Florida Department of Financial Services - Press Releases

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Announce Arrests in ‘Operation Christmas Tree’

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:27:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today announced multiple arrests in “Operation Christmas Tree,” an investigation into a series of residential structure fires in Marion County. The investigation resulted in the arrest of five individuals charged with organized fraud, arson and burning to defraud the insurer.

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

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:35:16 GMT

On Tuesday, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Chair, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Vice Chair, will hold a meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force in Tallahassee. The 11-member Strike Force will present their interim report and the results of the survey of the agencies that are part of the Strike Force.

CFO Jeff Atwater Prepares Small Business Owners for the 2013 Hurricane Season

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:24:24 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services is hosting a series of free disaster preparedness webinars for small business owners as a part of Small Business Week, which began on May 19, and ahead of the start of the 2013 Hurricane Season. The webinars are part of CFO Atwater’s “Protect Your Home Base” initiative and are aimed at helping small businesses plan and prepare for a natural disaster.

CFO Jeff Atwater: Check for Unclaimed Property before Statewide Auction

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:01:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today asked Floridians to check for unclaimed property prior to his 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 June 8, in Tampa, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Three North Florida Roofers for Unlicensed Insurance Activity

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:55:32 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of Derek Shawn Kellog, 31, Crawfordville; Corey Jermaine Brownlee, 30, Jacksonville; and Sean McCaslin, 49, Tallahassee; employees of Roofmasters, Inc., for acting as unlicensed public adjusters while soliciting homeowners for roof repairs in the Tallahassee area.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and the Florida Cabinet to Hold Meeting in Florida’s Medical City

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:29:24 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, joined by other members of the Florida Cabinet, will be holding the first meeting for the month of May in Lake Nona Medical City. The day’s events will begin with a breakfast at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and the Cabinet meeting at Nemours Children’s Hospital. The day will culminate with the Florida Cabinet touring Medical City.

CFO Jeff Atwater Launches Operation S.A.F.E for Seniors with Be Scam Smart Workshop in Cape Coral

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:56:46 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services, in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, is holding a free workshop for seniors, their families and their caregivers. Called Be Scam Smart, the workshop will teach attendees how to spot a scam, how scams work, and steps they can take to protect themselves.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Recognizes Arson Awareness Week

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:43:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today recognized May 5-11, 2013, as Arson Awareness Week. The theme of the week is Reducing Residential Arson. Last year, the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal investigated 3,720 fires that caused $166 million in damage. More than 1,500 of those fires were classified as arson and caused an estimated $69 million of property damage.

CFO Atwater Praises Legislature for Passing Measures to Increase Transparency, Consumer Protection and Economic Prosperity

Sat, 04 May 2013 12:30:15 GMT

On the closing day of the 2013 Legislative Session, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater praised legislative leaders for supporting his priorities to increase government transparency and accountability, protect Florida’s consumers, and get government off the backs of hardworking Floridians to foster economic prosperity.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Joins Governor Scott in Signing Legislation Automating Unclaimed Property Claims

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:41:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today joined Governor Rick Scott, Senator Flores (R-Miami) and Representative Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) at a bill signing ceremony for SB 464, which allows the CFO’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property to create a fully automated claims process.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Returns Misused Funds to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:31:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the return of $310,000 to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for false claims made against APD by the Hillsborough Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc., d/b/a the Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Center (HARC). The agreement with HARC, in settlement of the civil case only, is based upon allocations of $254,758 to APD for civil damages and $55,242 to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) for investigative expenses. However, CFO Atwater is giving his agency’s funds to APD to be used to benefit the Floridians whom APD serves.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Escambia County Insurance Agent in Life Insurance Scam

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:03:47 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of insurance agent Randall Petersen, 47, of Cantonment, on several felony charges including insurance fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification. Investigators contend that Petersen created a fictitious employment company to lure individuals into applying for fraudulent life insurance policies earning him more than $330,000 in bonuses and commissions.

