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CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest of Jacksonville Insurance Agent in Insurance Fraud Scheme

Jacksonville (09/14/21) - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Reuben Bradley Dunbar for insurance fraud and organized fraud by a licensed insurance agent. Dunbar allegedly submitted fraudulent life insurance policy applications without the knowledge or consent of the named policyholder to obtain advanced commissions.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Fraud committed by a Florida-licensed insurance agent is especially despicable as it breaks the important confidence consumers must have in a trusted insurance advisor. Insurance fraud like this drives up insurance rates for all Floridians, and I thank my dedicated fraud detectives for uncovering this financial scheme to prevent further victims. As your CFO, I will continue to do everything in my power to hold fraudsters accountable, and further protect the insurance consumers of Florida."

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CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest in $365,000 Miami Workers' Compensation Premium Fraud Scheme

Miami (07/29/21) - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Zaida Lizzeth Ventura, owner of Miami Finish Carpentry Inc., for workers' compensation premium fraud and grand theft for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $365,000 in workers' compensation premiums.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "When workers' compensation fraud occurs, the result is insurance rates increase across the state, and employees are left unprotected. As CFO, I am committed to holding those accountable who commit these crimes, and I appreciate the hard work of my fraud detectives for conducting a thorough investigation. If you try and withhold workers' compensation payments, you will be held responsible."

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Patronis Meets with POTUS, Requests PTSD Support for Rescue Teams

Surfside (07/02/21) - Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis was part of President Joe Biden's briefing on the collapse at Surfside. At the meeting, the CFO requested President Biden help provide assistance for treating PTSD symptoms that Florida's Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Teams may face.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "I told President Biden that Florida's Urban Search and Rescue Teams have seen and experienced some terrible things in the last few days. I told him I'm concerned about PTSD, and we could use some help in getting these heroes the best support possible. I appreciate his commitment of support."

With the formation of Tropical Storm Elsa in the Atlantic, the CFO highlighted the state's preparation efforts.

CFO and State Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "We're monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa, and right now, many of the models have it headed towards Florida. Our US&R Task Force members, who have been giving every ounce of their efforts in this search and rescue operation, are the same ones that get deployed around the state and nation during major disasters. These teams will only be rotated out once the FEMA US&R teams from other states arrive to ensure seamless work at the site. We'll also ensure there's no reduction of workers assisting in search and rescue operations in Surfside."

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CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Beware of False Surfside GoFundMe Websites

Surfside (07/01/21) - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning anyone looking to contribute to Surfside relief efforts to be cautious of imposter Surfside GoFundMe websites. In the wake of the condo collapse, bad actors will look to set up false charity sites in the hopes of using this tragedy for their own personal gain. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

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CFO Jimmy Patronis Applauds Governor DeSantis for Signing Telephone Solicitation Legislation

Tallahassee (06/30/21) - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement regarding Governor Ron DeSantis' signing of Senate Bill 1120 relating to Telephone Solicitation. CFO Jimmy Patronis supported legislation in the 2021 Regular Session to curb the epidemic of unsolicited telemarketing phone calls that plague the phone lines of Floridians on a daily basis. While some telemarketing tactics are legitimate, the practice is often associated with fraudulent activity, scams, and identity theft.

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