What DFS Can Do For You
Jimmy Patronis
Florida Chief Financial Officer
These days, dealing with daily financial pressures can seem overwhelming to most
Florida families. Learning how to make good financial decisions can protect your
hard-earned dollars and allow you the freedom to do more of what you love.
Whether you are starting a new career, buying your first home, or just trying to
put gas in your tank, I want you to know that as your CFO, I am committed to
ensuring you have the tools you need to build a strong financial future.
As CFO, I oversee the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). My department serves consumers and taxpayers through its work in 13 different divisions and additional initiatives I set forth. A world of information and assistance is provided by the department on issues ranging from insurance education and assistance, fire prevention and safety, and even unclaimed cash and property. I have also established additional priorities to assist Floridians including fighting fraud, consumer protection and fiscal transparency.
One of the 13 divisions I oversee, the Division of Consumer Services, helps consumers make informed insurance and financial decisions. My dedicated and experienced staff members are continuously trained and informed about any changes that occur in 26 different categories of insurance. Consumers can contact a specialist directly by telephone between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the statewide, toll-free number 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236). Consumers can also visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com for 24-hour access to our online insurance library, consumer guides, a calendar of free consumer workshops offered around the state, or to ask a question of an insurance specialist. Other items available include:
- Verify Before You Buy - Check agent and company information and licensure before purchasing an insurance policy.
- Complaint Comparison - Consumers can compare the number of complaints an insurance company has compared to the number of policies they have in force.
- Disaster Assistance - The Division also offers information on protecting your home and family in the event of a natural disaster.
Additionally, I oversee the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, a sworn law enforcement agency that
serves and safeguards citizens and businesses in Florida against acts of insurance fraud, acts of arson, workers' compensation fraud, financial crime and provides forensic services for law enforcement. Our investigators are certified law enforcement officers with the authority to enforce the criminal laws of Florida in relation to insurance transactions, arson and financial investigations, to protect from the resulting impact these crimes have on taxpayers, both personally and financially.
Florida's Bureau of Insurance Fraud leads the nation in the recovery of insurance fraud-related losses through court-ordered restitution. If you or someone you know has been the victim of insurance fraud, please visit our website at www.MyFloridaCFO.com or call our Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.
Individuals who provide tips can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme. The Department of Financial Services has awarded more than $365,000 to 63 citizens as part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program.
My department further serves and protects Floridians by ensuring state dollars are spent according to state law, licensing and regulating insurance agents and agencies, ensuring employers provide workers' compensation coverage as required by law, regulating funeral homes and cemeteries, and rooting out public assistance fraud. To find out if the Department's Division of Unclaimed Property is holding unclaimed cash or property for you, call 1-888-258-2253 or visit www.FLTreasureHunt.gov.
I hope you have learned more about my office and the many ways we serve you everyday. I invite you to visit our website at www.MyFloridaCFO.com to learn more. Rest assured that I am committed to serving you by keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket, where it belongs.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a statewide official, oversees the Department of Financial Services and serves as the State Fire Marshal.
CFO Patronis' priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending.
Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
