Florida Department of Financial Services - Press Releases

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces State Loss Prevention Award Winners

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:02:13 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the state agency, university and individual winners of the 2011 Loss Prevention Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony held today in Tallahassee for excellence in loss prevention on behalf of the Interagency Advisory Council (IAC) on Loss Prevention, made up of 48 state agencies and universities, and the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Risk Management.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Senior Scammer for $2 Million Investment Fraud

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:11:04 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of former insurance agent Neal Seth Smalbach, 49, of Palm Harbor, for grand theft in misrepresenting details of financial products to multiple senior clients who allegedly suffered losses of more than $2 million in unsuitable financial investments.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miami Boat Captain in Sinking of $1.86 Million Yacht

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:09:37 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest today of a Miami boat captain on a first-degree grand theft charge for allegedly sinking a $1.86 million yacht in 2009 off the Bahamas. Robert Figueredo, 49, was arrested by detectives from the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF).

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of SB1208/HB7111 Consumer Protection against Identity Theft

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:14:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB7111. The bills close a public records loophole that allowed certain groups to obtain social security information from CFO Atwater’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of HB 725 Further Reducing Regulatory Burdens

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:31:54 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB725. The bill consolidates 49 insurance agent and agency license types into seven master categories and provides parity for small businesses that purchase workers’ compensation, thus ensuring that all corporations and partnerships are treated equally while allowing them to submit electronic certificates of insurance.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Recognizes Arson Awareness Week

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:21:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today recognized May 6-12, 2012, as Arson Awareness Week. The theme of the week is Prevent Youth Fire Setting. Between 2005 and 2009, fires started by children accounted for an average of 56,300 fires, the loss of 110 civilian lives, 880 civilian injuries and $286 million in direct property damage per year in the United States.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of HB 119 Auto Insurance Reforms for Florida’s Drivers

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:45:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 119, which aims to reforms to Florida’s broken personal injury protection (PIP) system by targeting staged accident fraud, strengthening billing practices so appropriate services are provided to those who need care, tightening requirements for clinic ownership and providing rate relief for Florida’s consumers.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of America’s Most Wanted Fugitive During Insurance Fraud Investigation

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:23:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of federal fugitive, Charles Leon Parker, 69, of Madison, during an insurance fraud investigation. Parker, a fugitive since 1983, is an alleged sexual predator wanted in Douglas County, Ga. for three counts of child molestation and two counts of incest. A description of the investigation into Parker for sexual molestation was aired on the popular television show “America’s Most Wanted” in March 2006.

CFO Jeff Atwater Commends Fraud Division for Record-Setting First Quarter

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:27:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today commended the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) for a record-setting first quarter in 2012. For three consecutive months, the division has recorded over 100 arrests each month, the first time in the division’s history. Additionally, in March the division recorded the highest number of arrests for one month in almost two decades.

CFO Atwater Announces Agreement with Employee who Illegally Obtained Government Assistance

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:36:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater, along with State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Jerry Hill, today announced a plea agreement entered by Rosalind McCutchen Loften of Fort Meade, Florida. The plea was a result of an investigation by CFO Atwater’s Department of Financial Services Office of Fiscal Integrity (OFI) and 2011 arrest of Ms. Loften.

Florida Announces a $40 Million Multi-Agency Agreement with MetLife Insurance Companies

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:29:23 GMT

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced today that a $40 million settlement has been reached between nine Metropolitan Life (MetLife) insurance companies and the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), overseen by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, the Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG), overseen by Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) along with the lead states in the investigation.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of 14 Individuals in Undercover Sting at Miami Massage Clinic

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:21:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrests of a licensed massage therapist, a physician’s assistant and 14 massage clinic patients for insurance fraud and grand theft as part of an undercover sting.

CFO Atwater Launches New OnDemand Library Offering Floridians 24/7 Access to Insurance and Financial Education

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:22:39 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today launched his OnDemand Library on the Department of Financial Services’ Web page coinciding with Consumer Awareness Week, April 18—23, 2012. The library promotes self-education by allowing Floridians to watch short videos and presentations based on topics and issues addressed by the department at any time that is convenient to them.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Naples Acupuncturist for Insurance Fraud, Grand Theft

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:40:52 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a Naples acupuncturist for insurance fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification information. Dr. Sebiha Ozturk, 30, of Naples Acupuncture and Health Clinic, allegedly billed State Farm Fire and Casualty and Safeco Insurance companies for medical treatments that she never performed.

CFO Atwater Announces Former DCF Employee Sentenced to Prison for Public Assistance Fraud

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:15:59 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that former Department of Children and Families (DCF) caseworker Meera Khan was sentenced to six years in state prison for committing public assistance fraud.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Owner of Fake Company for Creating Fraudulent Insurance Certificates and Avoiding Millions in Premiums

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:02:32 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest today of a Miami shell company owner accused of creating more than 250 fraudulent certificates of insurance to help uninsured contractors avoid $2.1 million in workers compensation premiums.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:20:53 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today warned consumers about a scam that involves misleading postcards sent to seniors about an annuity they may have that has reached the end of its surrender period. An unlicensed company named Unlimited Fulfillment Services, LLC (“Unlimited”), has been allegedly contacting senior consumers with these postcards advising that they need to contact the company’s “scheduling department” to discuss options. The Florida Department of Financial Services has filed a Notice of Intent to Issue Cease and Desist Order against the company.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Two Lake Butler Men Charged with Arson, Armed Robbery, Petty Theft and Armed Burglary

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:32:39 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Davario Watkins and Michael Stitt of Lake Butler, after investigations led by the State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) working with the Union County Sheriff's office (UCSO), and the Lake Butler Volunteer Fire Department (LBVFD) determined that they were responsible for three intentionally set fires in Union County.