CFO Jeff Atwater Launches Operation S.A.F.E. to Stop Adult Financial Exploitation

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:02:22 GMT

In honor of Older Americans Month in May, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is launching Operation S.A.F.E., a new initiative to “Stop Adult Financial Exploitation” and turn the tables on fraud artists who target Florida’s seniors. CFO Atwater is seeking to combat statistics that estimate at least one in five seniors has been a victim of financial fraud.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Orlando Woman Accused of Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance Benefits

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:43:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Latoya Daniels, 33, of Orlando, for public assistance fraud. Daniels is alleged to have provided false information in order to receive more than $26,200 in food stamp and Medicaid benefits.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Unanimous Passage of Reforms to Aid Holocaust Survivors

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:33:17 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 936 and House Bill 913 today, sponsored by Senator Lee (R-Brandon) and Representative Bileca (R-Miami) and prime co-sponsor Representative Rader (D-Delray Beach). This bill allows the Department of Financial Services to seek restitution for Nazi-confiscated bank accounts, art and property; provide education to Holocaust survivors as to the existence of the restitution program; and to assist survivors in receiving needed health benefits.

CFO Atwater Announces Arrests of Two Miami-Dade County Residents for $35 Million in Fraudulent Transactions in ‘Operation Dirty Money’ Scheme

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:00:08 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrests of John Diaz, 45, Pinecrest, for money laundering, organized scheme to defraud (first-degree felonies), multiple money service business violations (second-degree felonies), and two counts of workers’ compensation fraud (both third-degree felonies) and Mercedes Avila-Diaz, 44, Pinecrest, for two counts of workers’ compensation fraud (both third-degree felonies).

CFO Jeff Atwater Invites You to Learn More About ‘Florida’s Financial History’ in celebration of Viva Florida 500

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:27:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released Florida’s Financial History , a new website feature to celebrate Florida’s 500th birthday. The interactive, online application tracks the growth of the state’s diverse economy since Ponce de Leon first discovered “the land of flowers” all the way to the launch of Apollo 11 from Kennedy Space Center.

CFO Jeff Atwater Recognizes Consumer Awareness Week with New Educational Resources for Consumers

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:47:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today is urging Florida consumers to take advantage of new financial education resources in his online OnDemand Library in honor of Consumer Awareness Week, which begins Sunday and continues through April 20.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi Announce Conviction of Senior Scammer for $2 Million Investment Fraud

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:20:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today the conviction of former insurance agent Neal Seth Smalbach, 50, of Palm Harbor, for grand theft in misrepresenting details of financial products to more than 30 senior clients who suffered losses of more than $2 million in unsuitable financial investments.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Winners of Florida Students $ave Essay Contest Promoting Financial Planning Among High School Students

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:06:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the five top winners in the Florida Students $ave Essay Contest, a statewide contest held for Florida high school students to get them to think about the importance of planning for their economic futures. CFO Atwater is announcing the winners as part of Financial Literacy Month.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Port Saint Lucie Woman Accused of $46,000 in Childcare Provider Fraud

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:22:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Jennifer Godown, 37, of Port Saint Lucie, for public assistance fraud, theft and forgery, all third degree felonies. Godown, owner of Inspirational Minds Academy, formerly known as Little Hands Academy, is accused of fraudulently receiving more than $46,000 from September 23, 2009 through June 22, 2011 in funding for a Voluntary Prekindergarten program (VPK) from the State of Florida.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding Florida’s A-minus Grade for Transparency in PIRG’s Following the Money Report

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:58:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s (PIRG) 2013 Following the Money report, which gave Florida a grade of A-minus for overall transparency based on the Department of Financial Services’ Transparency Florida website. PIRG ranked Florida third in the nation for state government transparency. According to PIRG: “No state made a more dramatic improvement in its letter grade this year than Florida. The CFO’s site improved from a ‘D’ in last year’s report to an ‘A-minus’ this year.”

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Top Dimwitted Fraud Criminals: Confessions of a Fraud Artist

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:09:21 GMT

This week Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the second installment of Florida’s top dimwitted fraud criminals arrested by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF). Although committing fraud is not a laughing matter, these cases serve as a reminder to dishonest Floridians that if you try to cheat the system for your own personal gain, you will be caught and justice will be served.

