE LA SESION PARA REFORMAS DE SEGUROS

Wed, 03 May 2006 18:41:33 GMT

...o entran en la meta final de la sesión legislativa del 2006. Gallagher ha renovado su llamado de aliviar el índice de las primas, mejorar el acceso y las reformas de la cobertura de viviendas para ayudar y fortalecer la estabilización a largo plazo d...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS HOUSE, SENATE ENDORSEMENT OF NATIONAL CATASTROPHE PLAN

Tue, 02 May 2006 19:39:32 GMT

...ng a legislative memorial calling on Congress to create a national catastrophe insurance plan.

“The current insurance crisis is not a Florida problem; it is a national problem that demands national solutions. Like...

GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR INSURANCE REFORMS AS STATE LAWMAKERS ENTER FINAL DAYS OF SESSION

Mon, 01 May 2006 15:43:46 GMT

...wed his call for immediate rate-relief, improved access to property coverage and reforms to help strengthen the long-term stability of Florida’s property insurance market. Both the House and Senate have developed legislation that will help address th...

LA COMPAÑÍA SOUTHERN FAMILY INSURANCE HA SIDO ORDENADA A PASAR A ADMINISTRACIÓN JUDICIAL Y OTRAS SEGUIRÁN

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:06:39 GMT

...án cubiertos en esta temporada de huracanes

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, anunció hoy que un juez ha ordenado la administración judicial de una de las tres compañías de seguros de...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES OPERATION SPRING CLEANING

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:51:28 GMT

...ef="http://www.fldfs.com/PressOffice/pdfs/OpSpringCleaningarrestlist4-27.pdf">Operation Spring Cleaning Arrest List 4-27-06

PLANTATION— Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced today that his o...

SOUTHERN FAMILY INSURANCE COMPANY ORDERED INTO REHABILITATION, OTHERS PLANNED

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 22:27:42 GMT

...eason

TALLAHASSEE–Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, announced today that a judge has ordered one of three financially troubled property insurers of the Tampa-based Poe Financial Group into rehabilitat...

CAPTAIN RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 13:21:47 GMT

...son Investigations is retiring after 50 years of law enforcement service.

Captain Shirley L. Garrison served the Bureau for 19 years, the last nine years as captain of the regional office. The first half of his care...

GALLAGHER BANS SOUTH FLORIDA INSURANCE AGENT FOR SELLING BOGUS INSURANCE

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:00:40 GMT

...the license of a South Florida insurance agent for selling bogus health insurance. Gordon Arthur Esses, 64, of Aventura, was licensed to sell life and health insurance.

“A licensed insurance agent should kno...

GALLAGHER COMMENDS SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FOR APPROVING METH LEGISLATION IN FIRST STOP

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 20:51:08 GMT

...ttee for unanimously approving legislation that would better protect children, emergency responders and communities from toxic and flammable methamphetamine labs. Gallagher, who first proposed these reforms last June, especially thanked Sen. Ca...

GALLAGHER PRESENTS 2005 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:22:43 GMT

...te Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher and Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson today honored 10 men and women and a school for exemplary dedication to the fire, rescue and emergency management service. The award recipients were chosen by the...

GALLAGHER BANS MIAMI AGENT FOR FRAUDULENTLY PROVIDING INSURANCE CERTIFICATE TO ACCIDENT VICTIM

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 14:27:30 GMT

...revoked the license of a Miami area insurance agent who sold a fraudulent certificate of insurance to a woman who was subsequently injured in a car accident. Francois Noel, 46, of North Miami, has been banned from selling insurance in Flo...

GALLAGHER COMMENDS LEGISLATIVE LEADERS FOR SETTING ASIDE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS FOR INSURANCE RATE RELIEF

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 22:34:19 GMT

...million in rate relief, Senate leaders propose $750 million

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, said homeowners scored a victory toda...

GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR INSURANCE RATE RELIEF

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:43:36 GMT

...For Relief

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida General Revenue Estimating Conference today released new estimates stating Florida is expected to receive an additional $...

DECLARACION DE TOM GALLAGHER ACERCA DE LA LEGISLACION PARA LA PROTECCION DE PERSONAS MAYORES

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:29:47 GMT

...Comité Senatorial del Cuidado de la Salud aprobó hoy una ley que protege a las personas mayores de la Florida que compraron seguros de cuidado a largo plazo, y de cuidado a domicilio de incrementos de cuotas súbitas y la negación arbitrarias de recla...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SENIORS

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:57:36 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE— The Senate Health Care Committee unanimously approved a bill today that protects Florida seniors who purchase long-term and home health care insurance from sudden rate hikes and arbitrary claim denials.

GALLAGHER: URGE A LAS VÍCTIMAS DE LOS HURACANES DEL 2005 A RECIBIR EL DESCUENTO ESPECIAL DE IMPUESTOS

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 16:21:02 GMT

...nbsp; (850)413-2842

Casi 116,000 floridanos pudieran recibir $62 millones en reembolsos del 2002

TALLAHASSEE – Tom G...

GALLAGHER SUSPENDE A UN AGENTE QUE GANO COMISIONES ENGAÑANDO A PERSONAS MAYORES HA COSTA DE LA VENTA DE ANUALIDADES.

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 18:07:20 GMT

...nbsp; (850)413-2842

TALLAHASSEE: -- Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, revocó la licencia de un agente de seguros...

GALLAGHER: DESIGNATE APRIL 4th AS HEALTHY KIDS DAY

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:48:01 GMT

...a resolution tomorrow to the Governor and Cabinet designating April 4 as Healthy Kids Day in Florida. The resolution recognizes Florida Healthy Kids, a non-profit, public-private partnership that provides quality, affordable health insurance co...

GALLAGHER BANS AGENT WHO EARNED COMMISSIONS BY LURING SENIORS INTO COSTLY ANNUITY DEALS

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 15:43:14 GMT

...nbsp;

TALLAHASSEE—Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, has revoked the license of a Tampa Bay-area insurance agent who used radio advertisements and seminars to lure senior citizens, ranging in age from...

GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR LEGISLATION TO COMBAT METH

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:10:16 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE—State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher today joined legislative leaders, law enforcement and firefighters in calling for the passage of legislation aimed at combating methamphetamine or “meth” labs in Florida and enhanci...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER ON NEWS OF DEFICIT IN CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 22:43:42 GMT

...zens Property Insurance Corporation, the state’s insurer of last resort, is estimated to be $1.7 billion. Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, released the following statement on the deficit, which by law must be paid through...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES CONSUMER CHECKLIST

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:54:39 GMT

...; &nb...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA LISTA DE VERIFICACIÓN PARA LOS CONSUMIDORES

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:52:12 GMT

...de viviendas

TALLAHASSEE – Gracias a los cambios en la ley presentados por Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero del estado de la Florida, los propietarios de viviendas tienen ahora otro recurso para prepararse ante futuros...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF CAR DEALERS ACCUSED OF SELLING DANGEROUS CARS TO UNSUSPECTING FLORIDIANS

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:53:27 GMT

...allagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today announced the arrests of two Central Florida men accused of defrauding auto insurers and reselling dangerous cars to unsuspecting buyers. Gallagher is seeking more than $1 million in restitutio...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION IN RESTITUTION

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:52:57 GMT

...- Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, announced today that his department, as part of a multi-state coalition, has entered into a settlement with Zurich American Insurance Company in response to bid-rigging and price-fixing allegations....

GALLAGHER: FRAUD DIVISION’S AGGRESSIVE PURSUIT OF WORKERS’ COMP FRAUD LEADS TO REDUCTION IN PREMIUMS

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 15:57:38 GMT

...er, Florida’s chief financial officer, announced today that the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud’s aggressive pursuit of workers’ compensation fraud is leading to increased arrests and lower costs for Florida’s small busi...

GALLAGHER, HOUSE AND SENATE INSURANCE CHAIRS TELL CONGRESS: PASS NATIONAL CATASTROPHE PLAN

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 17:26:12 GMT

...div>

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today joined Sen. Rudy Garcia and Rep. Dennis Ross to renew calls on Congress to support legislation to create a national catastrophe insurance plan. Ga...

FORMER AGENT CHARGED WITH STEALING $845,000 IN PREMIUMS

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 19:19:44 GMT

...a former insurance agent who is facing up to 180 years in prison for allegedly stealing more than $845,000 in insurance premiums intended to buy boat insurance for customers.

John Paul Castagna, 46, who was the owner of...

GALLAGHER REVOKES LICENSE OF AGENT WHO LEFT HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITHOUT COVERAGE DURING 2005 HURRICANES

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 16:23:16 GMT

...officer, has revoked the insurance agent license of Bruce Anthony Fonte, an owner of Family Insurance of West Pasco, and is asking anyone who bought insurance from Fonte or Family Insurance of West Pasco to call the Department of Financial Services’...

ON FIRST DAY OF 2006 SESSION, GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR SOLUTIONS TO STABILIZE FLORIDA’S INSURANCE MARKET

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 19:00:13 GMT

...g statement today regarding his continued effort to secure rate relief for Florida’s property owners.

“I will continue to do my part to build support in the legislature for insurance rate relief for Floridians. Just last...

AUMENTA EL APOYO LEGISLATIVO PARA REDUCIR LAS TARIFAS

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 22:00:14 GMT

...que apoyan al plan de Tom Gallagher para la reducción inmediata de tarifas. Durante una reunión en el ayuntamiento en la el Senador Fasano fue anfitrión conjuntamente con el Departamento Financiero, expreso públicamente su respaldo al ex...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA LEGISLACIÓN FEDERAL PARA CREAR LAS CUENTAS DE AHORRO CATASTRÓFICAS

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 22:10:19 GMT

...2004

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, anunció que el Diputado de la Cámara de Representantes Tom Feeney, de Orlando, ha registrado legislación federal para crear...

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR RATE RELIEF BUILDING

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 22:04:06 GMT

...er’s plan for immediate insurance rate-relief. Senator Fasano publicly expressed support for earmarking surplus sales tax revenue to offset insurance assessments during a Town Hall meeting he hosted with the Department of Financial Services. Tom Gall...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO CREATE CATASTROPHE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:21:03 GMT

...bsp;

Gallagher has been promoting accounts since 2004 hurricane season

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher...

LA PRENSA REPORTA EL ÉXITO DEL PROGRAMA DE BIENES SIN RECLAMAR

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 22:50:26 GMT

...ienes fueron devueltos en el año 2003

TALLAHASSEE--El encontrar un tesoro perdido hace historia. Y en la Florida hemos tenido muchas buenas últimamente.

Este domingo a las 7 p.m., T...

NEWS REPORTS HIGHLIGHT SUCCESS OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 21:14:54 GMT

...;

TALLAHASSEE—When people find a lost treasure, it makes for a good story. And in Florida there have been a lot of good stories lately.

This Sunday at 7 p.m., the Telemundo Network is s...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARREST FOR ORGANIZED FRAUD

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 20:50:05 GMT

...rganized fraud for allegedly steering patients away from a hospital physical therapy center and improperly billing insurance companies.

Lorrie Ann Laurel, 40, of Chipley, turned herself in at the Holmes County Jail...

GALLAGHER TOURS NEW SITE CHOSEN FOR SCRIPPS FLORIDA

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 14:43:13 GMT

...r Scientific Operations and Professor of Chemistry for The Scripps Research Institute, to tour the new site chosen for the development of a permanent Scripps Florida campus, a state-of-the-art biomedical research institute. The new Abacoa...

MUJER ARRESTADA EN EL CONDADO DE BROWARD POR HACER RECLAMOS FRAUDULENTOS DE HURACAN

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:24:20 GMT

...o cobrar doble en un reclamo de huracán. Indrani B. Horton, 34, de Margate, fue arrestada ayer y acusada de fraudulentamente registrar un reclamo de seguro. El arresto fue el resultado de una investigación por detectives con e...

BROWARD WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FILING FRAUDULENT HURRICANE CLAIM

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:57:19 GMT

...pted to collect twice on her hurricane claim. Indrani B. Horton, 34, of Margate, was arrested yesterday and charged with fraudulently filing an insurance claim. The arrest followed an investigation by detectives with the Florida Departmen...

GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR TOUGHER METH LEGISLATION

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:42:12 GMT

...hetamine lab begins in Ft. Myers

FT. MYERS— Florida State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher today spoke to nearly 100 law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and other responders about legislation he is advocatin...

GALLAGHER TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO FIGHT METH WITH FIRST RESPONDERS

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 16:26:54 GMT

...pected at two-day class

FT. MYERS—Florida’s State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher will discuss his legislative proposals for tightening criminal penalties against methamphetamine or “meth” manufacturers, especially those...

MEDIATION TO RESOLVE INSURANCE DISPUTES AVAILABLE TO 2005 STORM VICTIMS

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:12:13 GMT

...available to homeowners who suffered damage from the 2005 hurricanes and have not been able settle their insurance claims. The program is free to policyholders and seeks to achieve quick and fair settlements for storm victims.

GALLAGHER REVOCA A UN AGENTE QUE ENGAÑÓ A PERSONAS MAYORES DE EDAD

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:51:49 GMT

...lagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, ha revocado permanentemente la licencia de un agente de seguros en el sur de la Florida por engañar a cinco ciudadanos mayores de edad en comprar anualidades y pólizas de seguros de vida, causándoles una pérdida...