CFO Jeff Atwater Commends Wolfson High School and VyStar for Giving Students Real-Life, Hands-On Financial Experience

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:18:28 GMT

As part of his ongoing Your Money Matter$ initiative, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today commended teachers and students at Samuel W. Wolfson High School’s magnet school for offering students a solid financial future through real-life experience and hands-on training via a VyStar student-run credit union on campus.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Bay Area Residents for Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:18:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of two Tampa Bay area residents for workers’ compensation fraud. Yvonne C. Timmons, 61, of St. Petersburg, and Willie Lee Kendrick, 52, of Palmetto, are charged with filing false or misleading information in order to fraudulently obtain workers’ compensation insurance benefits.

CFO Jeff Atwater Rewards Three Citizens for Tips that Led to the Arrests of 10 Individuals and $560,000 in Fraudulent Billings to Date

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:18:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced $25,000 in rewards for three Floridians who provided key information that led to arrests and convictions in five major insurance fraud cases. These citizens helped the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud uncover almost $560,000 in fraudulent insurance billings leading to 10 arrests to date.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of 15 Individuals in Miami Food Truck Insurance Fraud Scam

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:41:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the outcome of a two-year insurance fraud investigation resulting in the arrests of 15 defendants for their roles in a Miami ring that used lunch trucks to stage more than a dozen accidents and file more than $800,000 in fraudulent property damage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims.

Consumer Alert Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about ‘National Sweepstakes’ Scam

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:14:01 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today warned consumers about an emerging scam related to requiring payments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to collect “lottery winnings.” A company calling themselves National Sweepstakes has contacted a senior consumer in Palm Beach County claiming to require payments to the IRS in order for the consumer to collect her $1 million-plus prize.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Presents Fire Service Awards

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:24:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater this week recognized the Coral Springs Fire Academy and honored 11 fire- and rescue-service personnel for exceptional dedication to fire and rescue services during the past year. CFO Atwater presented each honoree with an individual resolution signed by the governor and members of the Cabinet at Monday evening’s Fire Service Awards ceremony. The honorees were also recognized jointly at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting at the Capitol.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Navarre Businessman for Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:51:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a Santa Rosa County construction company president on charges of falsifying payroll information to avoid workers’ compensation premiums. Randall Morton Seltzer, 43, president of Navarre Industries Inc., was charged with multiple felony counts, including workers’ compensation fraud and grand theft. The arrest resulted from an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

CFO Atwater Commends Legislature for Increasing Transparency, Protecting Consumers, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Regulatory Burdens

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today offered praise to the Florida Legislature for supporting and passing key initiatives he proposed that will increase transparency on how taxpayer dollars are spent, better protect consumers from identity theft or financial harm, and help fight insurance fraud and reduce regulatory burdens.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Man Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:50:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Christopher Koepke, of Jacksonville, after a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI), Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD), the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office (JSO), the Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms determined that Koepke set fire to five vehicles and an apartment building in an attempt to commit insurance fraud.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Licensed Massage Therapist and Clinic Employees for PIP Fraud

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:24:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of three Tampa clinic employees on charges of insurance fraud and patient brokering stemming from a personal injury protection (PIP) fraud scheme. Danilo Ardian Gonzalez-Alfonso, 37, the clinic manager; Lydia Merlo-Fernandez, 23, a licensed massage therapist; and Yennier Gutierez Obregon, 23, an employee—all employees of CPS Medical Clinic—allegedly solicited a confidential source to participate in a scheme to file fraudulent claims for services never provided.

Consumer Alert CFO Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Unclaimed Property Scam

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:34:25 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today warned consumers about an emerging scam related to the retrieval of unclaimed property. A company calling themselves The Florida Department of Financial Restitution has been contacting consumers claiming to be on contract with CFO Atwater’s Department of Financial Services and offering to reunite reunite them with unclaimed property for an upfront fee of $600.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Launches On Guard for Seniors

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:48:27 GMT

Urging Floridians to participate in Consumer Protection Week, which continues through Saturday, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today launched On Guard for Seniors, a new website intended to educate consumers about financial and insurance issues impacting our state’s fastest-growing population.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Orlando Man on Charges of Workers’ Compensation Claim Fraud and Grand Theft

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:50:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest of an Orlando man as a result of a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim. Keith Jackson was arrested by detectives from the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud and charged with workers’ compensation fraud and grand theft after an investigation revealed that he submitted false insurance claim information regarding pre-existing conditions. Jackson falsely claimed that his injuries occurred during his employment as an Orange County corrections officer. This claim allowed him to collect more than $115,000 in fraudulent workers’ compensation benefits.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Two Men Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:50:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrests of Jeffrey Tyrone Lockley and Byron Bernard Butler, both of Apalachicola, after a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI), the Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office (FCSO) determined the two men set fire to a vehicle in an attempt to commit insurance fraud.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces 9 Arrests in Undercover Sweep of Tampa Accident Clinics

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:24:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of nine accident clinic employees for soliciting undercover agents posing as accident victims.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding House Economic Affairs Committees’ Passage of Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bill