Universal Health Care Insurance Company and Universal Health Care, Inc. Ordered Into Receivership

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:03:30 GMT

On March 21, 2013, Leon County Judge Charles Francis ordered Universal Health Care, Inc. (HMO) into receivership. Today, Judge Francis also ordered Universal Health Care Insurance Company into receivership. Both companies currently have been placed in receivership for purposes of rehabilitation but will automatically go into liquidation at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2013. The Florida Department of Financial Services is the appointed Receiver of both companies.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Permanent License Revocation of Scammer of Volusia County Seniors

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:13:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the permanent license revocation of insurance agent Kenneth Mauchin, 48, of Sanford, following an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Agent & Agency Services that alleged he misappropriated client funds of persons age 65 or older. Last month, he also pleaded no contest to charges of exploitation of the elderly and grand theft. He was sentenced to 13 months in state prison and eight years of probation and ordered to repay more than $44,000 he scammed from three elderly citizens.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Presents Fire Service Awards

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:35:14 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater this week recognized the Lake Tech Fire Academy and honored 10 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.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Tampa Plumber for Fraud

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:24:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Timothy Wayne Sexton, 25, a representative of Plumbing Rescue Company located in Tampa. On several occasions Plumbing Rescue employees allegedly pressured homeowners into completing thousands of dollars in unnecessary plumbing repairs by using scare tactics and false statements.

In Recognition of Fraud Prevention Month: CFO Jeff Atwater’s Top Dim-Witted Fraud Criminals

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:45:31 GMT

In recognition of Fraud Prevention Month and to continue to raise awareness of the impact of insurance fraud on Florida’s consumers, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will be releasing the top dim-witted fraud criminals arrested by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud throughout the month of March. Although committing fraud is not a laughing matter, these cases serve as a reminder to those dishonest Floridians that if you try to cheat the system for your own personal gain, you will be caught and justice will be served.

CFO Atwater Announces Arrest of Pensacola Woman Charged with Stealing More Than $68,000 in Public Assistance

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:02:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Rose Gamlin, 55, from Pensacola, on two counts of public assistance fraud and one count of identity theft resulting in $68,501.85 of stolen Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from her sister who lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Reaccreditation of the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:44:46 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the reaccreditation of the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations. The Bureau earned reaccreditation status from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA), an agency committed to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism for Florida law enforcement agencies.

CFO Atwater Announces Arrest of Ringleader in ‘Operation Dirty Money’ Scheme

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:49:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Domenick Pucillo, one of the ringleaders in the fraud schemes targeted as part of continuing enforcement efforts under “Operation Dirty Money.” Pucillo filed false documentation with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation seeking to become a principal of I&T Financial Services, LLC, a business that allegedly was set up to execute a large-scale check-cashing scheme for the purposes of evading the cost of workers’ compensation coverage. During this investigation, approximately $1 million was seized by the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Task Force.

CFO Jeff Atwater Launches Financial Frontlines to Prepare Florida’s Military Servicemembers to Fight Financial Fraud and Debt

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:19:59 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the launch of Financial Frontlines, a new website to provide information and resources to help Florida’s 58,000 military servicemembers fight back against financial fraud and debt. Financial Frontlines is being released in collaboration with Military Saves Week, which begins today and continues through Saturday.

CFO Atwater’s 2013 Legislative Agenda Focuses on Core Principles: Transparency, Consumer Protection, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Government to Promote Economic Prosperity

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:00:15 GMT

Continuing his commitment to the principles that have marked his first two years in office, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced his 2013 legislative agenda. CFO Atwater will advocate for reforms that increase government transparency and accountability, protect Florida’s consumers, fight fraud, get government off the backs of hardworking Floridians and foster economic prosperity.

Statement from CFO Jeff Atwater Regarding Citizens’ Plans to Comply with State Procurement Requirements

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:41:09 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s plans to comply with state procurement guidelines outlined in section 287.057, Florida Statutes.