GALLAGHER BANS AGENT WHO MISLED SENIORS

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:21:47 GMT

...om Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, has permanently revoked the license of a south Florida insurance agent for misleading five senior citizens into purchasing annuities and life insurance policies that caused them to lose more than $150,...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES 21 ARRESTS FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION UNCOVERING MORE THAN 60 STAGED CRASHES IN TAMPA AREA

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:06:40 GMT

...uals for allegedly staging 10 auto crashes stemming from an investigation that uncovered more than 60 staged crashes throughout Tampa Bay. The 10 staged crashes that these individuals are being charged for resulted in nearly $1 million in fake...

GALLAGHER: TRG OPERATORS TO PAY $3 MILLION

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:34:07 GMT

...er, Florida’s chief financial officer, announced today that Florida victims of TRG Marketing LLC, the Indiana-based unauthorized insurance entity that left hundreds of Floridians with unpaid medical claims, will get back nearly $3 million in restitut...

STATEMENT BY TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING HOUSE INSURANCE PROPOSALS

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 22:44:57 GMT

...urance legislation designed to improve Florida’s insurance market. Since 2004, Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher has been advocating sweeping changes to Florida’s insurance market to improve consumer preparedness and response, stabilize i...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA UN NUEVO RECURSO, REMEDIOS LEGISLATIVOS PARA COMBATIR EL FRAUDE DE SEGUROS

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 20:41:10 GMT

...el fraude de seguros, que unido a los remedios legislativos que está tramitando, fortalecerá los esfuerzos de combatir el fraude de seguros de auto, incluyendo penalidades criminales mas fuertes por el fraude de “papel” y “fantasma” y revocando la li...

GALLAGHER CALLS FOR LEGISLATION TO SPEED UP THE REBUILDING PROCESS FOR STORM VICTIMS

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 17:19:05 GMT

...for new legislation to help expedite the rebuilding process for hurricane victims. The measure would ensure homeowners immediately receive insurance money for additional living expenses and lost personal contents, as well as 20 percent of the i...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCE, LEGISLATIVE REMEDIES TO FIGHT INSURANCE FRAUD

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 16:47:31 GMT

...rance fraud, coupled with legislative remedies he is pursuing, will strengthen efforts to combat auto insurance fraud, including tougher criminal penalties for “paper” and “phantom” automobile accidents, and revoking the licenses of drivers who commi...

WOMAN WANTED IN MOTEL 6 METH LAB FIRE ARRESTED AT ANOTHER MOTEL WITH METH-MAKING CHEMICALS IN CAR

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 15:09:55 GMT

...bsp;
NICEVILLE—A woman suspected of operating a methamphetamine lab that sparked an explosion and...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA UNA REUNIÓN EN EL AYUNTAMIENTO PARA LAS VÍCTIMAS QUE SE ESTAN RECUPERANDO DE LOS HURACANES DEL 2005

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 21:27:41 GMT

...bsp;

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe oficial de finanzas, anunció hoy que...

GALLAGHER DISPUTES CITIZENS’ RATE REQUEST, RENEWS CALL FOR INSURANCE REFORMS

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 16:58:19 GMT

.../div>

TALLAHASSEE- Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, said today that Citizens Property Insurance Corporation should not be allowed to arbitrarily raise rates without justifying them.

“Citizens should be transparent...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL MEETING FOR VICTIMS STILL RECOVERING FROM THE 2005 HURRICANES

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 13:41:40 GMT

...town hall meeting to assist Floridians still recovering from last year’s hurricanes. The meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, February 4th, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It will be held in the Hialeah City Hall, 501 Palm Avenue, in Hialeah.&...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER ON GOVERNOR’S TAX RELIEF PACKAGE

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 22:37:41 GMT

...ians. I have long supported cutting taxes to further our state’s economic potential.

“I will continue to ask the Legislature to use sales-tax revenue derived from hurricane reconstruction to provide rate-relief for...

APLAUDE GALLAGHER LA NUEVA REGLA PARA PREVENIR LA DISCRIMINACIÓN

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 21:48:26 GMT

...oy la nueva regulación que requerirá que las compañías de seguro demuestren como utilizan los puntos de crédito cuando emiten o cotizan las coberturas de seguro, asegurando que la práctica no sea discriminatoria o injusta.

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS NEW RULE TO PREVENT DISCRIMINATION

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 17:40:09 GMT

...urance companies to demonstrate how they use credit scores when writing or pricing insurance coverage and that the practice is not unfairly discriminatory.

“There should be a zero tolerance policy for any informati...

GALLAGHER CONTINÚA TRABAJANDO CON AYUDA A LAS VÍCTIMAS DE LOS HURACANES

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:37:56 GMT

.../em>

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida, anunció hoy que el programa de mediación esta disponible a todos aquellos que sufrieron daños en los huracanes del 2005 y no han podido todavía resolver&nbs...

GALLAGHER CONTINUES WORK TO HELP STORM VICTIMS

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 14:37:21 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today announced that mediation is now available to homeowners who suffered damage from the 2005 hurricanes and have not been able settle their insurance claims. The pro...

DECLARACIONES DE TOM GALLAGHER REPORTE DEL AUDITOR GENERAL SOBRE CITIZENS PROPERTY

Fri, 27 Jan 2006 15:23:48 GMT

..., incluyendo a Citizen’s Property Insurance, para satisfacer los nuevos desafíos que están siendo creados en la espera de la nueva temporada de huracanes es mi prioridad. El reporte del Auditor General ofrece la asistencia que necesita la...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER ON AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORT ON CITIZENS PROPERTY

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:04:03 GMT

...ges created in the wake of unprecedented hurricane seasons remains my top priority. The report by the Auditor General will assist the legislature in implementing the reforms that I, along with the Governor and other members of the cabinet, have been...

EL APOYO AUMENTA POR EL PLAN CATASTRÓFICO NACIONAL

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:34:35 GMT

...el apoyo de ambos sectores público y privado para la creación de un fondo nacional catastrófico de seguros de propiedad. Un fondo nacional catastrófico es una de las muchas soluciones propuestas por Gallagher el pasado noviembre, para fortalec...

SUPPORT BUILDS FOR NATIONAL CATASTROPHE PLAN

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 15:24:30 GMT

...bsp; ...

TWO VOLUSIA COUNTY BUSINESSMEN CHARGED WITH FRAUD

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:41:42 GMT

...s' compensation fraud. One failed to provide workers' compensation coverage while the second submitted a fraudulent workers' compensation insurance application.

Barry J. Schultz, 51, owner and operator of Sand Piper Concepts...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES REFORMS TO HELP PROTECT AND PREPARE FLORIDIANS FOR CATASTROPHES

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:35:41 GMT

...omeowner-friendly insurance reforms to better protect and prepare Floridians for a catastrophic event, and to empower them with information they need to shop for property coverage. The new reforms, initiated by a special committee created by Ga...

GALLAGHER RENEWS CALL FOR INSURANCE REFORMS

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 18:59:32 GMT

...cial Officer Tom Gallagher renewed his call for solutions to strengthen Florida’s property insurance market.

Last year, in the wake of two unprecedented hurricane seasons, Gallagher proposed a comprehensive i...

TOM GALLAGHER, JEFE FINANCIERO DEL ESTADO DE LA FLORIDA URGE QUE LOS HISPANOS NO DEJEN DE VER EL MENSAJE QUE SERÁ TRANSMITIDO POR TELEVISIÓN SOBRE ASISTENCIA PARA LOS IMPUESTOS

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 19:26:41 GMT

...ue ofrecerá la cadena nacional de televisión Telemundo el domingo 15 de enero. Este programa especial de una hora será dirigido a los pagadores de impuestos que son hispanos. El programa, “Los Impuestos y Usted” saldrá al aire a las...

FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER URGES SPANISH-SPEAKING FLORIDIANS TO WATCH TAX ASSISTANCE BROADCAST

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 19:24:14 GMT

...al television network Telemundo for a special one-hour tax program for Spanish-speaking taxpayers on Sunday, Jan. 15. The program, “Los Impuestos y Usted” (“Taxes and You”), will air at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and at 2:30 p.m. Central Time.

FORMER ARIES PRINCIPAL ARRESTED AGAIN ON THEFT CHARGE

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 21:24:03 GMT

...acketeering and fraud stemming from that company’s financial collapse, has been arrested on a new charge of grand theft for allegedly stealing nearly $100,000 in premiums intended to buy insurance policies from an unlicensed insurance company. ...

GALLAGHER URGES FLORIDIANS IN HURRICANE-IMPACTED AREAS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL TAX RELIEF

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 16:12:34 GMT

...lorida’s chief financial officer, encouraged Floridians impacted by this year’s hurricanes to take advantage of tax and time relief measures available.

“Many hurricane victims are still struggling to repair their h...

GALLAGHER REVOKES PENSACOLA AGENT’S LICENSE

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 16:08:15 GMT

...license has been revoked for multiple violations, including scamming a blind client. Darrell E. Stidham, 54, has surrendered his licenses to sell life and health insurance policies and variable annuities.

“Floridian...

GALLAGHER COMMENDS CONGRESS FOR PROPOSAL TO PUT CONTROLS ON METH-MAKING PRODUCTS UNDER PATRIOT ACT

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:16:36 GMT

...amphetamine "cooks" to obtain the common ingredients needed to make the drug. The drug package is wrapped into the Patriot Act anti-terrorism bill and heads to the Senate. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who als...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES $16,000 IN FRAUD REWARDS

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 15:56:17 GMT

...HASSEE—Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today announced $16,000 in cash rewards to four individuals, including a child, who provided information that led fraud detectives with the Department of Financial Services to thwart more than...

OKEECHOBEE CONTRACTOR CHARGED WITH FRAUD, THEFT

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 19:54:31 GMT

...l use instead of completing construction on a couple’s Okeechobee County home, and for failing to carry proper workers’ compensation coverage.

Merle Dee Johnston, 69, of Okeechobee, was arrested today on the charges follo...

GALLAGHER ISSUES HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 15:46:57 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE – As Floridians crank up their heaters and fireplaces and set out the holiday candles and lights, State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher is urging residents to keep safety in mind.

“The number of...

STATEMENT FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER ON SETTLEMENT FOR WILTON DEDGE

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 21:30:13 GMT

...kage for Wilton Dedge, who was wrongly imprisoned for 22 years. No amount of money can undo the harm that Mr. Dedge has suffered. Nonetheless, the Legislature’s action today satisfies the state’s basic moral obligation to compensate any p...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE REGLAS MAS ESTRICTAS PARA EL REPORTAJE DE LOS FRAUDES

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:35:19 GMT

...departamento delineando los requerimientos para que las compañías de seguros hagan reportes sobre los fraudes en los seguros muy pronto será hecho realidad.

Después del transcurso de varios huracanes, Gallagher ordeno que el Departa...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES STRICTER REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING INSURANCE FRAUD

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 19:27:36 GMT

...ment rules outlining stricter requirements for insurance companies to report insurance fraud will soon be in place. In the wake of multiple hurricanes, Gallagher directed the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) t...

GALLAGHER DETAILS ONGOING EFFORTS TO COMBAT METH

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 18:45:05 GMT

...p;

TALLAHASSEE—Tom Gallagher, state fire marshal, said today that his office has responded to nearly...

SERIES OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED FOR ORLANDO, TAMPA AND FT. MYERS

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 15:52:31 GMT

...ef financial officer, today announced a series of town hall workshops to give employers and employees an update on the state’s workers’ compensation system and to answer questions about recent rate reductions. The Division of Workers’ Compensat...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARREST OF TAMPA COUPLE FOR STEALING UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 15:36:11 GMT

...conspired to illegally collect more than $11,000 in unclaimed property. Investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Office of Fiscal Integrity said that the couple got caught when the man’s brother, and rightful owner of the...

RULING COULD PUT MONEY BACK IN DOCTORS’ POCKETS

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 15:18:12 GMT

...Self Insurance Fund Inc. could potentially see reimbursements for assessments they paid to bail out the financially impaired company after a jury found the defunct company is owed nearly $18 million from a company that assumed some of the business.

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES NEW OPTION FOR CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITIES TO RESOLVE HURRICANE CLAIMS

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 18:19:37 GMT

...oday announced a new mediation program to help condominium associations resolve disputes with their insurance companies over their hurricane claims. Gallagher said the mediation program, set up for homeowners after the 2004 storms, has successf...

GALLAGHER: $32 MILLION IN HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDS HAVE BETTER PREPARED FLORIDA FOR DISASTERS, INCLUDING TERRORIST ATTACKS

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 16:31:37 GMT

...omeland Security funds have been funneled through the State Fire Marshal’s Office to fire departments throughout Florida, helping communities prepare to respond to natural disasters as well as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE ARRESTS FOR STAGED CRASH IN MIAMI

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:42:01 GMT

...da’s chief financial officer, announced today the arrests of eight members of an alleged staged crash ring accused of filing more than $100,000 in fraudulent insurance claims from a single staged accident.