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:38:24 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the House Economic Affairs Committee’s passage of a bill that aims to curb workers’ compensation fraud.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of North Port Man on charges of Workers’ Compensation Claim Fraud and Grand Theft

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:28:50 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest of a North Port man as a result of a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim. Jovan Bokun was arrested by detectives from the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud and charged with workers’ compensation fraud and grand theft after an investigation revealed that he submitted false insurance claim information regarding his physical capabilities. This false claim allowed him to collect over $34,000 from Dec. 2006 to Aug. 2011 in fraudulent workers’ compensation benefits.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Unanimous Passage of State Contracting Reforms Out of House and Senate Committees

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:39:51 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the unanimous passage out of committee of Senate Bill 1626 sponsored by Sen. Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Bill 1409 sponsored by Rep. Albritton (R-Wauchula) regarding state contracting reforms.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miramar Man for Staged Auto Accidents Resulting in $200,000 in Fake Insurance Claims

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:16:33 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of Yasser Vega-Martinez, 34, of Miramar for planning and orchestrating three staged auto accidents over a seven-month period. The staged crashes resulted in over $200,000 in fraudulent insurance claims.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of ‘Straw Owner,’ Clinic Operator for Violating Clinic Law, Filing Fraudulent PIP Claims

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:04:38 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that charges have been filed against an Orlando chiropractor and two clinic operators for allegedly conspiring to create a “straw” ownership arrangement to thwart Florida’s clinic licensing laws.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Settlement with Prudential Insurance Company to Return Unclaimed Dollars to Floridians

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:27:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Florida’s settlement with Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates, which will allow the Department of Financial Services to recover unclaimed insurance benefits owed to Floridians.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miami Clinic Owner for Filing Fraudulent PIP Claims

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:34:01 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a Miami clinic owner for submitting fraudulent Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims from his unlicensed clinic.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 proposed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:10:54 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement in support of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s proposed bill entitled the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 which would protect church-affiliated organizations from being mandated to provide services that violate their religious beliefs.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:31:29 GMT

WHO: Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force
WHAT: Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: Cabinet Meeting Room LL-03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Hiring of SBA Inspector General

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:32:09 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the appointment of Kenneth A. Chambers as the inspector general at the State Board of Administration (SBA).

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Kicks-Off Everglades Summit

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:07:03 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater spoke to nearly 300 fellow Floridians to kick-off the Everglades Water Supply Summit in Tallahassee. The two-day summit, hosted by the Everglades Foundation, is the first of its kind in Tallahassee to link policymakers with experts in Everglades restoration.

CFO Jeff Atwater Sponsors Resolution Recognizing National Thrift Week

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:02:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has sponsored a resolution recognizing Jan. 17 - 23, 2012, as “Florida Thrift Week,” encouraging all Floridians to learn and implement the values of thrift and saving as steps toward long-term financial success.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Mourns the Loss of Pompano Beach Firefighter

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:52:41 GMT

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater released the following statement regarding Pompano Beach Fire-Rescue Firefighter William Elliott who died in the line of duty on Friday.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrest of Arsonist in Pensacola Clinic Fire

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:36:11 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Bobby Joe Rogers of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The investigation determined that Rogers set fire to a clinic, causing approximately $300,000 in damage.

CFO Atwater Offers Free Webinars to Help Small Businesses Write a Winning Business Plan

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:02:58 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Division of Consumer Services will offer free webinars to support Florida’s small businesses. The webinars, entitled “How to Write a Winning Business Plan,” will be offered Dec. 12-15, through CFO Atwater’s new Your Money Matter$ Web site.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Findings from External Review of SBA Compliance Protocols

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:31:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater yesterday released the following statement regarding the findings from the external review of the State Board of Administration’s (SBA) compliance protocols. In May, CFO Atwater called for a review of all compliance protocols at the SBA to be conducted by an external review team. Crowe Horwath, LLP, performed the review and presented the findings yesterday at the SBA Quarterly Meeting.

CFO Jeff Atwater Appoints Law Enforcement Veteran to Lead the Division of Insurance Fraud

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:07:39 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the appointment of law enforcement veteran and crime fighter Daniel S. Anderson as the new Director of the Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF). Anderson, a 25-year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Administration with extensive experience in global criminal investigations and law enforcement coalition building, will be on the job next month.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Conviction of North Carolina Man in $2.7 Million Workers’ Compensation Insurance Scam

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:06:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the conviction of a North Carolina man in a $2.7 million workers’ compensation insurance scam. Carl Delmas Fuller, 53, of Wake Forest, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud, received four years in prison, and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $3.1 million for scamming a Highlands County employment services company with a fake workers’ compensation insurance policy.

CFO Atwater Announces Legislative Agenda to Increase Transparency, Protect Consumers, Fight Fraud and Reduce Regulatory Burdens

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:21:11 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that his legislative agenda for the 2012 Legislative Session will focus on four core themes: transparency in contracts and government spending; protecting consumers; fighting fraud that is increasing the cost of living for Florida’s families and reducing regulatory burdens on Florida’s businesses.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Passing the Repeal of the Three Percent Withholding Requirement

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:26:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives passing of HR 674 to repeal the three percent withholding requirement. The repeal bill has now passed both chambers of Congress and is on its way to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

CFO Jeff Atwater Helps Lead Fight to Combat Fraud Against Military Personnel

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:03:30 GMT

Fighting back for those who fight for us, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today participated in a roundtable with national and state leaders on military and veterans issues, including Holly Petraeus, Director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs, to find ways to combat fraud targeted against military personnel.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services Named Florida’s Agency of the Year

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:27:50 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) will be recognized by the Department of Management Services’ (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) as the State of Florida’s Agency of the Year for supporting Florida’s minority business community during the past fiscal year.

