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Beware of Credit Card Skimmers at the Pump This Holiday Weekend

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Ahead of projected record-breaking travel this Independence Day, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is providing simple tips to help Floridians and visitors avoid credit card skimmers at the gas pump. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has found and removed 276 credit card skimmers from gas pumps so far this year.
“Identity theft is the last thing Floridians and visitors want to deal with while traveling,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “An educated consumer is the best defense, and I encourage travelers to follow these simple tips to avoid skimmers this holiday weekend.”
Travelers can take the following steps to avoid skimmers at gas stations:

  • Pay in cash inside the store to ensure credit card information stays safe.
  • Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with.
  • Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store.
  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
  • If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of putting a PIN number in. That way, the PIN number is safe.
  • Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
  • Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.

Commissioner Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature last year to change Florida law to better protect consumers from identity theft at gas station pumps by:

  • Requiring self-service fuel dispensers to use certain security measures to prevent theft of consumer financial information;
  • Increasing enforcement authority against those who possess or traffic fraudulent credit cards;
  • Reclassifying the crime of unlawful conveyance of fuel, which increases the maximum sentence; and
  • Increasing the offense level of the crime, which affects sentencing guidelines.

Consumers who suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with should contact the gas station manager, local law enforcement or the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
The department regularly inspects gas stations and analyzes samples of petroleum products to ensure consumers are being offered quality products at a fair measure. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Industry Alert: Check Cashing Compliance

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The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) reminds all check cashers to be fully aware of and adhere to the requirements of Chapter 560, Florida Statutes.
Check cashers are reminded to comply with all reporting and record-keeping requirements and to ensure strict adherence to their anti-money laundering programs. Chapter 560, Florida Statutes, requires businesses operating as check cashers to develop, implement and maintain an effective anti-money laundering policy and to report suspicious activity to the OFR. Florida law also requires check cashers to maintain all books, records and other information necessary for determining compliance, as well as file all reports timely, and include information as specified in administrative rule.
In addition, when cashing checks in excess of $1,000 or cashing corporate checks, a check casher has additional compliance responsibilities, including entering information into Florida’s check cashing database. Compliance with these requirements is essential to preventing check cashers from becoming a conduit for criminal activity. We encourage check cashers to review and fully understand compliance requirements. The OFR supports check cashers who comply with the law and provide important services to Floridians. The OFR routinely examines all check cashers to ensure they are complying with Chapter 560, Florida Statutes.

For more information, please contact the OFR’s Customer Service Help Line at (850) 487-9687.

Lyft to launch statewide across Florida

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Today Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company in the US, announced it will be expanding across the entire state of Florida on Saturday, July 1 at 12 PM.
Just in time for the Fourth of July Weekend, historically the deadliest alcohol-related weekend of the year, Lyft’s safe, affordable rides will be available to help Florida residents and visitors enjoy the holiday.
AAA anticipates a record setting 44.2 million Americans will travel for Independence Day weekend, with Florida topping their list of destinations. This means busier roadways, with more drivers who are unfamiliar with them. But with the advent of ridesharing services, research shows that Lyft has helped reduce DUI infractions in Miami by 87%, in Orlando and Jacksonville by 89%, and in Tampa by 92%.
“Lyft’s goal is to connect communities, and part of that mission means helping people arrive safely,” said Samuel Cohen, General Manager of Lyft Florida. “Blanketing the Sunshine State in Lyft service is an accomplishment we take a lot of pride in.”
Lyft is currently available at over a dozen airports across Florida and continues to work with airports across the state to ensure there is safe and affordable transportation for travelers.
Riders can also get $5 off their first four rides by visiting www.lyft.com/invite/lyftfl17 and entering the code LYFTFL17.
Since 2012, ridesharing has surged in popularity and across the country with both drivers and riders taking advantage of Lyft’s convenient rides and flexible economic opportunity. To date, Lyft drivers have earned more than $250 million in tips through the app.
ABOUT LYFT
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 350 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.

Small Business Endorses John Newstreet

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The National Federation of Independent Business, Florida’s leading small business association, today announced its endorsement of John Newstreet in House District 44. The endorsements was made by the NFIB Florida PAC, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members.
“John’s experience working with small business owners demonstrates his commitment pro-business priorities like cutting regulations and improving our economy, and we’re confident that he will be the best representative for our members in House District 44,” Executive Director Bill Herrle said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and of our economic recovery. So I am honored to receive the endorsement of the state’s large organization that represents the interests of small businesses in Florida,” Newstreet said.
The NFIB Florida PAC endorsement is based on a candidate’s interviews and position regarding key small business issues including healthcare, taxes, tort, labor, and regulatory issues. The endorsement brings the considerable grassroots support of more than 10,000 of Florida’s small businesses.