Brothers and su...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA MULTIPLE ARRESTOS POR FALSOS CHOQUES EN MIAMI

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:39:55 GMT

...uno

MIAMI----Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero del Estado de la Florida, anunció el arresto de ocho miembros de una red que hacían escenas de falsos choques y que han sido acusados de hacer reclamos fraudulentos d...

EL JEFE FINANCIERO DE LA FLORIDA, TOM GALLAGHER, HACE DECLARACIONES PARA LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE LEYES FEDERALES CON EL FIN DE INICIAR UN FONDO NACIONAL PARA CATÁSTROFES

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 17:23:20 GMT

...asi evitar el desaparecimiento del mercado de seguros con el fin de la creación de un fondo nacional para catástrofes. Hoy, congresistas de la Florida, Ginny Brown-Waite y Clay Shaw lanzaron una nueva legislación creando tales fondos.
...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER ON: FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO CREATE A NATIONAL CATASTROPHE FUND

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:44:12 GMT

...r avoiding an insurance market meltdown, including the creation of a National Catastrophe Fund. Today, Florida congressional members Ginny Brown-Waite and Clay Shaw introduced legislation to create such a fund.

&nbs...

ISENHOUR FOUND GUILTY OF STEALING EDUCATION FUNDS

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 22:29:55 GMT

...ames Kirk Isenhour, chairman and director of the Silver Archer Foundation, guilty of grand theft in the first degree for illegally using scholarship monies intended to educate children. Isenhour now faces up to 30 years in prison. A sente...

GALLAGHER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS TO BETTER PROTECT HOMEOWNERS AND STRENGTHEN PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET

Mon, 07 Nov 2005 16:44:44 GMT

...g Florida’s property insurance market and better protecting homeowners and condominium unit owners from financial devastation after a hurricane strikes. Gallagher also gave his support for federal solutions being advocated by Governor Jeb Bush...

GALLAGHER DEPLOYS MOBILE ASSISTANCE UNIT TO HIALEAH FOR FLORIDIANS IMPACTED BY WILMA

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 16:48:52 GMT

...obile assistance unit to South Florida to help hurricane victims in the recovery process. Gallagher, who was on-hand at the opening of the new unit in Hialeah, was joined by State Representative Ralph Arza, Hialeah City Council President...

AVISO PARA LOS CONSUMIDORES - LA LEY QUE REQUIRE EL PAGO DE UN DEDUCIBLE DURANTE LA TEMPORADA DE HURACANES BENIFICIARÁ A LAS VÍCTIMAS AFECTADAS POR MAS DE UN HURACÁN

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 19:32:55 GMT

...o dañados por más de un huracán y no han satisfecho su primer deducible, que la cantidad restante del deducible puede ser añadida al deducible de la segunda pérdida.

“Después de los eventos que ocurrieron en el año 2004 c...

CONSUMER ALERT NEW SINGLE HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLE LAW MAY ASSIST VICTIMS OF MULTIPLE HURRICANES THIS SEASON

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 15:24:09 GMT

...rom multiple hurricanes this season can be combined to meet a single windstorm insurance deductible.

“Following the unprecedented four hurricanes we were hit with in 2004, we were successful in passing a law...

GALLAGHER ENVIA CARAVANAS MOVILES AL SUR DE LA FLORIDA PARA DAR ASISTENCIA A LOS AFECTADOS POR EL HURACÁN WILMA

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 15:28:57 GMT

...42

Este anuncio va detrás del folleto publicado por el Comisionado de Agricultura, Charles Bronson

TALLAHASSEE--- Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida ha enviado caravanas móviles p...

GALLAGHER EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATE CUT

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 21:32:09 GMT

...m Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today expressed support for Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s rejection of the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) rate decrease request of 7.2 percent on workers’ compensatio...

ARREST MADE IN USF DORM FIRES

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 20:15:55 GMT

...ory last Friday.

Detectives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, said that Justin Graffeo, an 18-year-old university student, admitted to setting the fires in the Cypress B dormi...

COMMITTEE TO SIMPLIFY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICIES FOR FLORIDIANS TO MEET OCTOBER 28

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 17:29:10 GMT

...ol in Tallahassee. The committee will meet in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State lawmakers called for the committee in response to Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher’s conc...

GALLAGHER DEPLOYS MOBILE ASSISTANCE UNITS FOR FLORIDIANS IMPACTED BY WILMA

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 15:40:41 GMT

...>

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, has deployed mobile assistance units to both Southeast and Southwest Florida to help hurricane victims begin the recovery process. The mobile units ar...

GALLAGHER ISSUES EMERGENCY RULE CAPPING PUBLIC ADJUSTER FEES TO PROTECT STORM VICTIMS

Tue, 25 Oct 2005 13:45:57 GMT

...as issued an emergency rule to protect victims of Hurricane Wilma by capping public adjuster fees at 10 percent of claim payment and giving consumers up to 14 days to rescind a contract with a public adjuster without penalty. The emergency rule also...

GALLAGHER MOBILIZES SEARCH AND RESCUE, CONSUMER ASSISTANCE TO AREAS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE WILMA

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 17:47:11 GMT

...icers are now fanning out in the southwest Florida area and are heading toward southeast Florida and the Keys to assist in search and rescue.

In addition, Gallagher said the Department of Financial Services’ consumer assi...

CUÍDENSE DE CHANCHULLOS CUANDO SELECCIONA UN NUEVO PLAN PARA COBERTURA DE RECETAS MÉDICAS BAJO EL MEDICARE

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 20:07:44 GMT

...AHASSEE---Ya nos acercamos a poco al mes que ha sido designado para la inscripción en el nuevo programa de Medicare, Parte D, para recetas médicas. Las oficinas de Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero del Estado de la Florida, han recibido numerosas...

INSURANCE AGENT LOSES LICENSE, MUST PAY $90,000 FINE

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 15:44:40 GMT

...iv>

ORLANDO—An insurance agent who misled at least 35 customers, including several senior citizens, in the sale of annuities and forged their signatures to cover his tracks has had his license revoked and has been ordered to pay a $90,000 fine.

FLORIDA SENIORS URGED TO BEWARE OF SCAMS WHEN CHOOSING NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 15:21:35 GMT

...e for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program less than a month away, Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer reported that his department’s consumer helpline is getting calls from Floridians looking for help signing u...

MEMORIAL SERVICE TO HONOR FIVE FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS WHO DIED LAST YEAR IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:21:19 GMT

...nbsp; ...

GALLAHGER APLAUDE AL CONVENIO DEL PAGO DE MILLONES DE DÓLARES A LAS VÍCTIMAS DE HURACANES

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 18:04:49 GMT

...n tomado lugar entre la compañía de seguros, Nationwide Insurance Company y las oficinas de Regulaciones de Seguros con el fin de enmendar los pagos de millones de reclamos de seguros causados por los huracanes en 2004. Las Oficinas de Servicio...

INSURANCE AGENT CHARGED WITH FORGING APPLICATIONS

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 22:00:44 GMT

...many of whom were elderly, to forge life insurance policy applications and steal more than $22,000 in insurance commissions.

Investigators with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud, arrested Herbert Amos Jones...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS AGREEMENT TO PAY MILLIONS TO HURRICANE VICTIMS

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 20:59:17 GMT

...en Nationwide Insurance Company and the Office of Insurance Regulation to correct millions in underpayment of insurance claims resulting from the 2004 hurricanes. Gallagher’s Department of Financial Services compiled the complaint files and hur...

GALLAGHER APLAUDE LA DECISION DE RECHAZAR LA PETICION DE AUMENTO EN LAS PRIMAS DE ALLSTATE

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 20:30:46 GMT

...n McCarty, de rechazar la petición de aumento en las primas de Allstate Floridian Insurance Company y Allstate Indemnity Company. Gallagher añadió que una revisión independiente realizada en agosto por las oficinas del Defensor de los Consumido...

LA SEMANA DEDICADA A LA PREVENCIÓN DE FUEGOS SE CONCENTRA EN LA SEGURIDAD DE SU HOGAR

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 17:20:06 GMT

...v>

TALLAHASSEE.-- La mayoría de los fuegos ocurren en las casas y tal vez estos pudieran haber sido evitados, según dice las estadísticas de las oficinas del Mariscal de Incendios de la Florida. Manteniendo en la casa una alarm...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS DECISION TO REJECT ALLSTATE’S RATE REQUESTS

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 16:34:59 GMT

...ioner Kevin McCarty’s decision to disapprove rate increase requests from Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and Allstate Floridian Indemnity Company.

Gallagher said that an independent review by the Consumer Advocate’s Office...

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK FOCUSES ON SAFETY IN HOME

Fri, 07 Oct 2005 19:41:10 GMT

...iv>

TALLAHASSEE—Most fatal fires happen in homes and at least half of those are preventable, according to statistics from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Having a working smoke alarm is a must when it comes to fire safety, sai...

GALLAGHER NAMES CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CONSUMER SERVICES BOARD

Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:26:10 GMT

...p; (850) 413-2842

TALLAHASSEE—Tom Gallagher, Florida’...

GALLAGHER URGES FLORIDIANS TO CHECK OUT A USED CAR’S HISTORY BEFORE BUYING

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:41:47 GMT

...>

TALLAHASSEE – Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, today cautioned Florida’s consumers and auto dealers to beware of buying used vehicles that may have originated from areas flooded by Hurricane Katrina, and potentially...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER ON: NEED TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AT CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 17:45:21 GMT

...endations for improving the transparency, oversight and accountability of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to the Financial Services Commission. The Financial Services Commission is made up of the governor, attorney general, chief financ...

PANHANDLE FIRST RESPONDERS TO GET METH LAB TRAINING

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 14:51:06 GMT

...orida began a three-day training program today on how to identify, investigate and dismantle a methamphetamine laboratory. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is providing the program for free to help prepare law enforcement officers and firefighte...

GALLAGHER CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL $500 MILLION IN SAVINGS FOR FLORIDA’S SMALL BUSINESSES

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 13:15:28 GMT

...f financial officer, today called for greater savings for Florida’s small businesses based on an independent review of proposed workers’ compensation rates for the state. Gallagher said that the proposed decrease of 7.2 percent in workers’ compensati...

COMMITTEE TO SIMPLIFY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICIES FOR FLORIDIANS ANNOUNCED

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 20:03:26 GMT

...Tom Gallagher, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, today announced a ten-member committee tasked with developing a standard homeowners insurance policy for Floridians that is both easy to understand and offers comprehensive coverage. State lawm...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES $2.2 MILLION IN REFUNDS TO TITLE CUSTOMERS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:11:14 GMT

...roximately 10,000 Central Florida residents will soon benefit under a $2.2 million refund program agreed to by Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. The refund program was the result of the Department of Financial Services’ investigation o...

GALLAGHER: SOUTH FLORIDIANS MUST PREPARE

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:11:26 GMT

...em>

TALLAHASSEE- Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher is urging residents and visitors from Jupiter to the Florida Keys and up to Englewood on the Gulf to prepare for Tropical Storm Rita, which...

FORMER BROWARD COUNTY AGENT CHARGED WITH STEALING $92,000 IN PREMIUMS FROM MORE THAN 50 CUSTOMERS

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 20:04:03 GMT

...ormer insurance agent was arrested today on charges that he misappropriated more than $92,000 in insurance premiums from more than 50 customers. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on the charges.

Joel Be...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 17:30:41 GMT

...nsurance Corporation Chief Operating Officer Paul Hulsebusch, I have directed our department’s fraud detectives to immediately launch a criminal investigation and subpoena all documents related to his case.

“These develop...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES MILLIONS IN POTENTIAL SAVINGS FOR FLORIDA’S SMALL BUSINESSES

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:01:59 GMT

...p;The National Council on Compensation Insurance has filed an additional 2.7 percent decrease this year in proposed workers’ compensation rates, for a total decrease of 7.2 percent. Florida's Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher spearheaded th...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CFO TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING NATIONWIDE’S DECISION TO NON-RENEW A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF THEIR CUSTOMERS

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 18:22:07 GMT

...of the four hurricanes that struck Florida last year and the two that affected our state this year including Hurricane Katrina, there has been enormous strain placed on the homeowners and policyholders of this state.”

“I am calling...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES CONSUMER SERVICE LOCATIONS FOR HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 20:34:19 GMT

...r service professionals will be assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina. In his capacity as State Fire Marshal, Gallagher also directed the Department of Financial Service’s efforts to cooperate in state efforts to aid the devastated areas in ne...

GALLAGHER MOVES TO PREVENT PUBLIC ADJUSTERS FROM PRICE GOUGING HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 14:32:59 GMT

...ergency rule to prevent the victims of Hurricane Katrina from becoming the victims of price gouging by public insurance adjusters. In addition to limiting fees, the rule contains other consumer protections for victims who may consider contracti...

GALLAGHER UPDATES RECOVERY EFFORTS IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE KATRINA

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 19:40:00 GMT

...fficers from the State Fire Marshal's Office are heading to Pensacola today to help with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. They will be joining officers from the Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Department of Law Enforceme...

