Volume 1 Number 52
December 27, 2004










TEXT VERSION

 

 

This 52nd edition of the Consumer eViews marks a year of chronicling Florida's events and the efforts of the Department of Financial Services on behalf of Floridians. Thank you for your interest in our newsletter each week. We look forward to new and exciting issues in 2005.

Looking back at previous issues of eViews brings to mind four hurricanes. Not much can be said to top that aspect of 2004!

The actual storms were a small part of what followed. After initially responding to disaster locations all over the state, we were finding answers to questions, helping to solve problems, working with companies to help policyholders, and facilitating a mediation program.

The work of the Department of Financial Services is still ongoing. And for victims of the storms, the rebuilding of lives will likely evolve further in the coming months.

Thanks and gratitude to all of the state employees, volunteers, neighbors, caregivers and storm victims for working so well to get through these difficult times.

My New Year's resolution will be to keep us all going down the path to recovery, with steady spirits and helping hands.

Happy New Year!

 

The skyline for December is downtown Gainesville, featuring the Hippodrome Theater, originally the post office.
 
 

 

 

MORATORIUM ON INSURANCE CANCELLATIONS AGAIN EXTENDED TO MARCH 31 FOR HOMES NOT YET REPAIRED

In an emergency meeting, Governor Jeb Bush and members of Florida’s Cabinet again moved to approve an emergency rule banning insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing insurance policies of storm victims whose homes have yet to be repaired.  

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, as a member of the Cabinet, urged adoption of the rule to protect thousands of hurricane victims still waiting for repairs to be completed and would be uninsurable if they lost their insurance coverage.  Gallagher had pushed for the rule to be made permanent in Florida law during the recent special session.

“Thousands of Floridians still waiting for help to rebuild or repairs to be done can breathe easier thanks to action we took today,” said Gallagher, who oversees the Florida Department of Financial Services.  The department has taken more than 160,000 calls from Floridians recovering from the back-to-back hurricanes and needing help with their insurance company or financial institution.
CONTINUED

STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE PARTICIPATES IN THE GREAT AMERICAN TEACH-IN

Recently, the State Fire Marshal's Office Bureau of Fire & Arson Investigations participated in the Great American Teach In. The teach-in gives business and community leaders and anyone wanting to share their jobs, interests or hobbies a chance to talk to students. Meanwhile, kids learn about career options.

Detectives from the Bartow Field Office reached out to more than 400 elementary school children and educated them about fire safety and the dangers of fire play. Presentations were given to students in Polk and Hillsborough Counties that included a lecture, question and answer session, and equipment demonstration.

The State Fire Marshal's Office participates annually in this event that provides the Bureau of Fire & Arson Investigations a valuable opportunity to reach out to children across the state of Florida about the consequences of playing with fire. As reported by the NFPA and USFA, between 40-50% of all intentionally set fires are perpetrated by juveniles. Juveniles experimenting with fire contribute to hundreds of fire fatalities nationwide every year.

The BFAI appreciates the opportunity to reach our future generations and hopefully prevent needless loss of life and property.
 

 

 
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTHY KIDS AND KIDCARE JAN. 1-30

Healthy Kids and KidCare open enrollment begins with the new year and continues through the month of January. Children will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date when the application is received.

Starting December 30, 2004, Florida KidCare application forms will be available by calling toll-free 1-888-540-5437or online at www.healthykids.org or www.floridakidcare.org. Applications will also be available at local Department of Children and Families and health department offices.


Florida's child health insurance program, KidCare covers uninsured children from birth through age 18. Four different programs are included: Healthy Kids, MediKids, Children's Medical Services Network and Children's Medicaid. When you apply for insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your children may be eligible for based on age and family income. Many non-citizen children are eligible. CONTINUED
 
 

 

 ONLINE BUYING, SELLING REQUIRE ADDED CAUTION

Take steps to avoid being snagged by shopping scams

Chances are good that you will do at least some of your holiday shopping online this year. With online fraud growing bigger every day, it is worth your while to know how some of the popular shopping scams work and what you can do to protect yourself. Whether you are a shopper or seller, keep these tips in mind.

First, don't be quick to provide personal information. If you must give it out, be sure to use a secure browser.

Second, know whom you are doing business with. Shop online at reputable sites. Buy from easily recognized companies that have "brick and mortar" retail locations and that do e-commerce as a supplement to its regular retail business. If you must do business with a company you don't know, then investigate the Web site.
CONTINUED

Mark Mathosian is a financial administrator with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Office of Financial Regulation. He can be reached at mathosianm@dfs .state.fl.us or by calling 338-2445.