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Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia Makes Fourth Stop in Fort Lauderdale on Statewide Hurricane Preparedness Tour

5/26/2026
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia made his fourth stop in Fort Lauderdale to share safety tips with residents for the 2026 hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and runs until November 30. The statewide hurricane preparedness tour is part of the CFO’s initiative to inform Floridians about being proactive and prepared before severe weather occurs. Over the last several weeks, the Department of Financial Services Consumer Services team has deployed across the state to pass out valuable information to Floridians on how to prepare for a storm and what to do after a storm impacts the state. The team has passed out information to more than 4,000 households.
  
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “With only one week to go until hurricane season starts, Floridians should take the time now to prepare their homes and their families before a storm appears on the radar. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference when a storm is on the horizon.”
 
Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said, “You cannot control the path or direction of a hurricane; however, you can control how prepared you are when the storm arrives. Do not wait until the last minute to be prepared. This can make all the difference when a hurricane shifts towards your region.”
  
Representative Omar Blanco said, “While Florida and our first-class first responders are prepared to respond to any storm, making sure that Floridians are prepared before a storm approaches is the best way to protect your home and your family. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your commitment to getting Florida prepared for hurricane season.”
 
Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan said, “Prepared communities result in safer communities. Just a few simple steps taken can reduce the number of emergencies our firefighters respond to during the aftermath of the storm.”
  
Broward County Emergency Manager Clay Pacheco said, “The time to prepare is before the sky darkens. Stock up on supplies and resources now so you and your loved ones are ready when the storm comes.”
 
Before a storm strikes:
  • Check your home and flood insurance coverage, then compare options to make sure you have the protection you need at the best value.
  • Conduct a home inventory with photos and video of inside and outside of your home.
  • Safeguard important documents in a dry box. 
  • Have cash on hand. 
   
After the storm:
  • Report damage to your agent or insurance company. 
  • Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage and document them. 
  • Beware of fraud and scams. 
  • Verify the license of contractors or adjusters. 
  • Don’t rush into signing a contract with a public adjuster and call the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to see if they can assist you first.
  
Additional after the storm tips:
  • Take pictures, videos, or written notes of the damage.
  • Do not give your personal information without thoroughly verifying who is receiving it and for what purpose.
  • Do not be in a hurry to sign any contract. Public adjusters charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount recovered from the insurance company.
  • If your vehicle is flooded, do not attempt to drive even if the damage appears to be minimal like wet floor mats. Call the insurance company to file a claim and follow their instructions.    
  • Hire licensed and reputable service people, preferably from your community. You can check a contractor's license here.
  • Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm who wants cash only.
  • All legitimate contractors must carry insurance. Ask for proof of Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage. 
  • Keep a log of the communication you exchange with the insurance company adjuster(s).

Call the Consumer Services Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) for insurance questions and assistance.

Photos

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Hurricane Preparedness Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Preparedness Fort Lauderdale

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About the CFO
Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia serves as the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees billions of dollars in state funds and is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential services that support the state’s excellent economy. As State Fire Marshal, CFO Ingoglia also works every day to support Florida’s first responders as they risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.

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