DUEÑOS DE UNA CLINICA EN TAMPA BAY FUERON ARRESTADOS POR 'VENDER' PACIENTES

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 20:38:42 GMT

...p;

TAMPA- Tom Gallagher, Jefe Financiero de la Florida anunció el arresto de cinco dueños de clínicas en el área de Tampa por “vender” pacientes, muchos de los cuales fueron ví¬ctimas de un accidente...

DEALING WITH HURRICANES: TIPS FOR INSURANCE CONSUMERS

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 20:33:16 GMT

...concerns. Residents should call our toll-free hotline at 800-22-STORM.

Before the storm:

Take steps to protect yourself and your family, evacuating if ordered to do so. Don’t take unnec...

TAMPA BAY CLINIC OWNERS ARRESTED FOR ‘SELLING’ PATIENTS

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 18:51:02 GMT

...>TAMPA-Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced the arrests today of five Tampa-area clinic owners, and the issuance of a warrant for another, for “selling” patients, most of whom were accident victims, to diagnostic facilities that...

GALLAGHER ADVISES FLORIDIANS TO DESIGNATE EMERGENCY CONTACTS ON CELL PHONES

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 19:05:57 GMT

...and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher is urging residents to identify emergency contacts on their cell phones.

As State Fire Marshal, Gallagher oversees the State Fire Marshal’s Office and search and rescue functions at Fl...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARREST OF MIAMI MAN FOR SELLING WORTHLESS HURRICANE INSURANCE

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 17:31:58 GMT

...f Allen E. Weintraub, 40, of Miami, for selling worthless hurricane insurance to at least 45 consumers. Weintraub set up an unlicensed operation called Global Insurance Group and collected more than $100,000 for non-existent windstorm insurance...

TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND HURRICANE WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 17:59:44 GMT

...ready for a possible strike by Tropical Storm Katrina. Gallagher advised that residents can contact the Department of Financial Services’ toll-free storm line at 1-800-22-STORM with insurance questions or for assistance with filing claims shoul...

GALLAGHER CALLS FOR EXPANDED RESPONSE TO FIGHT FLORIDA’S MOST DANGEROUS DRUG

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 19:17:57 GMT

...egy to combat methamphetamine or “meth,” including a call for increased coordination between state agencies, the creation of a Meth Strike Force, increased criminal penalties for meth producers, and the establishment of trust funds to clean up meth l...

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA FIRE MARSHAL TOM GALLAGHER

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 20:21:34 GMT

...ocal law enforcement and first responders throughout the state in the fight against the spread of meth. Today, Fire Marshal Gallagher applauded the Bush Administration for increasing Federal Assistance to states dealing with the spread of meth.

...

GALLAGHER ANUNCIA EL ARRESTO DE DIEZ PERSONAS VÍNCULADAS AL FRAUDE DE ACCIDENTES AUTOMOVILÍSTICOS

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 14:20:49 GMT

...sp; (CFO) Tom Gallagher anunció ayer el arresto de 10 personas vinculadas al fraude de accidentes, los cuales incluyen 15 clínicas médicas que facturan fraudulentamente a las compañías de seguros de automóviles mas de un millón de dólares por lesione...

GALLAGHER HACE LLAMADA PARA UNA REVISIÓN INDEPENDIENTE DEBIDO A LA PETICIÓN DE STATE FARM EN AUMENTAR LAS PRIMAS DE SEGUROS DE HOGARES

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 21:21:30 GMT

...rimas injustamente, el Jefe de Finanzas del Estado de La Florida Tom Gallagher, hoy llama para una revisión independiente debido a la solicitud de aumentar las primas a los dueños de hogares por State Farm, la compañía aseguradora mas grande en el es...

GALLAGHER CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF STATE FARM’S RATE REQUEST

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 18:56:59 GMT

...er Tom Gallagher today called for an independent review of a rate increase on homeowners being sought by State Farm of Florida, the state’s largest insurer. The independent review, the third review since June 1, will be carried out throug...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF 10 IN STAGED CRASH RING

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 18:23:53 GMT

...ing that involved 15 different medical clinics fraudulently billing auto insurers more than a million dollars for non-existent injuries. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER ON HURRICANE CHARLEY’S ANNIVERSARY

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 16:24:29 GMT

...followed. Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne inflicted damage in every county of our state; damage which in some places lingers to this day.

“While there is still more that needs to be done, we have come a long way over th...

TWO BROWARD WOMEN CHARGED FOR FALSELY REPRESENTING MARRIAGE DOCUMENTS TO COLLECT ON DEATH BENEFITS

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 21:29:20 GMT

...r Tom Gallagher announced today that two Broward women are facing felony changes for falsifying marriage documents to collect more than $100,000 in insurance death benefits.

Deanna L. Brown, 39, who attempted to collect...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION RESULTS

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 18:18:32 GMT

...gistered for the Department of Financial Services’ unclaimed property auction in Ft. Lauderdale last Saturday and paid more than $570,000 on a variety of treasures. They left with some great finds, and Florida’s school children will benefit fro...

GALLAGHER QUESTIONS ALLSTATE RATE REQUEST; INDEPENDENT REVIEW SHOWS FLAWS IN ALLSTATE'S REQUEST

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 15:07:33 GMT

...eview of Allstate Floridian Insurance Company’s request for higher rates shows deficiencies and raises troubling questions about the company's motives in seeking rate increases.

“The numbers do not add up," said CFO...

GALLAGHER NAMES CITIZENS BOARD APPOINTEES

Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:35:54 GMT

...operty Insurance Corporation (Citizens) Board of Governors.

The first appointment is John D. Collins, 57. Collins is the founder and president of Gulf Building Corp., a commercial development firm headquartered in...

FORMER INSURANCE AGENT CHARGED WITH SWINDLING ELDERS

Thu, 04 Aug 2005 19:30:24 GMT

...uding at least nine South Florida senior citizens by offering them a quote for one level of long-term care insurance but selling them another.

Ronald S. Rogart, 60, was arrested Sunday in Gilchrist County but lived in Mia...

TRG OPERATORS HANDED SENTENCES, ORDERED TO REPORT TO PRISON IN OCTOBER

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 20:34:00 GMT

...ordered TRG Marketing, LLC., to stop selling its bogus health plans here and directed the Department of Financial Services’ insurance fraud detectives to pursue criminal charges against the operators, Floridians left with millions of dollars in unpai...

KEN ANTHONY REAPPOINTED TO FAJUA BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 15:34:29 GMT

...Anthony to the Board of Governors of the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association. Ken was first appointed to the FAJUA Board in May 2001.

Gallagher praised Anthony for four years of dedicated service to F...

TOM GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARRESTS IN $100,000 INSURANCE FRAUD CASE

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 15:10:43 GMT

...two of his patients on charges of insurance fraud. The announcement came after an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), which CFO Gallagher oversees, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)...

STATE INVESTIGATORS WRAP UP WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMPLIANCE SWEEPS

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 20:57:15 GMT

...from the Department of Financial Services Division of Workers’ Compensation today announced the results of a recent two-day sweep of construction sites in the state. 848 site visits were made during the sweeps resulting in 100 stop work orders...

STATE TO HOLD UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION IN FT. LAUDERDALE

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:30:09 GMT

...50,000 in unclaimed property on Saturday, July 30, in Ft. Lauderdale. Nearly 40,000 items will be put on the auction block, including antique jewelry, sports memorabilia and rare coins.

Florida’s Chief...

TENGA CUIDADO CON ENTIDADES QUE PUEDAN OFRECERLE SEGURO PARA SU CASA QUE NO ESTAN LICENCIADAS

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 20:42:04 GMT

...Finanzas del Estado de la Florida en el día de hoy da una advertencia a los consumidores que han recibido varios reportes relacionados con entidades fantasmas que están vendiendo seguro para la casa.

Global Insuran...

BEWARE OF UNLICENSED ENTITY SELLING HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 13:54:12 GMT

...al Services today warned that it has received reports of an unlicensed entity selling bogus homeowners insurance in Florida. Global Insurance Group, headquartered in Aventura, FL., has been aggressively advertising that it offers the lowest win...

MIAMI COUPLE CHARGED WITH SELLING FAKE INSURANCE TO TRUCKERS

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 18:08:52 GMT

...mi on charges of transacting insurance without a certificate after she was discovered paying an accident claim without a license. Also implicated is Bajdor’s husband, Peter, who is expected to surrender later this week.

Additi...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES CLAIM FRAUD ARRESTS

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 16:17:37 GMT

...Gallagher announced today that detectives with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) have arrested four individuals accused of filing fraudulent claims in the aftermath of the 2004 hurricane season. The investi...

SELF-EMPLOYED FLORIDIANS QUALIFY FOR GUARANTEED-ISSUE HEALTH COVERAGE DURING AUGUST

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 15:48:49 GMT

...alth insurance can obtain it through an open enrollment period during the month of August, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher said today.

The open enrollment period requires insurance companies and Health Mai...

STATE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION TO BE HELD JULY 30

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 18:48:53 GMT

...state to benefit Florida’s public schools. Among the items are a 14-karat gold purse, a 5-carat sapphire ring, and an 1889 CC Morgan silver dollar.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is urging potentia...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARRESTS FOR AUTO ‘DITCHING’

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 18:45:10 GMT

...Officer Tom Gallagher announced today that detectives with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), working with the Palm Beach County Multi-Agency Auto Theft Task Force, assisted in the arrests of eight individuals a...

GALLAGHER ISSUES EMERGENCY RULE CAPPING PUBLIC ADJUSTER FEES TO PROTECT STORM VICTIMS

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 17:46:11 GMT

...nnis by capping public adjuster fees at 10 percent of claim payment and giving consumers up to 14 days to rescind a contract with a public adjuster without penalty. The emergency rule also prohibits public adjusters from demanding or accepting any ty...

REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING ARSON AT THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 20:56:36 GMT

...fire that occurred on July 6, 2005 at 5:53 a.m. that damaged the Islamic Society of Central Florida located at 2200 Harrell Road, Orlando, Florida 32817.

Significant information has been received providing informat...

ARREST MADE IN AZALEA DRIVE ARSON FIRE

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 20:54:57 GMT

...suspect in connection with an arson fire to a single-family residence that was occupied by three adults, two of which are hearing impaired. The fire occurred on July 11, 2005 at approximately 3:30 a.m. and caused extensive damage to the residence le...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES UPDATE TO HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 14:47:59 GMT

...l Services will be establishing a second mobile response unit in Destin and will also be located in four disaster recovery centers being operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"We will have perso...

GALLAGHER MOBILIZES STATE RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN HURRICANE RECOVERY

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 19:16:14 GMT

...ed members of the Department of Financial Services’ two law enforcement agencies to assist in search and rescue efforts in areas devastated by Hurricane Dennis and will be in the northwest Florida area today assessing damage and directing the departm...

GALLAGHER SAYS HMOS, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL BE FLEXIBLE ON PRESCRIPTION REFILLS

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 21:03:32 GMT

...s he heads toward the state’s Gulf Coast, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher wants Floridians to know that the state’s health insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) have temporarily suspended their regulations reg...

HURRICANE DENNIS THREATENS GULF COAST

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 15:55:18 GMT

...ready for a possible strike by Hurricane Dennis. Gallagher advised that residents can contact the department’s toll-free storm line at 1-800-22-STORM with insurance questions or for assistance with filing claims should a storm hit.

LOXAHATCHEE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FAKING DEATH TO COLLECT ON LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Fri, 01 Jul 2005 20:51:15 GMT

...e woman who faked her death in Jamaica to collect on a $260,000 life insurance policy. Golden Marie Vasquez, also known as Golden Marie Cox and Golden Marie Ramdeen, was arrested Friday by investigators from the Department of Financial Services...

FATHER, SON CHARGED WITH WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:01:18 GMT

...quired workers’ compensation coverage for employees, resulting in more than $1 million in evaded premiums. The arrests on Wednesday were the result of an investigation by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Bureau of Workers’ Compensati...

DECLARACIONES DEL JEFE FINANCIERO DE LA FLORIDA, TOM GALLAGHER, CON REFERENCIA A ALLSTATE FLORIDIAN

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 16:49:57 GMT

...ron a un acuerdo que no ofrece ningún alivio a los consumidores asegurados bajo la compañía de seguros. Esto es una cortina de humo que esta enviando Allstate para retrasar el aumento tan escrupuloso de sus primas y asi eludir un ex...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER ON ALLSTATE FLORIDIAN

Wed, 29 Jun 2005 22:22:27 GMT

...r Kevin McCarty doesn’t offer any real relief to policyholders. This is just a smokescreen by Allstate to delay an outrageous rate hike without scrutiny by regulators.

“On top of that, the agreement only calls...

GALLAGHER URGES FLORIDIANS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY ON JULY 4

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 14:54:57 GMT

...Floridians to think about fire safety as they make their Fourth of July plans.

“The Fourth of July is a great time for families and friends to relax together an...