CFO Jeff Atwater Protects Florida’s Construction Workers during Statewide Sweep

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:26:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the results of a two-day statewide sweep of 375 construction jobsites to protect construction employees by ensuring compliance with Florida's workers' compensation laws. Investigators contacted more than 770 employers and issued 70 citations to construction companies and other businesses that put their employees at risk by failing to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Miami Public Adjuster and Four Others in Property Insurance Fraud Scheme

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:10:03 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Miami public adjuster Roberto Alvarez, 44, for allegedly submitting more than $270,000 in fraudulent homeowners insurance claims. Also arrested were four homeowners whom Alvarez recruited to participate in the scheme to defraud.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Pushing for Contracting Reform in 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:05:45 GMT

Since he was first elected as CFO, Jeff Atwater has been advocating for reforms to the state contracting system, which spends more than $50 billion of taxpayer dollars annually. As CFO, Atwater has already increased transparency via Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System or ‘FACTS’ and accountability through 600 audits of contracts and grant agreements last fiscal year.

Proposed Legislation Would Give Cancer Patients Improved Access to Life-Saving Treatments Prescribed by Physicians

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:51:38 GMT

Working to protect the rights of Florida cancer patients, Representative Debbie Mayfield and Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto have sponsored legislation that will increase access to life-saving, orally administered cancer treatments. The bill, titled The Cancer Treatment Fairness Act, would protect patients from having to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for a cancer medication that is taken by mouth than for a cancer medication that is administered intravenously (IV). The proposal applies to plans that already cover cancer treatment; it does not require health plans to cover cancer treatment.

CFO Jeff Atwater and DCF Secretary David Wilkins Announce New Efforts to Combat Fraud

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:19:12 GMT

Today, at the quarterly meeting of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary David Wilkins announced the results of a study commissioned by the Strike Force to measure fraud in the Florida’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—a federal program run according to guidelines mandated by the federal government.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of a Panama City Man for Grand Theft of More Than $500,000

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:51:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida State Attorney Bill Eddins, today announced the arrest of Jeffrey J. Del Monte for grand theft and aggravated white collar crime for the misuse of more than $500,000 in public funds.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Accident Clinic Owner and 6 Others in Miami Fraud Sweep

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:26:03 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Madelaine Osoria, 41, massage therapist and owner of Well-Care Rehab Services, Inc., for insurance fraud for her role in filing false Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance claims from staged auto accidents. Six other clinic employees or staged accident participants were also arrested.

CFO Jeff Atwater Sponsors Resolution Recognizing Thrift Week

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:39:11 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has sponsored a resolution recognizing Jan. 17–23, 2013, 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 Jeff Atwater Encourages Floridians to Search $25 Million in New Unclaimed Property Accounts

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:25:10 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced 61,271 new unclaimed property accounts, worth more than $25 million, are being received as part of a settlement with AIG related to unclaimed life insurance benefits. This represents only the first of what is expected to be additional remittances to be made by the insurer.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces 19 Arrests in Jacksonville Accident Clinic Sting

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:06:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Valerie Marshal, 24, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Indian Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (IRCI), and 18 others for insurance fraud for alleged involvement in a fraudulent accident clinic ring.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of a Bay County Man Charged with Grand Theft and Arson

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:38:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Shawn Blaine Robidoux, of Bay County, after a joint investigation involving the State Fire Marshal Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation (BFAI), the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Lynn Haven Police & Fire departments determined that Robidoux had stolen a vehicle and set it on fire.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Letter to Governor Rick Scott regarding Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:20:00 GMT

Please see the attached letter from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater to Governor Rick Scott regarding the appointment and reporting structure of an inspector general at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Federal Housing Finance Authority’s Proposed Housing Tax on Floridians

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:42:53 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater released the following statement regarding his public comments to the Federal Housing Finance Authority regarding the proposed tax on Floridians. The FHFA proposal would increase Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Guarantee Fee (“g-fee”) which could raise the total lifetime cost of mortgages by potentially thousands of dollars for aspiring homebuyers.

