TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis hosted a press conference at Restocon in Tampa to highlight his “Four Pillars of IRS Protection” to safeguard Florida families and businesses from overreach and targeting by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement applauding Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom 2023-2024 budget.

CLERMONT, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis hosted a press conference at USA Roller Chain and Sprockets in Clermont to highlight his “Four Pillars of IRS Protection” to safeguard Florida families and businesses from overreach and targeting by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). The CFO was joined by National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Florida TaxWatch, state legislators and local elected officials.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Jeremy Dewitte on charges of Deposit Check with Intent to Defraud, False and Fraudulent Motor Vehicle Insurance Application, Sexual Offender Fail to Register Insurance Vehicle, False and Fraudulent Motor Vehicle Insurance Application, False and Fraudulent Insurance Claim Under $20,000, Communications Fraud Over $300, Staged Crash, False and Fraudulent Insurance Claim Under $20,000, Communications Fraud Over $300, and Scheme to Defraud Under $20,000.

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis attended the Scams and Fraud Seminar in The Villages and highlighted his “Be Scam Smart” financial safety video series for senior citizens. The “Be Scam Smart” videos are designed to be a simple and accessible way for senior citizens to learn the warning signs of a scam, and how to not become a victim of identity theft. In 2021, it was estimated that seniors in the United States lost nearly $1 billion to scams. The free online videos cover topics such as common scam tactics, identity theft, and what to know before you purchase annuities and reverse mortgages. Visit MyFloridaCFO.com/SAFE to learn more.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced his support for HB 379 and SB 52 by Representative Brad Yeager and Senator Danny Burgess that requires Florida school districts to prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by each district. Further, the bill calls for in-school instruction on social media safety and how best it can be utilized in personal and professional life.

Today, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced that last week, January 23 through January 28, over $5.4 million in insurance claims checks were cut by 13 participating insurance companies at Insurance Villages in Punta Gorda, Englewood, and Fort Myers for 1,086 residents impacted by Hurricane Ian. Representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program, the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were on scene meeting with consumers as well. These Hurricane Ian Insurance Villages have provided opportunities for local area residents having insurance issues to meet directly with their insurance company and work together to resolve outstanding claims.

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis appointed Ken Jones to the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) Investment Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC provides independent policy oversight of SBA’s funds and major investment responsibilities. Ken Jones’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation and his term expires on December 12, 2023.

Today, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced that, as a follow up to last year’s deployment of initial payment centers to Southwest Florida due to Hurricane Ian, the Division of Consumer Services is hosting an Insurance Village today, Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th. The village will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their property insurer in-person and work together to resolve outstanding claims. Representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and more than a dozen insurers are expected to be on hand to assist insurance consumers.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis highlighted proposed legislation to provide Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) coverage for Florida’s emergency dispatchers and Crime Scene Investigators (CSI). In 2018, CFO Patronis successfully championed legislation to provide vital PTSD benefits for Florida’s first responders under the state’s workers’ compensation system. Senate Bill 352 and House Bill 337, filed recently for the 2023 Legislative Session by Senator Burgess and Representative McFarland, will expand those same coverages to civilian emergency support personnel who are also impacted by the devastating effects of PTSD.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) regarding the recent collapse of cryptocurrency exchange firm FTX. The CFO encouraged OFR to use every tool the financial regulatory agency has to aid Floridians impacted by the FTX financial collapse.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a directive barring asset managers within Florida’s deferred compensation program from investing participants’ compensation in financial products associated with Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) standards.

Today, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced that, as a follow up to last year’s deployment of initial payment centers to Southwest Florida due to Hurricane Ian, the Division of Consumer Services will host three Insurance Villages the week of January 23 through January 28. The villages will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their property insurer in-person and work together to resolve outstanding claims. Representatives from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and more than a dozen insurers are expected to be on hand to assist insurance consumers.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing the week of January 16, 2023 – January 20, 2023 as Florida Thrift Week. This proclamation highlights the practice and the benefits of thrift and the positive impacts it has on Florida’s economy. Thrift is a long-time American tradition that promotes financial literacy which leads to responsible consumerism and smart saving practices.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet presented Sergeant David “Shack” Cox of the Florida Highway Patrol with a Cabinet Resolution honoring his service and recognizing him as the 2021 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Cox has served the State of Florida as a highway patrol officer since 2006.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet honored and recognized individuals from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) who were awarded special honors in 2021. These annual awards acknowledge the dedicated public servants who represent the State of Florida and work around the clock to keep Floridians safe.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of five individuals in Dade County for their alleged involvement in a staged automobile accident insurance fraud scheme. The five individuals were allegedly paid $1,000 each to participate in the staged automobile accident and receive treatment at local personal injury protection (PIP) clinics with the intent to fraudulently bill insurance companies out of more than $50,000.

In recognition of January as Financial Wellness Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to know the warning signs of financial scams and is sharing tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. The month is an opportunity to highlight the issues faced by Florida firefighters, as well as the need for decontamination gear and firefighter cancer coverage. According to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), cancer remains the number one line-of-duty death in the entirety of the fire service.

Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that more than $26 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians during the month of December. In 2022, the CFO’s Division of Unclaimed Property returned a grand total of $351.2 million. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $1.8 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.

FORT MCCOY, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Jessie James Kropp on one count of Arson in Marion County for allegedly lighting a mortar-style firework in his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle, shattering the back window and causing extensive fire damage. Kropp also attempted to avoid arrest by initiating a high-speed vehicle chase before being taken into custody by law enforcement.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on Inauguration Day. CFO Patronis was sworn in today to serve his second term alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Florida’s newly elected Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.