DECLARACIÓN DEL CFO TOM GALLAGHER CON RESPECTO AL PASO PARA IMPLEMENTAR UN AUMENTO EN SUS SEGUROS QUE PIENSA DAR LA COMPAÑIA DE SEGUROS ALLSTATE SIN SER APROBADOS

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 20:26:42 GMT

...do el estado en Julio y ha dado comienzo al envio de facturas a sus asegurados de viviendas en la Florida. El paso que ha tomado Allstate para implementar el aumento y después buscar el apruebo del mismo ha ignorado abiertamente la nueva...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER RE: ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY’S MOVE TO RAISE RATES WITHOUT APPROVAL

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 17:41:14 GMT

...te hike in July, but has already begun sending the bills to Florida homeowners. Allstate's move to implement a rate hike and then file for approval blatantly ignores a new law that requires a public hearing for any rate request exceeding 15 per...

GALLAGHER HACE UN LLAMAMIENTO PARA EL RECHAZO DE AUMENTO EN PRIMAS QUE NO TIENEN PRUEBA QUE LO CORROBOREN

Tue, 21 Jun 2005 20:24:43 GMT

...a el rechazo de una aumento en primas de 36.7 por ciento que ha sido solicitado por la compañia de seguros Cincinnati Indemnity Company/Insurance Company.

“Depues de dar instrucciones a la oficina del Defensor para los Co...

GALLAGHER CALLS FOR REJECTION OF UNSUPPORTED RATE INCREASE

Tue, 21 Jun 2005 13:35:46 GMT

...y to reject a 36.7 percent rate increase request by Cincinnati Indemnity Company/Insurance Company.

“After directing our Consumer Advocate's office to review the request for an increase, our team revealed deficienc...

GALLAGHER CALLS ON FLORIDA’S FIREFIGHTERS TO ‘STAND DOWN’ FOR SAFETY

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 16:53:01 GMT

...rshal Tom Gallagher is calling for Florida’s firefighters to join fellow responders across the nation in a “stand down” on Tuesday and suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on safety.

“Firefighters and their f...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS SIGNING OF VIATICAL LEGISLATION

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 17:29:41 GMT

...ancial Officer Tom Gallagher today joined Gov. Jeb Bush who signed into law a measure that will better protect consumers from fraudulent viatical companies. The new law will define viatical settlements as “securities” and place regulatory autho...

GALLAGHER OFFERS HELP TO RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY ARLENE

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 15:42:37 GMT

...cial Officer Tom Gallagher wants residents impacted by the storm to know that consumer specialists will be on-hand in Pensacola from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (CST) to offer assistance with insurance concerns or help filing insurance claims.

HMOS, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BE FLEXIBLE ON PRESCRIPTION REFILLS

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:44:51 GMT

...rida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher this afternoon worked with Commissioner Kevin McCarty, Office of Insurance Regulation, to issue an order to the state’s health insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) to temporarily...

OPERATORS OF UNLICENSED ENTITY TRG MARKETING, LLC, PLEAD GUILTY, ACCEPT PRISON SENTENCES

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 20:56:24 GMT

...d one of the most extensive and costliest insurance fraud schemes in Florida have agreed to accept prison terms and make restitution for their roles in the operation of an unlicensed health insurance plan that left more than 7,200 Floridians with mil...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE ARREST SWEEP BY INSURANCE FRAUD INVESTIGATORS

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 16:41:31 GMT

...HASSEE – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced 28 arrests in a three-day statewide sweep of suspects arrested for violations of workers’ compensation laws. The sweep is the latest move in a campaign to root out those w...

TROPICAL STORM ARLENE THREATENS GULF COAST

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 14:34:54 GMT

...a possible strike by Tropical Storm Arlene, with landfall possible within 36 hours. Gallagher said he is already mobilizing consumer specialists with the Department of Financial Services to assist any residents impacted by the storm.

GALLAGHER CHARGES METH LABS AS A ‘TERRORIST THREAT TO FLORIDA’

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 17:49:36 GMT

...’s first responders and citizens, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher today announced initiatives to protect Florida’s law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency response personnel from the dangers they fa...

STATEMENT BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS TO SEX-OFFENDER DATABASE

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 17:53:17 GMT

...ancial Officer Tom Gallagher requested that additional key information be made available to the public to protect families from the threat of convicted sex offenders and sexual predators.

“Just like any parent in this sta...

FREE ANNUAL CREDIT REPORTS AND CREDIT REPAIR

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 16:06:19 GMT

...ch credit you get to whether you are offered a job. That’s why Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is urging Floridians to take advantage of a new law starting June 1 that lets consumers get free annual credit reports.

“Flo...

GALLAGHER COMMENDS GOVERNOR, LAWMAKERS FOR ENACTING HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PROTECTIONS

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 13:34:34 GMT

...pplauded Gov. Bush and state lawmakers for enacting a new homeowner’s insurance law which provides significant new consumer protections for Floridians.

“The unprecedented string of four catastrophic hurricane...

STATEMENT BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING COASTAL PETROLEUM SETTLEMENT

Tue, 31 May 2005 19:25:22 GMT

...ng off Florida’s coasts. Tomorrow, those of us in the Florida Cabinet will have our chance to eliminate the threat of close-in drilling near our beaches. We have the opportunity to protect the Florida coastline from oil drilling and preserve our natu...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES WORKSHOPS TO EDUCATE BUSINESSES, OFFICES ABOUT STATE’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY LAWS

Tue, 31 May 2005 15:37:38 GMT

...returned a record $99 million in unclaimed cash and property to 176,000 owners or heirs. But Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher wants to do more to make sure unclaimed property is returned to the rightful owners or heirs.

GALLAGHER UNVEILS PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE COMPARISON WEBPAGE FOR SENIORS

Fri, 27 May 2005 18:39:03 GMT

...oday unveiled a new web-enabled database that will help Florida’s seniors comparison shop for their prescription drugs.

Located on the Florida Department of Financial Services Senior Resource Center website, the low-pric...

GALLAGHER: CONSIDER OPTIONS FOR INSURING VACATION

Fri, 27 May 2005 12:14:42 GMT

...on – some to exotic locations far from home – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is advising consumers to consider options for ensuring their trips don’t get rained out.

Floridians can purchase insurance policies to protect...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER:TODAY’S COURT RULING THAT CITIZENS POLICYHOLDERS BE MADE WHOLE

Thu, 26 May 2005 22:54:18 GMT

...orporation to drop individual lawsuits they had with their policyholders and to seek an expedited resolution of claims involving Florida’s valued policy law.

“Thousands of storm victims, especially in the Panhandle, have suffered for far...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO HELP MILITARY FAMILIES WITH INSURANCE DECISIONS

Wed, 25 May 2005 18:43:12 GMT

...>

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced a new program to help military families make more informed insurance decisions. The program is the result of collaboration with the National Associ...

TWO CHARGED WITH STAGING ACCIDENT, FILING FALSE CLAIM

Wed, 25 May 2005 18:15:58 GMT

...accident in January and then filed fraudulent insurance claims for injuries that did not occur.

Jesse Demetro, 20, of Hallandale, and Anthony Nicholas, 20, of Ft. Lauderdale, are each facing charges of organized scheme t...

FIRST COAST GETS NEW TOOL TO HELP COMBAT ARSON

Mon, 23 May 2005 20:58:58 GMT

...erally. Molly, the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office newest investigator officially began her service on Monday.

Trained in Alfred, Maine, by the Maine State Police and teamed with her human partner, Detective Robert R...

GALLAGHER DESEA QUE TODOS LOS FLORIDANOS TENGAN MEJOR PROTECCIÓN DURANTE LA TEMPORADA DE HURACANES

Mon, 23 May 2005 20:14:04 GMT

...e ya los expertos están diciendo que hay posibilidades de 13 nombradas tormentas en el Atlántico dió lugar para que el Jefe Financiero del Estado de la Florida, Tom Gallagher empiece sus avisos dando alertas a los consumidores: “Prepárese ahora...

MAN CHARGED WITH INSURANCE APPLICATION FRAUD AND THEFT

Mon, 23 May 2005 19:02:48 GMT

...claim one week after getting the policy is facing felony charges of application fraud, first-degree grand theft and first-degree insurance fraud.

Bruce Sutherland, 43, was arrested Friday on the charges following an inves...

GALLAGHER WANTS FLORIDIANS TO BE BETTER PROTECTED THIS HURRICANE SEASON

Mon, 23 May 2005 17:57:47 GMT

...of more than 13 named Atlantic storms this season, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is issuing a warning to consumers: Prepare now. The official start of hurricane season is June 1 and it ends November 30.

&n...

K-9 ‘MISTY’ TO HELP COMBAT ARSON IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Mon, 23 May 2005 16:09:32 GMT

...ire Marshal’s Office to help combat arson-related crimes throughout Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Brevard and Lake counties. Misty is one of six certified arson dogs in the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigati...

MIAMI MAN ARRESTED FOR SELLING BOGUS DISCOUNT PLAN

Thu, 12 May 2005 16:02:37 GMT

...>MIAMI – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced the arrest of an individual involved in defrauding hundreds of Floridians in a discount health plan fraud ring. Enrique Angulo, 41, of Miami-Dade County, was arrested by investi...

GALLAGHER ELOGIA LA APROBACIÓN DE LA LEY QUE OFRECE PROTECCIÓN EN LOS SEGUROS PARA LA PROPIEDAD EN LA FLORIDA

Wed, 11 May 2005 14:28:47 GMT

...arios que fue aprobada el Viernes, 6 de mayo, por la tarde contiene numerosas provisiones de gran beneficio para los consumidores en la Florida.

"Después de pasado los devastadores huracanes que azotaron nuest...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF DATABASE SHOWING EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED STOP WORK ORDERS

Tue, 10 May 2005 18:52:30 GMT

...Gallagher today announced the launch of a database that will continually update employers who have been issued stop work orders. The orders are issued by investigators with the Division of Workers’ Compensation when they determine that the emp...

GALLAGHER LAUDS PASSAGE OF HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PROTECTIONS FOR FLORIDIANS

Mon, 09 May 2005 20:52:06 GMT

...gher today said that the homeowners insurance legislation that passed late Friday contains numerous provisions that will benefit Florida’s consumers.

“Following last year’s devastating hurricanes, there was a clear...

GALLAGHER ELOGIA A LOS CONGRESISTAS POR SUS ACCIONES POSITIVAS EN LA INTRODUCCIÓN DE NUEVAS LEYES

Mon, 09 May 2005 19:08:56 GMT

...sp; El Jefe Financiero de la Florida, Tom Gallagher, dio grandes elogios a los legisladores estatales por el paso de nuevas leyes que serán de gran ayuda y protección para Floridanos y sus familias.

" Podemos hacer c...

LEGISLATURE APPROVES FUNDING FOR MORE INSURANCE FRAUD INVESTIGATORS AND A PROSECUTOR

Mon, 09 May 2005 18:46:53 GMT

...ding to add more law enforcement investigators to look into Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud and workers’ compensation fraud and a dedicated prosecutor to take on the expected increase in arrests.

The request for the funding w...

GALLAGHER COMMENDS STATE LAWMAKERS FOR POSITIVE ACTION ON A VARIETY OF BILLS

Sat, 07 May 2005 04:17:24 GMT

...Gallagher today praised state lawmakers for passing a variety of bills that will greatly help or protect Floridians and their families.

“We can grow our economy and do good things for our families and our business...

GALLAGHER APLAUDE EL TRABAJO DE LOS LEGISLADORES POR ESTABLECIMIENTO DE LAS CUENTAS DE AHORRO PARA HURACANES

Thu, 05 May 2005 21:19:18 GMT

...ebo de las medidas que establecerán cuentas de ahorro para huracanes. Este apruebo ofrecerá grandes beneficios para los Floridianos y dará protección a las cuentas de los acreedores. Ahora el Congreso tendrá que crear las cuentas ba...

SARASOTA ATTORNEY CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUD

Thu, 05 May 2005 19:40:45 GMT

...ontinued to work while collecting more than $130,000 in disability benefits.

Peter W. Martin, 58, surrendered on the charge Wednesday afternoon at the Sarasota County Jail and was released on a $2,500 bond. The char...

CFO GALLAGHER COMMENDS LEGISLATURE FOR PASSING NURSING HOME SPRINKLER BILL

Thu, 05 May 2005 15:58:14 GMT

...ng legislation to protect some of Florida’s most vulnerable citizens – the elderly. Sponsored by Sen. Daniel Webster and Rep. John Stargel, the legislation requires all of the state’s nursing homes to have automated fire sprinkler systems by De...

GALLAGHER APPLAUDS LAWMAKERS FOR LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR HURRICANE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Wed, 04 May 2005 22:21:37 GMT

...or approving a measure that lays the groundwork for Floridians to set up hurricane savings accounts and protect these accounts from creditors. Congress would now need to create the accounts under federal law and grant a tax-exempt designation.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE INVESTIGATION FINDS PRESENCE OF GASOLINE MAIN FACTOR IN MARGATE FIRE

Wed, 04 May 2005 13:54:02 GMT

...Marshal Tom Gallagher today issued a report that gasoline played a major role in a fire that destroyed part of a Margate apartment complex in March. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate because a man died in the fire. ...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GALLAGHER ON HURRICANE CLAIMS REPORTING DEADLINE

Tue, 03 May 2005 15:50:48 GMT

...rm claims. To spur action on settling these claims I brought a rule before the Governor and Cabinet requiring insurance companies to settle all outstanding claims by April 18th with a reporting deadline of April 28th.