CFO Atwater Offers ‘Paying for College: Controlling Your Degree of Debt’

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:55:48 GMT

Webinar Aims to Help Families Looking for College Financial Aid

As part of his Your Money Matter$ initiative, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that the Department of Financial Services is teaming up with the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA) to offer a webinar entitled “Paying for College: Controlling Your Degree of Debt.”

Governor Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Announce Settlement in Art Litigation

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:19:49 GMT

Today, Gov. Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater released the following statement, announcing that a settlement has been reached between the state and Peter Brown Construction and Signature Art Gallery, involving the procurement of artwork for state buildings begun under the previous administration:

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Conviction of Tampa Senior Scammer

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:57:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the conviction of Richard M. Incandela, 60, for defrauding two Tampa seniors out of nearly $490,000 in life insurance premiums.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrest of a Former State Correctional Officer for Over $2.7 Million in Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:53:57 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of David Brownell, 47, a former corrections officer at the Glades Correctional Institution on a charge of first-degree workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly faking illness to fraudulently collect over $2.7 million in claims payments.

Members of the Public Invited to Comment on Accreditation for the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:11:30 GMT

A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) are scheduled to examine the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) for reaccreditation December 11-13, 2012. As part of the on-site assessment, members of the community are invited to offer written comments about the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations’ ability to meet the standards of accreditation.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Two Arrests in Undercover Sarasota PIP Clinic Sting

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:56:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of Nerber A. Iglesias, 40, and Michael Borkowski, 42, for patient brokering and involvement in an ongoing personal injury protection (PIP) fraud scheme in Manatee County. These arrests were the result of an undercover sting.

CFO Jeff Atwater Finds More Than $199,000 in Unclaimed Property for South Florida Residents during Phone Bank Event

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:03:56 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property returned more than $199,319 to 797 consumers Thursday evening during a phone bank event for South Florida and Treasure Coast residents. In the 12 hours after the phone bank, the Unclaimed Property website had 6,949 visits to the website.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti Announce More Arrests in ‘Operation Dirty Money’

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:21:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti today announced an additional arrest as part of continuing enforcement efforts under “Operation Dirty Money,” Evelio Suarez, 47, husband of current defendant Zairis Cruz, was arrested on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit workers’ compensation fraud and grand theft. During this investigation approximately $1 million was seized.

Media Advisory: Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Hosts the 2012 Annual Southeastern Accelerant Detection Canine Recertification

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:25:56 GMT

WHO:     Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater
WHAT:   2012 Annual Southeastern Accelerant Detection Canine Recertification
WHEN:   Wednesday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.
WHERE: First Coast Technical College, 3640 Gaines Road in St. Augustine, FL 32084

CFO Jeff Atwater and Florida Chamber Foundation Announce Results of Small Business Lending Survey

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:37:43 GMT

As part of his mission to help create conditions that foster a prosperous economic environment, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater partnered with the Florida Chamber Foundation in June to survey community banks and credit unions on critical economic issues impacting Florida’s small businesses. Today, CFO Atwater and Dale A. Brill, Ph.D., president of the Florida Chamber Foundation announced the results of the 2012 Small Business Lending Survey.

CFO Atwater Hosts Free Tax Guide Webinar for Florida’s Small Businesses

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:31:16 GMT

As part of his Your Money Matters initiative, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today that the Department of Financial Services is teaming up with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) to offer “Tax Facts: A Guide for Small Business Owners.” This free webinar will provide practical and useful information to help small businesses focus on year-end tax planning strategies and comes on the heels of the CFO’s successful Small Business Leadership forum in September.

CFO Atwater Invites Teens to Submit Essay Describing Strategies to Meet Financial Goals as Part of Statewide Essay Contest

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:02:45 GMT

As part of his mission to educate Floridians about critical financial issues that affect the security and prosperity of their futures and families, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the launch of his Florida Students $ave Essay Contest. The contest will award hundreds of dollars to Florida students who present the best research and planning in response to scenarios that reflect short- and long-term financial goals.