Advisory: Meeting of the Florida Disability Presumption Task Force

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:33:21 GMT

WHO: Florida Disability Presumption Task Force
WHAT: Meeting of the Florida Disability Presumption Task Force
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Florida League of Cities Building, 125 East Colonial Drive, Green Room, 3rd Floor, Orlando, FL 32801 and
Florida League of Cities Building, 301 South Bronough Street, Sittig Hall, 1st Floor, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Senior Scammer in Annuity Fraud Scheme

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:28:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of Victor Edwin Ruser, Sr., 59, of Kissimmee, for allegedly scamming nine seniors between the ages of 80 and 94 out of over $650,000 in an annuity fraud scheme. Ruser was charged with multiple felony counts including exploitation of the elderly, grand theft and perpetrating a scheme to defraud.

Gov. Rick Scott and CFO Jeff Atwater Call for PIP Auto Insurance Reform

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:48:27 GMT

Today, Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and legislative leaders identified four issues that must be addressed in order to rein in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance fraud and reduce insurance rates for Florida consumers.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Seven Insurance Fraud Arrests in Orlando and Miami

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:00:13 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of five insurance fraud suspects for their involvement in a staged accident scheme in Orlando. Lufaite Olizia, 40, and Tracey McFarlane, 40, were charged with insurance fraud, patient brokering and intentionally staging a motor vehicle crash. Pierre Antoine Joseph, 41, Madeline Emile, 28, and Yolando Denise Roberts, 39, were also arrested for participating in the staged accident as passengers and subsequently filing fraudulent medical claims.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Four Miami Fraudsters in Staged Accident Scheme

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:34:18 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of four suspects in Miami for insurance fraud and faking an auto accident. Roberto Martinez, 27, Yesenia Toscano, 21, both of Hialeah Gardens, and Rafael Javier Arroyo, 19, of Hialeah were charged with multiple counts including insurance fraud, grand theft and staging an auto accident. Concepcion Olmos Valls, 53, of Miami was charged with staging an auto accident.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Five Suspects in Miami Staged Accident Scheme

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:28:37 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of five individuals involved in a staged accident scheme in Miami. Mario J. Chavez, 53, Robin Nelson Campanioni, Jr., 23, Jorge J. Mota, 27, Naima Basnueva Lastre, 24, all of Miami, and Eduardo Figueredo, 44, of Miami Springs were charged with insurance fraud, grand theft and staging an auto accident.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s letter to legislative leaders regarding efforts to foster greater accountability and transparency in government spending

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:24:58 GMT

Please see the attached letter from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater to legislative leaders regarding the status of his transparency initiatives and the implementation of legislation passed during the 2011 Legislative Session to increase transparency and accountability in government spending.

CFO Jeff Atwater Offers Free Workshop for Women’s Small Business Month

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:08:25 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services in partnership with state Senator Gwen Margolis (D-Miami) will hold a free Women’s Small Business Workshop in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 14 as part of Women’s Small Business Month.

CFO Atwater’s Department Recovers More Than $17 Million for Florida Consumers

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:20:39 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that the Department of Financial Services has taken part in the recovery of more than $17 million so far in 2011. Recoveries include claim payments, premium refunds and restitution for Florida consumers.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Recognizes Fire Prevention Week

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:39:08 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater sponsored a resolution this week recognizing Oct. 9 through Oct. 15 as Fire Prevention Week. Out of nearly 60,400 fires reported in Florida last year, more than 59,000 were fires that could have been prevented. Just last year, 40 Floridians died in accidental fires.

Florida CFO Atwater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Freeman and Visa Inc. Collaborate to Launch Statewide Rollout of Financial Football

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:45:56 GMT

Tackling the problem of financial illiteracy among Florida teenagers head-on, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeff Atwater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Quarterback Josh Freeman and Visa Inc. today announced the statewide rollout of an effort to improve the money management skills of high school and middle school students. This educational video game and classroom curriculum called Financial Football is free of charge and was developed by Visa Inc.

CFO Jeff Atwater Offers Free Workshop for Women’s Small Business Month

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:23:09 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Man for Grand Theft

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:53:24 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a Jacksonville business man for selling a surety bond without a license and pocketing the premiums. Larry James Wright, 58, director of The Underwriters Group, Inc., allegedly sold a “bid bond” to a Massachusetts construction company without a valid license and kept the premiums.

Fallen Firefighters To Be Honored at the Annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Ocala

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:27:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater and the Joint Council of Fire and Emergency Service Organizations will host the annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. Seven Florida firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty will be honored during this year’s service.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Josh Freeman and Visa Inc. Collaborate to Launch Statewide Rollout of the Reinvented Financial Football

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:38:27 GMT

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 10 a.m., Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeff Atwater Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Quarterback Josh Freeman and Visa Inc. will be at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg for the Florida statewide launch of a reinvented educational video game and classroom curriculum called Financial Football, in conjunction with CFO Atwater’s new Your Money Matter$ financial education initiative.