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GALLAGHER REGARDING JESSICA LUNSFORD ACT

Mon, 02 May 2005 20:42:31 GMT

...ildren, and I am pleased that Governor Bush signed the Jessica Lunsford Act into law earlier today. Senator Nancy Argenziano and Representatives Charlie Dean and Everett Rice deserve the gratitude of all parents for their sponsorship of this importan...

GALLAGHER URGES FLORIDIANS TO HELP PREVENT DANGEROUS JUVENILE FIRE PLAY AND ARSON

Mon, 02 May 2005 15:06:28 GMT

...join the State Fire Marshal’s Office and local fire and law enforcement agencies in preventing youth from getting involved in fire play or arson. Children are again the focus of Arson Awareness Week, which runs this week through May 7.

FLORIDA CFO GALLAGHER, STATE AND NATIONAL LEADERS URGE LEGISLATURE TO PASS LANDMARK LEGAL REFORM BILLS

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 19:11:05 GMT

...a mecca for lawsuit abuse, which costs every state resident more and more money and increasingly threatens the state’s prosperity, according to prominent Florida officials and state and national business leaders urging passage of historic legal refor...

FLORIDIANS WHO PARTICIPATE IN A STAGED CRASH STAND TO LOSE LICENSE UNDER FAST-TRACK PROCESS

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 16:47:37 GMT

...sh, regardless of whether they file a fraudulent insurance claim, not only face a minimum of two years in prison but now also stand to lose their driving privilege if convicted.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer To...

CFO GALLAGHER SAYS LAKELAND NURSING HOME FIRE POINTS TO NEED FOR LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE SPRINKLERS

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 20:10:58 GMT

...at a Lakeland nursing home should compel the Legislature to pass legislation, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Webster and Rep. John Stargel, to require all of the state’s nursing homes to have automated fire sprinkler systems by 2009.

A...

STATEMENT BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING PASSOVER

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 20:44:20 GMT

...’s exodus from Egypt, and their liberation from slavery. While Passover is a celebration unique to the Jewish people, it reinforces many of the same values that all Floridians embrace.

“Passover is a time for faith, family and fellowshi...

CHILD DIES AFTER ACCIDENTAL KITCHEN FIRE

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 19:54:09 GMT

...ter a grease fire in the kitchen spread throughout the home.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and determined the fire started on the stovetop. The fire will be ruled accidental.

STATE WRAPS UP WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMPLIANCE SWEEP

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 20:02:30 GMT

...e completion of a sweep of construction sites across areas of Florida to verify that employers are complying with state workers’ compensation insurance laws. As part of the statewide effort, teams of investigators with the Department of Financi...

LOUISIANA CONTRACTOR CHARGED WITH FAILING TO HAVE WORKERS’ COMP FOR OUT-OF-STATE WORKERS

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 17:21:24 GMT

...orkers he brought into the state to rebuild hurricane-damaged roofs in Central Florida.

Todd Woods, 37, owner of A-1 Construction and Roofing, was arrested Monday by investigators with the Department of Financial Service...

CFO GALLAGHER APPLAUDS SEN. WEBSTER, REP. STARGEL FOR PROMOTING NURSING HOME SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 20:18:12 GMT

...sponsored by Sen. Daniel Webster and Rep. John Stargel, that would require all of the state’s nursing homes to have automated fire sprinkler systems by 2009.

A loan guarantee program would be made available to help the estimated...

* GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES STATE AUTHORIZATION OF DISCOUNT MEDICAL PLANS NOW REQUIRED*

Tue, 12 Apr 2005 14:45:04 GMT

...HASSEE – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today urged Floridians interested in signing up for a medical discount card plan to verify it is licensed to do business in
the state. Legislation passed last year requires companies...

GALLAGHER NAMES NEW GENERAL COUNSEL

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 14:35:54 GMT

...el to Governor Jeb Bush, has been tapped to serve as general counsel of the Department of Financial Services.

Muñiz, who has several years of corporate law and civil and administrative litigation experience, replace...

UNLICENSED POMPANO BEACH PSYCHOTHERAPIST ARRESTED AGAIN

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 17:15:33 GMT

...me for practicing psychotherapy without a license and fraudulently billing insurance companies. Lubomir Lacho, 53, of 2832 N.E. 32nd St., was arrested this morning at New Hope Counseling Center, located at 3500 N.E. Fifth Ave. It appeared...

FIREFIGHTERS LICENSE PLATE HOTTEST SELLER IN 2004

Wed, 06 Apr 2005 14:22:27 GMT

...ottest selling new plate in 2004. In a celebration in the Capitol Courtyard, it was announced that its 10,000th license plate was sold and its $200,000 in proceeds will benefit charities throughout the state. The tag, depicting a firefighter wi...

GALLAGHER TO HOLD HURRICANE RECOVERY TOWN HALL MEETING IN JUPITER

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 15:54:36 GMT

...:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jupiter Community Center, to hear from storm victims whose insurance claims are still unresolved.

This town hall meeting is the sixth held around the state. Consumer specialists will be...

GALLAGHER TO HOST ORLANDO SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 15:53:06 GMT

...l business leaders Wednesday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m. at the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce to discuss the cost and availability of health care, the need for lawsuit reform and the current status of the state’s hurricane recovery.

GOVERNOR BUSH, GALLAGHER AND CABINET HONOR FLORIDA’S OUTSTANDING FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PERSONNEL

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 15:46:44 GMT

...honored fire and rescue service personnel from around Florida for outstanding contributions to their industry and their communities.

Ten fire and rescue workers from throughout Florida were recognized for their work in 20...

GALLAGHER, REP. CANNON PUSH FOR TOUGHER LAWS AGAINST INSURANCE FRAUD

Mon, 04 Apr 2005 18:07:43 GMT

...presentative Dean Cannon joined today to urge support for legislation that would increase penalties for filing fraudulent auto crash reports that can be used to bilk insurance companies, strengthen consumers’ rights to sue operators of unauthorized i...

FLORIDA’S FIRE AND RESCUE WORKERS TO BE HONORED DURING ROUND OF CAPITOL EVENTS ON TUESDAY

Mon, 04 Apr 2005 17:47:52 GMT

...esentation at the 9 a.m. Cabinet meeting to this year’s Fire Service Award recipients.

Then at 2:30 p.m. in the Capitol Courtyard, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher will present...

GALLAGHER SEEKS TO CLARIFY CONFUSION WITH STORM CLAIMS, OUTLINES OPTIONS TO HELP CONSUMERS

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 16:49:19 GMT

...Officer Tom Gallagher today raised concerns with confusing policy language and recommended solutions for helping consumers navigate through their homeowners insurance policies and storm claims. Gallagher also said he is turning over consu...

OCHO PERSONAS SE ENFRENTAN A ACUSAMIENTOS POR HABER OBTENIDO ILEGALMENTE REPORTES DE ACCIDENTES EN TRES CONDADOS

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:10:44 GMT

...dos de obtener ilegalmente reportes de accidentes directamente del Departamento de la Policía en los condados de Palm Beach, Broward y Dade. Esta informacíon fúe usada para dirigir a las víctimas embolucradas en accidentes a ciertas clíni...

EIGHT ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF ILLEGALLY OBTAINING CRASH REPORTS THROUGHOUT THREE COUNTIES

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 17:46:33 GMT

...ida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced that investigators with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement have arrested eight individuals on charges of illegally o...

STATEMENT FROM CFO TOM GALLAGHER ON PROGRESS OF HURRICANE INSURANCE CLAIM PAYMENTS IN PENSACOLA AREA

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 18:43:59 GMT

...ents who were frustrated with their insurance company and did not know what to do or where to turn.

“Residents like Marlene Bigalow, who told me she was eating grits three times a day and was desperate to get her insuran...

GALLAGHER REMINDS FLORIDIANS THAT BLUE TARP REPLACEMENT IS A COVERED REPAIR UNDER HOMEOWNERS POLICIES

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 16:29:19 GMT

...idians who are still waiting to have their roofs replaced and repaired that costs for replacing temporary blue tarps are reimbursable by their insurance company. Because of the widespread damage caused by the four hurricanes that crossed the st...

EL GOBERNADOR Y EL GABINETE APRUEBAN REGLA PARA APRESURAR EL PAGO DE LOS RECLAMOS POR DAÑOS CAUSADOS POR LOS HURACANES

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 18:15:43 GMT

...egurados

Tallahassee-Respondiendo a un llamado del Jefe de Finanzas de la Florida, Tom Gallagher, el Gobernador y el Gabinete aprobaron un reglamento de emergencia para resolver y dar fin a mas demoras por partes de...

GOVERNOR AND CABINET APPROVE RULE TO EXPEDITE PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING HURRICANE CLAIMS

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 17:39:49 GMT

...ponse to a call by the Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, the governor and Cabinet approved an emergency rule today to expedite the resolution of open claims from last year’s tropical storm and four hurricanes.

LOS FLORIDIANOS PUEDEN OBTENER DESCUENTOS DE TARIFAS DE VENTAS CUANDO PRESENTAN SUS PAPELES PARA LOS IMPUESTOS EN EL 2004

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 17:38:31 GMT

...nadas en el año 1986 es, sin ninguna vacilación una buena noticia para los residentes de la Florida. Mientras usted revisa sus papeles y hace sus preparaciones para hacer sus impuestos en el 2004, debe de tomar en consideración la existencia de...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL MEETING IN HURRICANE-IMPACTED FORT PIERCE

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 18:50:34 GMT

...cial Officer Tom Gallagher announced that on Saturday, April 2, he will hold a town hall meeting in Fort Pierce to assist Floridians still recovering from last year’s hurricanes.

“Hurricane victims who are still st...

THREE CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUD IN STAGED ACCIDENT

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 21:44:05 GMT

...te investigators determined they fraudulently collected $39,000 from their insurance coverage stemming from a staged automobile accident.

Azem Jakupaj, 41, his wife, Fikreta, 36, of 350 79 St. N., # 222, and Edin Muratov...

SANTA ROSA COUNTY MAN CHARGED IN MULTIPLE ARSONS

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:27:27 GMT

...Since June of 2004, a series of arsons have occurred to several vehicles and mobile homes.

William Norton Jr, 46, of 1522 Magnolia Manor Drive, Lot B, a resident of the mobile home park, was booked into Escambia County...

CFO GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF 13 INDIVIDUALS IN PATIENT BROKERING, PIP FRAUD SCHEME

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 17:58:18 GMT

...ilities on felony charges culminating from a two-year investigation into patient brokering. The patients were sold to various medical clinics for up to $1,000 each for the purpose of billing insurance companies for tens of thousands of dollars....

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER ON RESULTS OF MEETINGS WITH PROBLEM INSURERS

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:53:25 GMT

...rom many storm victims frustrated with their insurance companies, I called for meetings with the executive officers of Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company; Vanguard Fire and Casualty Insurance Company; Capital Preferred Insurance...

COCOA BEACH MAN ARRESTED FOR FALSE HURRICANE CLAIM

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 19:09:01 GMT

...tion work to his home was the result of hurricane damage.

Robert Milliken, 60, of 744 S. Orlando Ave. # 709, was arrested Tuesday by investigators with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud.&nb...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING TOWN HALL MEETING WITH HURRICANE VICTIMS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 17:59:01 GMT

...hall meeting in Pensacola. Time and time again, people recounted that their insurance companies are unresponsive, stalling payment or lowballing their claims. It’s been nearly six months since Hurricane Ivan hit this community. These peop...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING TILLIE FOWLER’S PASSING

Wed, 02 Mar 2005 20:36:27 GMT

...ited, and will continue to benefit, from her many contributions. Whether in her civic involvement or charitable endeavors, Tillie always stood up and fought for what she believed in. She was a true pioneer, a leader, and role model for all wome...

* BEWARE OF PROMISES OF FAST CASH THIS TAX SEASON *

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 16:41:03 GMT

...Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is warning consumers to be wary of refund anticipation loans - loans that offer cash up front by borrowing against your anticipated tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES DATES AND LOCATIONS FOR TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN HURRICANE-IMPACTED AREAS

Mon, 28 Feb 2005 23:02:21 GMT

...cial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced dates and locations for town hall meetings to assist Floridians still recovering from last year’s hurricanes. The first meeting will be held this Wednesday in Pensacola at the Pensacola Civic Center, 2...

GALLAGHER TO PALM BAY TORNADO VICTIMS: STATE’S STORM HOTLINE READY TO ASSIST

Mon, 28 Feb 2005 18:01:39 GMT

...residents in Palm Bay whose homes were damaged by Sunday’s tornado to call the Department of Financial Services’ storm hotline at 1-800-22-STORM if they need help checking the licensure of an adjuster or filing an insurance claim.

GALLAGHER TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA HURRICANE VICTIMS

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 21:26:56 GMT

...from 5-8 p.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center for northwest Florida residents who may have continuing concerns with their insurance companies regarding hurricane damage claims and recovery.

This town hall meeting is the fi...

JACKSONVILLE MAN INDICTED IN EMPLOYEE LEASING SCAM

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 22:15:17 GMT

...z announced today a 23-count indictment against the former owner and operator of a now-defunct professional employee organization that left thousands of workers in several states without workers compensation coverage despite collecting millions in pr...