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Applauds Conviction of Jacksonville Man in Apartment Complex Fire

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:08:53 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today applauded the conviction of Christopher Koepke, 31, of Jacksonville, for arson and insurance fraud after he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for setting multiple fires at the Columns Apartments. The arrest was the result of an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud and Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti Announce More Arrests in Joint Workers’ Compensation Task Force Investigations

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:37:48 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti announced today the additional arrests stemming from the newly formed Broward County Workers’ Compensation Fraud Joint Task Force. Barbara Macineiras, 39, owner of JC Check Cashing Store, Inc., and Akram Musa, 45, have been arrested: Macineiras for involvement in a large-scale check cashing scheme and Musa for operating as an unlicensed money transmitter.

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces Sentencing of Lee County Man Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:44:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the sentencing of Elbert Luis Mesa Diaz of Lee County after a joint investigation involving the State Fire Marshal Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI) and Citizen’s Property Insurance Corporation Special Investigations Unit. The investigation revealed that Diaz intentionally set fire to a residence and later submitted a fire loss insurance claim for more than $200,000.

Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces 7th Annual Volunteer Firefighter Training Weekend

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:22:52 GMT

Small Business Leadership Forum Gives Small Business Owners Tools to Succeed

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:35:04 GMT

Small business owners from across the state convene today at the Westin Harbour Island Hotel in Tampa for the two-day 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum aimed at strategically helping their businesses have long-term prosperity and increasing their bottom lines.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Appoints Jay Etheridge as Deputy CFO Over Law Enforcement

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:12:47 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the appointment of veteran law enforcement officer and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Chief of Investigations Jay Etheridge as Deputy CFO over Law Enforcement. Mr. Etheridge will oversee the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud, which enforces the criminal laws related to insurance transactions, Division of State Fire Marshal, which is responsible for conducting fire, arson and explosives investigations, and the Division of Public Assistance Fraud, which investigates cases of fraud within federal and state public assistance programs.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests in Miami Staged Accident Scheme Linked to Six Fraud Rings

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:55:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrests of eight individuals involved in multiple staged accidents in Miami-Dade County connected to six PIP fraud rings.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Urges Floridians to Prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:36:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today urged Floridians to continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and prepare to “Protect their Home Base” including taking the necessary financial and fire safety precautions to weather the storm. Tropical Storm Isaac is intensifying and is expected to make landfall in the Florida Keys on Sunday evening as a Category 1 hurricane.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti Announce Additional Arrest in ‘Operation Dirty Money’

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:33:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti today announced an additional arrest as part of continuing enforcement efforts under Operation Dirty Money. Zairis Cruz, 37, employee of I & T Financial Service, LLC, located in Miami, was charged with 29 counts of money service business violations for her part in a $2.5 million, fraudulent check cashing scheme.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrests of Tampa Health Insurance Company Executives for Hiding Company’s Insolvency

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:51:23 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of Sabiha Haider Khan, 37, and Nazeer Haider Khan, 40, executives of Quality Health Plans, Inc., located in Tampa, for intentionally filing misleading information to the Office of Insurance Regulation to conceal the financial instability of the company and placing policyholders at risk.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the Independent Analysis of the Potential Impact of HB 119 on Florida’s Consumers

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:33:04 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding the independent analysis, prepared by Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, Inc., of the impact of HB 119 on Florida’s consumers.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Announces Contract Images Added to Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System – FACTS

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:50:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that the five highest-dollar-amount contracts from each state agency have been added to the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System – FACTS. In June, CFO Atwater launched the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive, online tool that offers Floridians greater visibility into how their government is doing business.

CFO Atwater’s Office to Host Financial Workshops for Florida Seniors and their Caregivers

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:04:20 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that his office will host a series of workshops to arm Florida seniors with information about the financial and insurance products being marketed to them as well as popular scams directed at their demographic. Entitled “Golden Rules for Your Golden Years,” the free workshops are designed to help seniors better navigate the marketplace and make better financial decisions.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Additional Charges for Palm Beach Gardens Ponzi Schemer

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:15:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the filing of additional charges against convicted Ponzi schemer Joseph D. Ransberger, 49, for 105 counts of grand theft and money laundering. The new charges allege that Ranzberger, a former Palm Beach Gardens insurance agent, conducted a Ponzi scheme to defraud premium finance companies out of more than $1 million dollars in premium finance loans. A premium finance company is a lending institution that finances insurance premiums for a fee.

