The Division of Consumer Services helps consumers make informed insurance
and financial decisions. Our dedicated and experienced staff are
continuously trained and informed about any changes that occur in the 26
different categories of insurance. Consumer Assistance and Protection is Our
Mission.
The 11-member Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force was
created during the 2010 Legislative Session to increase the effectiveness of
programs and initiatives that work to prevent, detect and prosecute Medicaid
and public assistance fraud. It is CFO Atwater’s goal through the Strike
Force to bring all the parties to the table to ensure that the cheats and
thieves that are taking Floridians’ hard-earned money end up behind bars.
The Division of Insurance Fraud is the law enforcement arm of the
Department of Financial Services and is responsible for investigating
insurance fraud, crimes associated with claim fraud, insurance premium
fraud, workers’ compensation claim fraud, workers’ compensation premium
avoidance and diversions, insurer insolvency fraud, unauthorized insurance
entity fraud and insurance agent crimes. The law enforcement detectives of
the Division of Insurance Fraud also investigate viatical application fraud,
defalcations of escrow funds held in trust by title insurance firms and
non-Medicaid related health care fraud.
The purpose of the work group is to review in depth the practices of the
check cashing services industry that aid in workers’ compensation premium
fraud. Through research and hearings the work group shall identify the
loopholes that allow “shell” construction companies to be established;
evaluate the operation of check cashing services; identify any ambiguity
related to enforcement of the laws governing these entities; and identify
any potential revisions to the statutory framework to eliminate workers’
compensation premium fraud.
The Department of Financial Services is proud of our accomplishments
finding and prosecuting fraud but we could use your help. If you are a
victim of fraud or suspect fraud is occurring, we want to hear from you.
Together we can work to put these criminals out of business and make sure
that Floridians are protected from those who seek to defraud their fellow
citizens.
The Division of Public Assistance Fraud works to prevent, detect and
prosecute public assistance fraud. With field offices around the state, the
Division of Public Assistance Fraud’s staff is well positioned to take a
regional approach to identifying and addressing fraud.
The Division of Workers’ Compensation ensures that Florida’s workers’
compensation system is healthy and useful. The division’s duties include
educating the public about their workers’ compensation rights and
responsibilities, compiling and monitoring system data and promoting and
advocating accident prevention in the workplace.
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is the law enforcement branch
of the division, and is responsible for conducting fire, arson and
explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes (i.e. insurance
fraud, homicide, motor vehicle theft, terrorism, etc.) across the state.
“Suppression of arson and the investigation of the cause, origin, and
circumstances of fire.”
The Office of Fiscal Integrity is the investigative branch of the Division of Accounting and Auditing. OFI is comprised of accountants, investigators and law enforcement detectives. It specializes in the investigation of complex contract and grant fraud as well as schemes that involve the theft of state funds. Instances of intentional misuse of state funds can be reported to
OFI@myfloridacfo.com.