Florida CFO Atwater Announces Arrests of Charlotte County Insurance Professionals for Selling Bogus Insurance

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:49:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of a Charlotte County insurance agency owner and customer representative for selling unauthorized insurance products. Jack C. Alexander, Sr., 60, and Kristin R. Decker-Hopkins, 26, of Insurance Depot of Charlotte County were charged with representing an unauthorized insurer after selling more than 20 individuals unauthorized boat insurance policies.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Passing of Former Florida Governor Claude Kirk, Jr.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:23:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the passing of former Florida Governor Claude Kirk, Jr.

CFO Atwater Announces Unclaimed Property Auction Raises More Than $1 Million

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:17:23 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the 2011 Unclaimed Property Auction held on Saturday in Ponte Vedra Beach was the third highest-grossing auction in the 50-year history of Florida’s unclaimed property program, drawing about 350 attendees, including 205 bidders, and raising $1.09 million for Florida’s public schools.

Florida State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces 6th Annual Volunteer Firefighter Training Weekend

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:08:46 GMT

More than 250 volunteer firefighters from throughout Florida will participate in five days of concentrated training this weekend provided at no cost to the firefighters. The 6th annual event will be held September 14-18, 2011, at the Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.

CFO Atwater Announces State Unclaimed Property Auction

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:40:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that Florida will hold the annual unclaimed property auction on Saturday, Sept. 17, in Ponte Vedra Beach at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. The auction, which is open to the public, will feature more than 37,000 individual items, including jewelry, watches and rare coins, with a minimum reserve value in excess of $327,000.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force in Miami

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:36:47 GMT

WHO: Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force
WHAT: Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Office of the State Attorney, 1350 N.W. 12th Ave., Miami FL 33136-2111

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Appoints Carlos Lacasa as New Chairman of Citizens Board of Governors

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:17:48 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the appointment of Carlos Lacasa as the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Lacasa, from Miami, is a former state representative and has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney with expertise in the insurance industry.

Meeting of the Money Services Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:23:15 GMT

WHO: Money Services Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group
WHAT: Meeting of the Money Services Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 2 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Room B-33, Larson Building, 200 East Gaines St., Tallahassee, Fla. 32399

CFO Atwater’s Fraud Team Busts Accident Clinic Operator For Filing Claims on Behalf of a Dead Doctor

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:06:13 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the Division of Insurance Fraud on Wednesday arrested Hialeah accident clinic operator Daysi Puigros on more than 30 felony counts stemming from allegations that she filed more than $200,000 in fraudulent Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims using the name of a deceased doctor.

Former DCF Employee Arrested in Welfare Scam

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:13:01 GMT

Release from the office of Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, In and For Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announces that as a result of a 2 year joint investigation undertaken by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Division of Public Assistance Fraud, former Department of Children and Families (DCF) employee Meera Khan has been arrested and charged with a lengthy list of crimes.

CFO Atwater Announces Arrest of Tampa Man in an Accident Clinic Money Structuring Scheme

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:10:58 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of Hillsborough County resident, Juan C. Borras, 55, an employee of American Best Clinic, LLC, on charges of intentionally structuring large cash withdrawals to avoid reporting or registration required by Florida law. This tactic has been linked as a common practice for automobile accident clinics suspected of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces First Meeting of the Money Service Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:17:12 GMT

WHO: Money Service Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group
WHAT: First meeting of the Money Service Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 2 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Room 233, Fletcher Building, Tallahassee, Fla. 32399

CFO Jeff Atwater Names Citizens Board Appointees

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:13:37 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the appointments of Nancy Baily and Rob Wallace to the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Central Florida Contractor in Sinkhole Repair Billing Scam

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:22:50 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of an Oviedo business owner for overbilling State Farm Insurance Company for fraudulent sinkhole claim repairs. Michael Hodge, owner of A&M Contracting Company, is charged with multiple counts of racketeering and insurance fraud involving billings of materials he never used to repair properties in Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.

CFO Jeff Atwater Calls for Review of Check Cashing Services Aiding in Workers’ Comp Fraud

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:53:55 GMT

At a Cabinet meeting today, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the creation of a working group to review the practices of certain bad actors in the check cashing services industry aiding in workers’ compensation premium fraud, which is putting pressure on rates and crippling the business community. The working group will include representatives from the CFO’s Division of Insurance Fraud as well as the Office of Financial Regulation, the Attorney General’s Office, and the construction and money services industries.

CFO Jeff Atwater Appoints Watchdog to Serve as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:04:07 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the appointment of attorney and insurance watchdog Robin Westcott to serve as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate. CFO Atwater signaled that Westcott’s vast insurance knowledge as well as her career-long experience safeguarding Florida’s consumers will be a tremendous asset to the insurance-buying public.

CFO Atwater’s Department Recovers Nearly $12 Million in First Half of 2011 for Florida Consumers

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:28:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services and Division of Agent and Agency Services have helped recover nearly $12 million in claim payments, premium refunds, restitution and recoveries this year for Florida consumers.

Florida Treasury Investment Pool Receives Rating Upgrade from Standard & Poor’s

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:56:17 GMT

The Florida Treasury Investment Pool received a rating upgrade from the globally recognized Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, continuing its record of strong ratings for both credit quality and volatility. Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Florida Treasury Investment Pool’s credit quality rating from an ‘Af’ to an ‘A+f’ and affirmed the pool’s ‘S2’ volatility rating. The ratings were released yesterday.

CFO Atwater’s Division of Insurance Fraud Makes Two Arrests for Staged Accidents in Tampa

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:31:25 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of two people who engaged in insurance fraud by staging an accident, claiming injury and billing an insurance company for procedures they did not receive. Suspects Floribel Figueroa Quiles and Lazaro Hernandez Cabrales were arrested following an investigation of complaints filed with the Division of Insurance Fraud by Assurance America.