CFO Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti Announce Arrests in ‘Operation Dirty Money,’ Workers’ Comp Fraud Check Cashing Scheme

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:32:32 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti today announced multiple arrests in “Operation Dirty Money,” an investigation conducted by the recently formed Workers’ Compensation Fraud Task Force, which has to date netted more than $140 million in fraudulent transactions associated with 12 shell companies. The task force, created jointly by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), charged eight individuals with workers’ compensation fraud and money laundering for their involvement in a large-scale check cashing scheme to evade the cost of workers’ compensation coverage.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Announces Record Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns in Fiscal Year 2011/2012

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:47:03 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that more than $211 million in unclaimed cash and property was returned to Floridians during Fiscal Year 2011/2012—nearly 12 percent more than the previous fiscal year. Last year, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property approved nearly 300,000 claims to reunite Floridians with their unclaimed property.

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces the Arrest of a Fort Myers Man for Misappropriation of State Funds

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:53:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Department of Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson and State Attorney Stephen Russell of the 20th Judicial Circuit today announced the arrest of Robert Michael Eugene “Gene” Bruist, 35, of Fort Myers, for misappropriation of more than $900,000 in funds intended for use by the now defunct Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida (CILSWFL), a local non-profit that was providing services to persons with disabilities in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

Reemployment Services Program for Injured Employees Moves to the Department of Financial Services

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:46:21 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) will be managing the Reemployment Services Program for injured employees, effective July 1, 2012. The program, previously administered by the Department of Education (DOE), will now be housed in the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Reemployment Services helps workers return to work when a work-related injury or illness, covered under the Florida workers’ compensation law, prevents returning to their usual line of work.

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

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:03:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today urged Floridians to celebrate safely during upcoming Fourth of July celebrations.

CFO Jeff Atwater Unveils Web Tool Shining Light on State Contracting

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:34:21 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today launched the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System—FACTS, a comprehensive online tool that offers Floridians greater visibility into how their government is doing business. The new FACTS tool, available on CFO Atwater’s Transparency Florida website, makes state contracting processes transparent through a centralized, statewide contract reporting system.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Announces 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum and Keynote Speaker

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:38:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced he will host the 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum, in partnership with The Jim Moran Institute, in Tampa on Sept. 6-7, 2012, at the Westin Harbour Island Hotel. CFO Atwater and The Jim Moran Institute’s goal for the forum is to bring together business leaders, investors, and academic and industry experts to share best practices, resources and opportunities for strategically moving small businesses toward long-term prosperity and positively impacting their bottom lines.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Man for Attempted Arson and Prowling

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:50:54 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Darrian Denard Corbitt, of Jacksonville, after a joint investigation involving the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation (BFAI) determined that Corbitt intended to set a car repair business on fire.

Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on the Signing of HB 1277 Fighting Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:47:50 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today released the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 1277 that aims to curb workers’ compensation fraud.

CFO Jeff Atwater Urges Floridians to ‘Protect Your Home Base’ and Prepare Financially for Hurricane Season

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:20:39 GMT

During the first week of the 2012 Hurricane Season, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is urging Floridians to “Protect Your Home Base” and prepare financially for a storm this year. With two named storms before the season officially began, one making landfall in Florida just two weeks ago, now is the time for Floridians to prepare and protect their homes and businesses.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Orlando Woman Charged with Attempted Murder and Arson

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:06:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Chimere Monet Brown, of Orlando, after an investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) determined that Brown intentionally started a fire at a local hotel.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Ocala Man Charged with Arson, Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Theft

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:56:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Clay Antonio Davis Jr. of Ocala, after a joint investigation involving the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Marion County Sheriff’s Office determined that Davis burglarized and burned two vehicles, and damaged a third one.

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.

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.