Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today praised the Florida Legislature for their support of his 2019 legislative priorities, including cancer coverage benefits for firefighters, measures to stop rampant AOB abuse, protections for the Jewish community against anti-Semitism, financial literacy requirements for Florida’s schools, as well as protections for Florida’s law enforcement animals.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Since day one, it has been my priority to fight for first responders and every Florida family. This legislative session was no different: Florida firefighters will now have access to vital cancer benefits and homeowners will now take back control of their insurance benefits from the bad actors who prey on them.
“These priorities not only protect Floridians, but they also protect our economic future. Our work doesn’t end here: we will continue to tackle fraud, protect Floridians from identity theft, and protect our economy. I thank the Florida Legislature for their support and Governor Ron DeSantis for his continued leadership. Together, we will build a better, stronger Florida.”
Key reforms advocated by CFO Patronis include the following:
Protecting Florida’s Firefighters from Cancer
Senate Bill 426: CFO Patronis’ top priority this year was to add benefits for Florida’s firefighters as they battle cancer. With the increased rates of cancer-related deaths for firefighters, the unanimous passage of this bill is a monumental victory for these heroes across the state.
Tackling Florida’s Rampant AOB Abuse
House Bill 7065: CFO Patronis constantly urged lawmakers to bring everyone to the table and address out of control abuse of Florida’s Assignment of Benefits (AOB) process to protect consumers from bad actors who look to game the system.
Defending Florida’s Jewish Community from Anti-Semitism
House Bill 741: CFO Patronis worked to further strengthen and solidify Florida’s steadfast relationship with its Jewish communities and condemn anti-Semitism in any form. He has made it clear—hate has no place in our society.
Shielding Law Enforcement Animals
Senate Bill 96: CFO Patronis advocated on behalf of voiceless yet critical members of law enforcement teams across our state—law enforcement animals. This bill increases penalties on criminals who intend to harm these heroes.
Ensuring Florida’s Students Learn Vital Financial Literacy Skills
House Bill 7071: CFO Patronis applauded efforts to implement needed financial literacy education in Florida’s school systems. Financial literacy is vital to making informed financial decisions and building a foundation for life-long financial wellness.
Serving Floridians Through the Florida Department of Financial Services
House Bill 1393: CFO Jimmy Patronis oversees the Florida Department of Financial Services and this bill allows the Department to better serve Floridians by streamlining licensing, directing the Department to implement best practices among fire professionals to help prevent cancer, helping insurance consumers understand the mediation process, and helping to more easily return unclaimed property to Floridians.
Solidifying PTSD Benefits for First Responders
House Bill 983: Having championed legislation last session relating to PTSD Benefits for First Responders, CFO Patronis worked with numerous stakeholders through the rulemaking process and this bill ratifies the rules implementing these important benefits.
Blockchain Technology Task Force
Senate Bill 1024: CFO Patronis is always focused on removing potential avenues for fraud and protecting consumers. Blockchain technologies provide a secure and paperless way to maintain transaction records on a shared ledger. Increasing the difficulty of amending transaction records creates a vital avenue of transparency for the state.
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