CFO Atwater Announces Conviction of Tampa-Area Senior Scammer Following Department Sting Operation

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:49:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the conviction of Randolph Kahl-Winter, a previously convicted senior scammer, who will finally have to serve time behind bars. The conviction stems from a Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud sting operation in December 2009. A vigilant Tampa-area senior tipped off fraud investigators and participated in the sting.

CFO Jeff Atwater’s Division of Consumer Services Expands Spanish-Speaking Assistance to Unclaimed Property Helpline

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:21:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that he is expanding the availability of Spanish-speaking staff to the Department of Financial Services’ Unclaimed Property Helpline.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Atwater Reminds Floridians to Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:31:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today urged Floridians to celebrate safely during the upcoming holiday weekend, especially in light of ongoing drought conditions and the loss of two firefighters who were fighting a wildfire in Hamilton County last week, Josh Burch and Brett Fulton.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Three Arrests in Tampa Premium Fraud Scam

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:47:14 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced three arrests in a Tampa insurance fraud case involving the theft of thousands of dollars in auto insurance premiums. Suspects Bella Jenkins, Torrance Blake and David Ball, employees of Insurance Plus located in Temple Terrace, surrendered to authorities and were charged with insurance fraud and selling insurance without a license.

CFO Atwater Announces Conviction of Jacksonville Man in Elaborate Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme, Illegal Check Cashing Operation

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:33:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the conviction of a Jacksonville man in an elaborate workers’ compensation fraud scheme. David Rodriguez Socarras appeared before the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Monday and pled guilty to five charges, including application fraud and workers’ compensation fraud, for running a “shell company” to pay undocumented workers and avoiding workers’
compensation premiums. Socarras was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay more than $400,000 in restitution.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Statement Regarding the Deaths of Two Firefighters in Florida Wildfires

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:50:00 GMT

Two Division of Forestry firefighters, Josh Burch and Brett Fulton, lost their lives and two others were injured yesterday while fighting the Blue Ribbon Fire in Hamilton County, one of 1,500 wildfires continuing to burn as a result of a drought that began May 1, 2011.

CFO Atwater Calls for Your Help in Ongoing Search for ‘Most Wanted’ Insurance Fraud Fugitives

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:38:32 GMT

Continuing his effort to crack down on insurance fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is calling for all Floridians to be on the lookout for Florida’s “Most Wanted” insurance fraud suspects. CFO Atwater is asking Floridians to visit his website, www.myfloridacfo.com/pressoffice/mostwanted, to learn more about suspects sought by the CFO’s Division of Insurance Fraud or State Fire Marshal on charges ranging from fraud to arson.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of North Carolina Man in $2.7 Million Workers’ Compensation Insurance Scam

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:53:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a North Carolina man in a $2.7 million workers’ compensation insurance scam. Carl Delmas Fuller, of Wake Forest, N.C., was charged Friday with mail and wire fraud for scamming a Highlands County employment services company with a fake workers’ compensation insurance policy.

CFO Atwater Orders Sarasota Travel Agency to Pay Back Floridians for Unauthorized Travel Insurance Claims

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:54:46 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today that the Department of Financial Services has reached an agreement with Sarasota-based Legendary Journeys, a statewide travel agency, to reimburse nearly $90,000 to dozens of Floridians. An investigation conducted by the department determined that Legendary Journeys sold unauthorized travel insurance offered by Prime Travel Protection to Floridians from 2006 to 2008.

CFO Atwater Announces Permanent Ban, Restitution Against Senior Swindler

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:15:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that he has permanently revoked the insurance licenses of John Daniel Mueller, 40, of Sarasota, for an annuity scheme that robbed tens of thousands of dollars from elderly Floridians, following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Agent and Agency Services.

CFO Atwater: Statement Regarding the Signing of HB 7095, the Pill Mill Bill

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:16:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement recognizing Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi for the signing of House Bill 7095, the pill mill bill, and their efforts to combat Florida’s pill mill epidemic.

CFO Jeff Atwater Joins Florida Marlins, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes on the Ball Field to Promote “Protect Your Home Base”

Mon, 23 May 2011 03:19:14 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater joined the Florida Marlins and Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) on the field today to announce the “Protect Your Home Base” initiative, encouraging Floridians to prepare and protect their homes and families before the beginning of hurricane season on June 1. This signature event is one of several highlighted in FLASH’s 2011 Great Hurricane Blowout preparedness campaign to raise awareness about strengthening homes and safeguarding families.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests in Statewide Crackdown on Identity Theft, Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Fri, 20 May 2011 20:29:11 GMT

As part of a statewide crackdown on identity theft and workers’ compensation fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of three Lake Worth men for using stolen social security numbers to fraudulently gain employment. Investigations continue into the possible fraudulent use of the same social security numbers by other individuals across the state.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrests of Two Arsonists in Polk County

Fri, 20 May 2011 20:28:10 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrests of Rodney Michael Lane and John Robert Reid of Frostproof after a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) determined the two men set fire to a residence, causing approximately $40,000 in damage, in an attempt to cover up a burglary.

Statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater at Public Hearing on Life Insurance Companies' Practices

Thu, 19 May 2011 19:44:19 GMT

Today, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation conducted a public hearing with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life Insurance Company to evaluate a potential industry practice that involves the use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File.