GALLAGHER UNVEILS A NEW PHASE IN ONGOING ANTI-PIP FRAUD PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

Fri, 18 Feb 2005 16:22:53 GMT

...ficer Tom Gallagher today unveiled plans for the newest phase of an ongoing public education campaign aimed at ensuring those who might participate in staged accidents and auto insurance fraud know that the consequences include time in prison and dri...

GALLAGHER REVELA UNA NUEVA ETAPA EN LA CAMPAÑA EDUCACIONAL PARA DETECTAR FRAUDE RELACIONADO CONTRA PROTECCIÓN DE DAÑOS PERSONALES (PIP)

Fri, 18 Feb 2005 16:20:30 GMT

...lagher, el Jefe Oficial de Finanzas de la Florida reveló hoy los planes para la próxima etapa de una campaña pública educacional dirigida a informar a aquellos que participan en accidentes simulados de autos, realizados por estafadores, que éstos ser...

GALLAGHER URGES THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR MULTIPLE HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLE RELIEF TO ACT NOW

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 18:50:22 GMT

...iple hurricane deductibles during last year’s hurricane season that the deadline to apply for relief is less than two weeks away. Under the law the state legislature passed in December establishing the program, no applications can be accepted a...

GALLAGHER TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN AREAS STILL SERIOUSLY IMPACTED BY HURRICANES

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:58:16 GMT

...iv>TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom

Gallagher today announced he will be hosting town hall meetings in hurricane-ravaged areas, with the first meeting tentatively scheduled in Pensacola on Wednesday, March 2, 2005. ...

GALLAGHER, LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR LEGISLATION TO BETTER INFORM AND PROTECT HOMEOWNERS

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 15:17:39 GMT

...legislation to require insurance companies to clearly outline what is covered in homeowners insurance policies. The measure would also call for insurers to spell out hurricane deductibles available to homeowners and the financial consequ...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING: HURRICANE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 15:52:50 GMT

...sp;
WASHINGTON, D.C. - “Today, I met with several members of Florida’s c...

GALLAGHER ISSUES REPORT CALLING FOR INCREASED FIREFIGHTER SAFETY IN TRAINING EXERCISES

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 16:11:10 GMT

...State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher issued a report today that outlines specific requirements and standards that should be in place to protect firefighters during live-fire training exercises.

The report’s findings come as Florida’s leg...

DECLARACIONES DEL JEFE DE FINANZAS DE LA FLORIDA, TOM GALLAGHER, SOBRE LAS POSIBILIDADES DE AUMENTO EN LA PRIMAS

Fri, 04 Feb 2005 19:20:56 GMT

.../div>

“Me han dado a conocer que en el verano pasado hubo un apruebo, por parte de la Oficinas de Regulaciones de Seguros, de un aumento en las primas de los contratos para los proprietarios de casas asegurados bajo la compañia de seguros,...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING RECENT RATE REQUESTS

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 18:49:45 GMT

...div>

“After hearing that the Office of Insurance Regulation approved double-digit rate increases on homeowners just last summer, Nationwide has submitted a second round of rate requests – an average 28.3 percent for homeowners and in...

MAN GETS 3-YEAR SENTENCE FOR SELLING FAKE INSURANCE CARDS

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 20:07:37 GMT

...man who sold fake motor vehicle insurance cards to nearly 200 South Florida drivers has been sentenced to three years in prison, and more than a dozen of his customers are now facing charges that they knowingly presented the false insurance cards.

GALLAGHER INFORMA AL CONSEJO DE MINISTROS SOBRE EL ESTADO DE LAS GESTIONES DEL HURACÁN

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 18:35:04 GMT

...s Deducibles iniciado por el Departmento de Servicios de Finanzas y las preparaciones se estan haciendo par el envio de 400 cheques que suman un total de $600,000 le informó el Jefe de Finanzas, Tom Gallagher, al Gobernador de la Florida, Jeb Bush y...

GALLAGHER OFFERS HURRICANE STATUS REPORT

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 16:13:26 GMT

...its Multiple Deductible Reimbursement Program, more than 400 checks totaling $600,000 are being mailed this week, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher told Governor Jeb Bush and members of Florida’s Cabinet today.

GALLAGHER, ICHEIC JOIN UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI TO LAUNCH NATIONAL PILOT PROJECT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:13:19 GMT

...national pilot project linking students with Holocaust survivors to facilitate a deeper understanding and learning of the historical significance of the Holocaust.

“I understand from the students involved in this...

CREDITOS EN SUS IMPUESTOS

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 15:20:59 GMT

...ianos a reclamar millones de dólares

TALLAHASSEE – “Ha sido estimado que más de 350,000 Floridianos tendran la oportunidad de reclamar la devolución de dinero en efectivo valorada en miles de dólares. Sin costo par...

GALLAGHER URGES ELIGIBLE HURRICANE VICTIMS TO SUBMIT MULTIPLE DEDUCTIBLE INFORMATION

Thu, 27 Jan 2005 17:40:37 GMT

...fficer Tom Gallagher today called on all Floridians who may be eligible to receive compensation for multiple hurricane deductibles to act now so their applications for relief are received before the March 1st deadline. The Multiple Deductible R...

MANY FLORIDIANS ARE MISSING OUT ON TAX WINDFALL

Thu, 27 Jan 2005 17:32:58 GMT

...ow there are free resources available to help them do it, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced today.

“We know that thousands of Floridians qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and don’t c...

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES THANKS CFO TOM GALLAGHER FOR LEADING INSURANCE FRAUD FIGHT

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 21:38:33 GMT

... &nbs...

AUTO SHOP OWNERS CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUD

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 20:09:04 GMT

...nvestigation that showed they underreported payroll to avoid paying thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation premiums.

Edward and Mary Thibeault, owners of Ed's Auto Repair, located at 2936 North SR 7, were boo...

FLORIDA MAN WANTED IN FAMILY SLIP-AND-FALL SCHEME IS AWAITING EXTRADITION IN CALIFORNIA

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 16:47:41 GMT

...family’s nationwide “slip-and-fall” fraud scheme is in custody in California awaiting extradition.

Christopher Michael Evans, whose last-known Florida address was 5612 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, was arrested January...

PAST HURRICANE SEASON A STRONG INCENTIVE TO GET AN INSURANCE CHECKUP

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 16:46:22 GMT

...rida homes was damaged by one of last year’s back-to-back hurricanes, and the Department of Financial Services fielded more than 150,000 calls from storm victims looking for help in understanding their insurance coverage.

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER IN SUPPORT OF SCHOOL VOUCHER LAW DEFENSE REACHING STATE SUPREME COURT

Wed, 19 Jan 2005 21:52:50 GMT

...Florida’s children. As Florida’s Education Commissioner, I helped implement the law when it was passed. I have personally witnessed parents who were excited to have a choice, and a chance, to improve their children’s education. I su...

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN BROWNSVILLE SCHOOL FIRE

Fri, 14 Jan 2005 17:16:40 GMT

...

PENSACOLA-Two arrests have been made in reference to the early morning fire that gutted a section of Brownsville Middle School on Monday.

&nb...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING MOODY’S INVESTOR SERVICE BOOSTING FLORIDA’S BOND RATING

Thu, 13 Jan 2005 15:42:48 GMT

...Bush and the Legislature to create an economy in Florida that is amongst the best in the nation. But more importantly it is great news for Floridians who work so hard to make this state strong and vibrant.

Th...

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE HOSTS THE GREAT FLORIDA FIRE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Thu, 13 Jan 2005 16:21:39 GMT

...central Florida community, don’t panic. Chances are good they started it. And don’t bother calling the police, they may be in on it.

Firefighters from throughout Florida will be gathering today through Sunday...

TSUNAMI DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD ALERT

Tue, 11 Jan 2005 20:19:51 GMT

...a variety of scams currently being facilitated online involving the solicitation of additional relief funds for the victims of the recent Tsunami disaster. The FBI, through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), has received reports of websites...

FLORIDA INSURANCE AGENT ACCUSED OF STEALING PREMIUMS, PUTTING UNINSURED TRUCK DRIVERS ON ROAD

Tue, 11 Jan 2005 19:59:39 GMT

...verage for at least 11 Florida trucking companies was arrested Monday in Georgia on an outstanding warrant.

Kim Laustra, 43, was an agent at the Medley, Florida, agency Transportation Insurance Consultants, Inc., 9...

GALLAGHER LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS HIT BY MULTIPLE HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLES

Thu, 06 Jan 2005 19:36:19 GMT

...ir homes were damaged by more than one hurricane in 2004 was launched today by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher. The Multiple Deductible Reimbursement Program was created in response to financial hardships suffered by Floridians...

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA'S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TOM GALLAGHER REGARDING CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 17:16:00 GMT

...k force he created to improve the performance of the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Gallagher released the following statement after the meeting:

“I appointed this task force to accomplish two goals. ...

GALLAGHER: START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT AND SAVE MORE

Mon, 03 Jan 2005 14:25:28 GMT

...sp; &...

GALLAGHER TO MORTGAGE HOLDERS: KNOW YOUR BANK’S PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING INSURANCE CLAIM CHECKS

Mon, 03 Jan 2005 14:27:23 GMT

...who recently received claims settlement checks or who are expecting payments from insurance companies, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is advising storm victims with mortgages to be aware of bank procedures for receiving insurance fun...

SE PRORROGA LA MORATORIA EN LA CANCELACION DE SEGUROS HASTA EL 31 DE MARZO PARA HOGARES TODAVIA NO REPARADOS

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 13:24:59 GMT

...da aprobaron la prorroga de una regla de emergencia que prohibe la cancelación o no renovación de pólizas de seguros de víctimas de tormentas todavía esperandos reparaciones a sus casas.

El Jefe de Finanzas Tom Gallagher,...

MORATORIUM ON INSURANCE CANCELLATIONS AGAIN EXTENDED TO MARCH 31 FOR HOMES NOT YET REPAIRED

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 15:21:48 GMT

...ove an emergency rule banning insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing insurance policies of storm victims whose homes have yet to be repaired.

Chief...

GALLAGHER ASSURES STORM VICTIMS THAT A PROCESS TO APPLY FOR DEDUCTIBLE RELIEF WILL SOON BE IN PLACE

Fri, 17 Dec 2004 19:44:49 GMT

...financial assistance for Floridians faced with multiple hurricane deductibles. Those eligible will be reimbursed up to $30,000 to cover multiple deductibles applied to homeowners insurance policies. Storm victims will be responsible for...

GALLAGHER TO FLORIDIANS: LOOK FOR LOST PROPERTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Thu, 09 Dec 2004 17:02:12 GMT

...

TALLAHASSEE – Would discovering lost cash or property be a welcome surprise this holiday season? Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is inviting Floridians to find out if the state is holding cash or valuables that c...

TASK FORCE CREATED TO IMPROVE CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:33:54 GMT

...ask force of stakeholders with the goal of making recommendations to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation for improving customer service and returning policies to the private insurance market.

“Thousands of cons...

AGENT SURRENDERS INSURANCE LICENSES FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS OF CUSTOMER ABUSE

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 20:15:21 GMT

...ERE—A Windermere man has lost his licenses to sell insurance following an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services that alleged he took advantage of his clients for his own financial gain.

GALLAGHER TO CONSUMERS: BEWARE OF FINANCIAL SCAMS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 18:59:18 GMT

...nbsp; ...

CLINIC OWNER, ‘PATIENTS’ FACE INSURANCE FRAUD CHARGES

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 21:42:26 GMT

...d filing false insurance claims were arrested today by insurance fraud investigators with the Department of Financial Services on insurance fraud charges.

These individuals were charged under a new law that took effect Oc...

EMPLOYER OF WORKERS KILLED AT JULY CONSTRUCTION-SITE ACCIDENT CHARGED WITH FRAUD

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 20:37:33 GMT

...n arrested and charged with workers’ compensation fraud, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced today.

According to investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud,...

MORATORIUM ON INSURANCE CANCELLATIONS EXTENDED TO DEC. 31ST FOR HOMES NOT YET REPAIRED

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 16:37:29 GMT

...anies from canceling or nonrenewing insurance policies for hurricane victims whose homes have yet to be repaired. State Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher recommended the rule to protect thousands of Floridians still waiting for storm repair...

GALLAGHER WARNS ADJUSTERS AGAINST DISCOURAGING CONSUMERS FROM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH DFS

Thu, 18 Nov 2004 17:31:02 GMT

...aging consumers from contacting the Department of Financial Services for help with a complaint or with filing a hurricane claim, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today issued an industry warning that such actions could result in licens...

PASCO COUNTY MAN ACCUSED OF FILING FALSE INSURANCE CLAIMS

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 19:18:07 GMT

...port after he told investigators that he was mistaken when he reported a car and household belongings stolen when they had been shipped to Hawaii, and that another car had not been stolen but repossessed.

Arthur Koenig, o...

ELEVEN INSURANCE COMPANIES SUBPOENAED

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 21:51:14 GMT

...investigators. The subpoenas require insurance companies to submit records and documents related to their contractual relationships and commission arrangements.