CFO Jeff Atwater Prevails at Fourth District Court of Appeals Against Vero Beach Senior Scammer

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:37:34 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater today announced that Mitchell Brian Storfer, 50, has been stripped of his insurance licenses for participating in an annuity scheme that generated more than $100,000 in commissions for him and his agency, Seniors Financial International, Inc. of Vero Beach. This follows a yearlong appeal by Storfer to the Fourth District Court of Appeals (DCA) that the Department’s Division of Legal Services successfully fought.

Statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding External Review of the State Board of Administration

Tue, 17 May 2011 18:17:00 GMT

Today, Florida’s Governor, Attorney General and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) unanimously approved an agenda item initiated by CFO Jeff Atwater to conduct an external review of the State Board of Administration’s risk management processes and financial controls.

CFO Atwater Announces Business Roundtables in Recognition of Small Business Week

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:30:29 GMT

In recognition of National Small Business Week, May 16-20, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced his office will host a series of summer small business roundtables. CFO Atwater recognizes the critical role small businesses play in Florida’s economy and wants to get direct feedback on how the state can create a more business-friendly environment, including removing regulatory barriers and fostering ideas for helping new and existing businesses grow.

Operation No Pain No Gain

Thu, 12 May 2011 21:34:11 GMT

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, The National Crime Bureau (NICB), the Hillsborough County Office of the State Attorney and the Florida Department of Financial Services announce the results of a five month investigation involving staged vehicle crashes and insurance fraud in Hillsborough County.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Winter Haven Massage Clinic Employees in Undercover PIP Fraud Sting

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:23:39 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of four Polk County men for their roles in a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud scheme involving fraudulent medical billings to two insurance companies.

Media Advisory: CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:08:07 GMT

On Monday, May 16, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Chair, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Vice Chair, will hold the second meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force. The 11-member Strike Force will receive a briefing on legislation passed this Session that will impact Florida’s Medicaid and public assistance programs, discuss plans for mapping and data-sharing initiatives among agencies, as well as form standing committees to tackle key issues.

CFO Atwater Applauds Legislative Leaders for Passing Legislation to Keep Money in the Pockets of Floridians

Fri, 06 May 2011 21:09:10 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today commended state policymakers for supporting key legislative initiatives he proposed this Session that will help keep more money in the pockets of Floridians.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Sending Help to Alabama

Fri, 06 May 2011 21:03:54 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that he is deploying a team from the Department of Financial Services to assist residents of Alabama impacted by last week’s tornadoes.

CFO Jeff Atwater Recognizes Arson Awareness Week

Thu, 05 May 2011 17:24:21 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater is encouraging Floridians to take time to recognize and honor their local firefighters during Arson Awareness Week, which continues through Saturday, May 7.

CFO Atwater Announces Arrests in Orlando PIP Fraud Investigation

Tue, 03 May 2011 18:47:46 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater today announced the arrests of a clinic manager and employee on fraud and theft charges as a result of allegations that an Orlando clinic manager coerced employees to fraudulently bill Direct General Insurance Company for more than $60,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims. Three others are still being sought.

CFO Jeff Atwater Presents Fire Service Awards

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:42:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater this week recognized the Fire Academy of the South, Florida State College in Jacksonville and honored 10 fire and rescue service personnel, including a retiring K-9 for exceptional dedication to fire and rescue services during the past year. CFO Atwater presented each honoree with an individual resolution signed by the Governor and members of the Cabinet at Monday evening’s Fire Service Awards ceremony. The honorees were also recognized jointly at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting at the Capitol.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrest of Mortgage Company Owner in $1.2 Million Scam

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:57:47 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Jose Claudio Pereira, owner of BR Mortgage Group Corporation, on charges of racketeering for his part in fraudulent mortgage transactions in Broward, St. Lucie and Brevard counties.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater: Statement Regarding Legislative Efforts to Fight Auto Insurance Fraud

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:53:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement recognizing Senators Chris Smith (D-Oakland Park), John Thrasher (R-Jacksonville), and Garrett Richter (R-Naples) for their efforts to pass two measures that will help fight automobile insurance fraud—requiring law enforcement officers to list all passengers in an accident and the creation of civil penalties for those convicted of auto insurance fraud, the proceeds of which will be used to fund additional anti-fraud efforts.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Boca Raton Man for Scamming Senior out of $25,000

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:47:25 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a former Boca Raton insurance agent for scamming a 78-year-old Miami woman out of $25,000. Jeffery Schneider, 44, has been charged with four felony counts including scheme to defraud and theft from a person over 65 years of age. Schneider acted without a license, which was revoked in March 2010 for numerous licensure violations.

Florida CFO Atwater’s Department Wins $76 Million Judgment Against Former Aries Insurance Company Owners

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:50:35 GMT

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater announced today that a judgment has been entered against the former owners of Aries Insurance Company, Inc. for more than $76 million. The insolvency of Aries Insurance Company left approximately 58,000 policyholders and creditors with unpaid claims when it was ordered into receivership in 2002 and two state guaranty funds were triggered to pay those claims.

Florida Department of Financial Services - Press Releases

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces State Loss Prevention Award Winners

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Senior Scammer for $2 Million Investment Fraud

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miami Boat Captain in Sinking of $1.86 Million Yacht

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of SB1208/HB7111 Consumer Protection against Identity Theft

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of HB 725 Further Reducing Regulatory Burdens

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Recognizes Arson Awareness Week

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of HB 119 Auto Insurance Reforms for Florida’s Drivers

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of America’s Most Wanted Fugitive During Insurance Fraud Investigation

CFO Jeff Atwater Commends Fraud Division for Record-Setting First Quarter

CFO Atwater Announces Agreement with Employee who Illegally Obtained Government Assistance

Florida Announces a $40 Million Multi-Agency Agreement with MetLife Insurance Companies

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of 14 Individuals in Undercover Sting at Miami Massage Clinic

CFO Atwater Launches New OnDemand Library Offering Floridians 24/7 Access to Insurance and Financial Education

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Naples Acupuncturist for Insurance Fraud, Grand Theft

CFO Atwater Announces Former DCF Employee Sentenced to Prison for Public Assistance Fraud

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Owner of Fake Company for Creating Fraudulent Insurance Certificates and Avoiding Millions in Premiums

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Two Lake Butler Men Charged with Arson, Armed Robbery, Petty Theft and Armed Burglary

CFO Jeff Atwater Commends Wolfson High School and VyStar for Giving Students Real-Life, Hands-On Financial Experience

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Bay Area Residents for Workers’ Compensation Fraud

CFO Jeff Atwater Rewards Three Citizens for Tips that Led to the Arrests of 10 Individuals and $560,000 in Fraudulent Billings to Date

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of 15 Individuals in Miami Food Truck Insurance Fraud Scam

*Consumer Alert* Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about ‘National Sweepstakes’ Scam

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Presents Fire Service Awards

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Navarre Businessman for Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme

CFO Atwater Commends Legislature for Increasing Transparency, Protecting Consumers, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Regulatory Burdens

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Man Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Licensed Massage Therapist and Clinic Employees for PIP Fraud

*Consumer Alert* CFO Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Unclaimed Property Scam

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Launches On Guard for Seniors

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Orlando Man on Charges of Workers’ Compensation Claim Fraud and Grand Theft

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Two Men Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces 9 Arrests in Undercover Sweep of Tampa Accident Clinics

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding House Economic Affairs Committees’ Passage of Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bill

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of North Port Man on charges of Workers’ Compensation Claim Fraud and Grand Theft

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Unanimous Passage of State Contracting Reforms Out of House and Senate Committees

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miramar Man for Staged Auto Accidents Resulting in $200,000 in Fake Insurance Claims

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of ‘Straw Owner,’ Clinic Operator for Violating Clinic Law, Filing Fraudulent PIP Claims

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Settlement with Prudential Insurance Company to Return Unclaimed Dollars to Floridians

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Miami Clinic Owner for Filing Fraudulent PIP Claims

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 proposed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Hiring of SBA Inspector General

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Kicks-Off Everglades Summit

CFO Jeff Atwater Sponsors Resolution Recognizing National Thrift Week

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Mourns the Loss of Pompano Beach Firefighter

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrest of Arsonist in Pensacola Clinic Fire

CFO Atwater Offers Free Webinars to Help Small Businesses Write a Winning Business Plan

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Findings from External Review of SBA Compliance Protocols

CFO Jeff Atwater Appoints Law Enforcement Veteran to Lead the Division of Insurance Fraud

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Conviction of North Carolina Man in $2.7 Million Workers’ Compensation Insurance Scam

CFO Atwater Announces Legislative Agenda to Increase Transparency, Protect Consumers, Fight Fraud and Reduce Regulatory Burdens

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Passing the Repeal of the Three Percent Withholding Requirement

CFO Jeff Atwater Helps Lead Fight to Combat Fraud Against Military Personnel

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services Named Florida’s Agency of the Year

Advisory: Meeting of the Florida Disability Presumption Task Force

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Senior Scammer in Annuity Fraud Scheme

Gov. Rick Scott and CFO Jeff Atwater Call for PIP Auto Insurance Reform

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Seven Insurance Fraud Arrests in Orlando and Miami

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Four Miami Fraudsters in Staged Accident Scheme

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Five Suspects in Miami Staged Accident Scheme

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s letter to legislative leaders regarding efforts to foster greater accountability and transparency in government spending

CFO Jeff Atwater Offers Free Workshop for Women’s Small Business Month

CFO Atwater’s Department Recovers More Than $17 Million for Florida Consumers

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Recognizes Fire Prevention Week

Florida CFO Atwater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Freeman and Visa Inc. Collaborate to Launch Statewide Rollout of Financial Football

CFO Jeff Atwater Offers Free Workshop for Women’s Small Business Month

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Man for Grand Theft

Fallen Firefighters To Be Honored at the Annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Ocala

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Josh Freeman and Visa Inc. Collaborate to Launch Statewide Rollout of the Reinvented Financial Football

Florida CFO Atwater Announces Arrests of Charlotte County Insurance Professionals for Selling Bogus Insurance

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Passing of Former Florida Governor Claude Kirk, Jr.

CFO Atwater Announces Unclaimed Property Auction Raises More Than $1 Million

Florida State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces 6th Annual Volunteer Firefighter Training Weekend

CFO Atwater Announces State Unclaimed Property Auction

CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force in Miami

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Appoints Carlos Lacasa as New Chairman of Citizens Board of Governors

Meeting of the Money Services Business Workers’ Comp Fraud Work Group

CFO Atwater’s Fraud Team Busts Accident Clinic Operator For Filing Claims on Behalf of a Dead Doctor

Consumer Alert Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about ‘National Sweepstakes’ Scam

Consumer Alert CFO Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Unclaimed Property Scam