“We need to determine if insurance companies and brok...

GALLAGHER VISITS MEDIATION CENTERS, GIVES STATUS REPORT ON HURRICANE RESPONSE

Fri, 12 Nov 2004 19:32:19 GMT

...unta Gorda and Orlando, which are now open and set up to help hurricane victims resolve claim disputes with insurance companies. More than 600 consumers have requested mediation to resolve a dispute. The first round of meetings have been...

JUDGE RULES AGAINST MUTUAL BENEFITS IN FAVOR OF SEC

Wed, 10 Nov 2004 22:59:32 GMT

...;

TALLAHASSEE—A federal magistrate judge late today upheld findings by th...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE ESSAY CONTEST PROMOTING FINANCIAL LITERACY AMONG TEENS

Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:28:58 GMT

...;

TALLAHASSEE—Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today rolle...

GALLAGHER RECOMMENDS EXTENDING MORATORIUM ON CANCELLATIONS TO HOMEOWNERS STILL WAITING FOR REPAIRS

Tue, 09 Nov 2004 16:43:00 GMT

...nded extending the current moratorium on insurance non-renewals or cancellations for hurricane victims whose homes have yet to be repaired.

“Homeowners who lose their insurance coverage before repairs are complete...

AGENT ARRESTED FOR STEALING INSURANCE PREMIUMS

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:07:59 GMT

...elony charges stemming from allegations that he stole insurance premiums from homeowners and never secured property insurance coverage. Victims realized something was wrong when their hurricane claims were denied.

I...

UNLICENSED, UNINSURED CONTRACTOR ARRESTED TODAY FOLLOWING SURPRISE INSPECTION IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:06:36 GMT

...gators made a surprise inspection at a St. Lucie County subdivision.

Vicente Parra Martinez, 34, owner and sole officer of P.M.V. Enterprises, Inc. located at 3611 N.E. 16th Avenue in Pompano Beach, is charged with workers’ co...

GALLAGHER LAUNCHES PROBE INTO QUESTIONABLE BROKER ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA

Thu, 04 Nov 2004 16:16:44 GMT

...orce to investigate whether any of the activities outlined in New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer’s civil suit are taking place among insurance brokerages and companies in Florida, including bid-rigging, kickbacks and improper fees. Spitze...

TAKE THESE STEPS TO AVOID ONLINE AUCTION FRAUD

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 20:55:33 GMT

...fun, you better be careful when bidding on an item in a virtual auction. According to the National Consumers League, 87 percent of the Internet frauds involve online auctions.

An important step in protecting yourse...

CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS RECEIVE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:17:38 GMT

...lege scholarships were presented to the children of Florida service men and women who lost their lives while bravely fighting in Iraq. The scholarships were provided through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation Board.

...

STATE-REQUIRED REFUND PLAN NETS $1.7 MILLION

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 14:40:52 GMT

...Central Florida residents have received a total of $1.7 million under a refund plan for consumers who paid for various insurance products without their knowledge, during the purchase of an automobile.

“Floridians shopping for a car dese...

GALLAGHER HONORS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE DIRECTOR FOR SUCCESS IN PASSING FIREFIGHTER SAFETY RULES

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 16:33:48 GMT

...ing the cause of suspicious fires to developing state fire codes to overseeing the firefighting and rescue missions at the state’s Emergency Operations Center. In all that the office does, the primary goal is to protect Floridians, including th...

GOVERNOR, CABINET IMPOSE DEADLINES FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES TO HANDLE CLAIMS

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 14:39:04 GMT

...insurance companies to assess damage and work toward a claims settlement. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who serves as a member of the state cabinet, commended his fellow members for taking steps to protect Florida’s insurance...

NEED HELP RESOLVING A DISPUTE WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY?

Mon, 25 Oct 2004 19:38:50 GMT

...tizens can find the process of rebuilding their lives and property extremely stressful. Realizing this, Florida’s Department of Financial Services is implementing a mediation program to assist residents who are struggling to reach an agreement with t...

NEW FEDERAL LAW AFFECTS CHECK “GRACE PERIODS”

Fri, 22 Oct 2004 13:56:15 GMT

...ederal law that now allows your checks to be “cashed” on the spot.

Effective October 28, many Florida banks will begin an electronic check conversion process known as Check 21. Check 21 is a federal law that allows...

GALLAGHER REQUESTS DEADLINES FOR INSURERS TO HANDLE STORM CLAIMS

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 15:48:38 GMT

...directing insurance companies to speed up their efforts to resolve hurricane claims, and setting specific deadlines for companies and their adjusters to evaluate damage and start the claims process.

Gallagher said...

DFS REMINDS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION REQUIREMENTS

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 18:47:53 GMT

...concerned about Florida requirements for workers’ compensation insurance coverage, the Florida Department of Financial Services is reiterating the responsibilities of contractors under state law.

Under Florida law, const...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES THE FIFTH ARREST OF AN UNLICENSED PUBLIC ADJUSTER WORKING IN HURRICANE-DAMAGE AREA

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 20:27:37 GMT

...nancial Services on a charge of operating as a public adjuster without a license.

Albert E. McBride III, 36, of Prospect Park, Pa., McBride is the fifth unlicensed public adjuster arrested in hurricane-hit areas an...

MIAMI MAN ARRESTED FOR SELLING BOGUS DISCOUNT PLAN

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 20:15:49 GMT

...merly banned from the insurance industry, who allegedly sold a fraudulent medical discount plan to several hundred customers throughout South Florida. Americ Health Plan, which cost almost $200 a month, included a supplemental insurance policy...

GALLAGHER CREATES MEDIATION PROGRAM FOR STORM VICTIMS TO RESOLVE INSURANCE DISPUTES

Mon, 11 Oct 2004 14:53:17 GMT

...office/pdfs/mediation_ER.pdf

Emergency Mediation Order

www.fldfs.com/companies/pdf/eo-78129-04-co.pdf

TALLAHA...

GALLAGHER URGES HOMEOWNERS TO DO HOMEWORK, READ FINE PRINT BEFORE SIGNING HOME REPAIR CONTRACT

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 20:57:47 GMT

...nsumers to be wary of entering into contracts for repairs too quickly before they understand clearly what their obligations are regarding monthly payments and interest rates. Consumers may be offered a contract in which they agree to make month...

GALLAGHER KICKS OFF FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2004 WITH NEW EDUCATION PROGRAMS, EMPHASIS ON SMOKE ALARMS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:10 GMT

...worker was electrocuted when a downed power line set fire to his truck. It was one more reminder of the grim hazards fire poses as Florida observes Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3-9.

“Every year, fires claim the lives of many Floridians and inju...

SENIORS ARE FOCUS OF A NEW FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM CREATED BY STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE, ELDER AFFAIRS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:10 GMT

...s of Florida’s elderly more than any other age group.

To combat that sobering trend, the Department of Financial Services and State Fire Marshal’s Office have teamed up with the Department of Elder Affairs to launch a new education program tar...

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, ELDER AFFAIRS TO ANNOUNCE NEW SENIOR FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:10 GMT

...announce the launch of a new fire safety education program targeting seniors. A press conference to announce the program will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Georgia Belle Apartments, 301 E. Carolina St., in Tallahassee. Information booths will be on dis...

AMERICAN SUPERIOR INSURANCE COMPANY CONSENTS TO REHABILITATION DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED STORM LOSSES

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:10 GMT

...ented today to be put into rehabilitation in response to losses sustained by the recent back-to-back hurricanes. The company’s premium volume in 2003 was $34 million, representing less than 1 percent of the total homeowners insurance market.

T...

GALLAGHER OFFERS INSURANCE ADVICE TO STORM VICTIMS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:09 GMT

...he wake of Hurricane Jeanne, estimated to inflict as much as $8 billion in insured damages, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today offered recommendations to storm victims seeking insurance reimbursements for property damage.

“M...

NUMBER OF FLORIDA WORKPLACE FATALITIES DROPS IN 2003

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:09 GMT

...ing a decrease in the number of Hispanic workers killed.

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), conducted annually by the Department of Financial Services in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics...

GALLAGHER URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO STAY ALERT, PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE STRIKE BY HURRICANE JEANNE

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:09 GMT

...ility of another hurricane strike, this time from Hurricane Jeanne that could make landfall by Sunday morning.

“Some of you have been battered by one storm and in some cases two storms already, and now you are watching as another hurricane thr...

CFO GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES TWO MORE ARRESTS OF UNLICENSED ADJUSTERS IN FT. MYERS AREA

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:09 GMT

...t. Myers area.

James John Tomlinson, 42, and James Stephen Hudgens, 55, both working for Ft. Lauderdale-based Seabreeze Public Adjusters Inc., were arrested today on one charge each of working as a public adjuster without a license. If convict...

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES INSURANCE ‘SUPER-CENTER’

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...unced an insurance “super-center” at the Department of Financial Services’ mobile headquarters in Pensacola. Consumers visiting the location will have access to state consumer specialists and customer service representatives from most major insurance...

GALLAGHER DEPLOYS MOBILE RESPONSE UNIT TO PANHANDLE

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...nt of Financial Services’ Mobile Response Unit to assist storm victims in filing insurance claims and quickly resolving insurance problems.

“Though storm victims are still focusing on the immediate needs of food, water and shelter, we stand re...

GALLAGHER PROVIDES UPDATE ON DFS’ EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...n search and rescue efforts and thanked emergency responders for their crucial, life-saving actions.

“Our initial response to major disaster is critical when lives are at stake,” said Gallagher, who oversees the Department of Financial Service...

GALLAGHER TO SEND CONSUMER SPECIALISTS TO PANHANDLE AND REDEPLOY STAFF TO CHARLEY, FRANCES AFFECTED AREAS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...nes or damage to their homes and property due to Hurricane Ivan. Gallagher will quickly send insurance consumer specialists into affected panhandle communities to assist storm victims in contacting their insurance companies and filing claims. In addi...

GALLAGHER TO LENDING INDUSTRY: REACH OUT WITH DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...tating aftermath of Hurricanes Charley and Frances, including eliminating fees for lending transactions and granting loan payment extensions to affected customers.

“I’m asking financial service companies to reach out to help the thousands of s...

STATEMENT FROM TOM GALLAGHER RE: STORM VICTIMS FACING DOUBLE DEDUCTIBLES FROM HURRICANES CHARLEY AND FRANCES

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:08 GMT

...y troubled that a second deductible will increase the financial burden for many who are trying to rebuild.

Currently, state regulators’ hands are tied because a Florida law passed in 1996 permits insurance companies to charge a two to five per...

GALLAGHER ORDERS INSURANCE COMPANIES TO REPORT PRICE GOUGING BY INDEPENDENT ADJUSTERS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...ial Officer Tom Gallagher is addressing what may become a fourth problem - a shortage of insurance adjusters.

Gallagher asked Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty to issue an emergency order today requiring all property and casualty...

GALLAGHER ACCOMPANIES PRESIDENT, GOVERNOR ON TOUR OF STORM-DAMAGED AREAS AND SENDS MORE HELP TO STORM VICTIMS

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...storm-affected areas along the east coast today. Governor Bush and Gallagher also visited the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center to meet with disaster response officials. Gallagher, who yesterday deployed the Department of Financial Servic...

BUSH, GALLAGHER TO VISIT CHARLOTTE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...ida's Chief Financial Officer, and federal, state and local officials.

The visit will take place at:

11:05 a.m.
Emergency Operations Center
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda
Public Information Office
Florida State Emergency...

BUSH, GALLAGHER TO VISIT PORT OF TAMPA

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...supplies in the state.

The Governor will be joined by Florida's Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, Zelko Kirincich, director, Port of Tampa and Terry Fluke, Citgo terminal manager.

The visit will take place a...

DESPUES DE VISITAR AREAS AFFECTADAS, GALLAGHER RESPONDE CON AYUDA MOVIL

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...ios Movil del Departamento de Servicious Financiero para ayudar a los residents del Estado de la Florida con sus reclamaciones y resolver problemas respecto a seguros.

“Hemos recibido otro cantaso, pero los residents de la Florida son increibl...

FOLLOWING TOURS OF AFFECTED AREAS, GALLAGHER DEPLOYS MOBILE RESPONSE UNIT

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:07 GMT

...nt of Financial Services’ Mobile Response Unit to assist Floridians in filing insurance claims and quickly resolving insurance problems.

“We’ve taken another hit, but Floridians are incredibly resilient,” said Gallagher, who has traveled with...

GOVERNOR BUSH, GALLAGHER TO VISIT MIAMI HURRICANE CENTER

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:06 GMT

...Department of Homeland Security/FEMA Mike Brown, Director of Emergency Management Craig Fugate.

The visit will take place at approximately:
5:30pm
National Hurricane Center
11691 Southwest 17th Street
Miami...

GALLAGHER WILL IMPOSE EMERGENCY RULES FOR ADJUSTERS IN ANTICIPATION OF HURRICANE FRANCES’ AFTERMATH

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:12:06 GMT

...rances from unreasonable public adjuster fees, similar to emergency rules he imposed for victims of Hurricane Charley.

Gallagher will cap public adjuster fees at 10 percent of claim payment, prohibit any up-front payment and give consumers up...