Florida Realtors Advises Homeowners to Take Summer Holiday Safety Precautions

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Have big plans for July 4th? You’re not alone. Many families across Florida and the nation will spend the Fourth of July holiday away from home, traveling to see relatives and a big fireworks show or maybe basking in the sunshine on the state’s beautiful beaches.
To fully enjoy those activities and other summertime pursuits spent away from home, Florida Realtors®  suggests that homeowners take precautions to protect their residences when they’re not around. Crime rates across the country often start to peak as temperatures rise during the warm weather months – the same time that many families leave their homes unoccupied and unprotected.
“Buying a home is often the biggest investment that most people will ever make,” says 2017 Florida Realtors President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart. “While investing in a home is an opportunity to build financial security and increase household wealth, it’s so much more. Our homes are the places where we raise our families, make countless memories and house our dreams for the future. Taking steps to protect something so priceless only makes sense.”
Homeowners can take these simple precautions to make their homes less of a target for criminals:
No “Home Alone”: Before leaving your home during the day, make it look as if someone is still at home by using timers on lights in various rooms. Even though daylight hours are longer during the summer, it may still get dark faster than you expect or you may return home later than anticipated, and taking this step ensures that your home appears occupied at all times.
No Sharing on Social Media: Sharing your vacation plans on social media sites isn’t wise. That’s the same as announcing to the world you’ll be gone and the house will be empty – a perfect target for burglars or vandals. An answering machine message shouldn’t reveal your plans either.
No Open-Door Policy: Ensure that all doors leading to the home and garage are locked, even when leaving for short periods of time. The typical burglary takes less than five minutes and unlocked doors, combined with an empty home, put out the “welcome mat” for crime. Make sure windows are locked, too.
Someone to Watch Over Me: Be landscape smart. Shrubbery and other plants can grow very rapidly during the warm, wet summer months. Keep them trimmed so neighbors can easily see your home. Also, a burglar could see an unkempt yard as a sign of an empty home.
A Key Reminder: When leaving home, take your house keys along or leave a spare set with a trusted neighbor. Never leave a key under a welcome mat, in a mailbox or other hiding spots – most burglars know where to look.
Crime Doesn’t Take a Vacation: If you’re planning to be away from home for more than a day or two, ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway and pick up your mail and newspapers – or arrange to cancel the paper and hold the mail. Disable your garage door opener and manually lock it from the inside, and don’t forget to check that the door leading from the garage to the home is locked, too.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 54 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

Daytona State sees positive results in performance funding

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More students completing on time, getting jobs, earning above entry level pay

The state’s 2017-18 performance funding draft report shows Daytona State College has significantly moved the needle for student success – more students are finishing on time, finding employment or continuing their education, and earning wages above the region’s average entry level pay. The college came in above the midpoint of the Silver level and earned improvement points in all categories. The draft report, which presents Gold, Silver, Bronze and Purple levels, is on the agenda for approval by the State Board of Education (SBOE) at its July 17 meeting.
“It’s gratifying to see positive results from our plan to increase student success and advance the college in performance funding measures,” said Tom LoBasso, DSC president. “The Daytona State community devoted a great deal of time and hard work to implement strategic activities to help students reach their goals. I’m very proud of our dedicated faculty and staff whose efforts helped affect, most notably, student completion rates, retention and job placement.”
Across the state’s performance funding measures, DSC came in 2.70 points above the 31.74 average, at 34.44 on a 40-point scale, equal to 86 percent of points possible. The college also earned improvement points in all categories.
DSC’s improvement plan included faculty-student mentoring, a required Student Success Skills class, increased advising with time-to-graduation plans and early alerts for at-risk students.
For the 28 colleges in the Florida College System, the draft report shows 15 in the Silver category, seven in the Gold, six in Bronze and zero in Purple. The performance-based funding review included representation from the Council of Presidents, Division of Florida Colleges, Council of Instructional Affairs, Council of Student Affairs, Council of Business Officers and Institutional Researchers. The committee met via conference call throughout the year to discuss the measures and methodology related to the model.
For performance dollars, the college is projected to see $2,555,602, including restoration of base funding and new funding, subject to SBOE approval.

ICYMI: Small Business Endorses Mallea

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In case you missed it, the National Federation for Independent Business Florida PAC endorsed Jose Mallea for House District 116. Read their announcement below.

Small Business Endorses Diaz and Mallea in South Florida

The National Federation of Independent Business, Florida’s leading small business association, today announced endorsements in two special election primary races in South Florida, endorsing Rep. Jose Felix Diaz in Senate District 40, and Jose Mallea in House District 116. The endorsements were made by the NFIB Florida PAC, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members.
“Rep. Diaz has proven his dedication to protecting small business owners during his time in the Florida House, and we’re certain he will continue to promote pro-business policies that help job creators and the economy in the Senate,” said Bill Herrle, NFIB/FloridaExecutive Director.
“My grandparents were small business owners. My dad is a small business owner. Receiving the NFIB endorsement means so much to me. It means that small businesses recognize that I am firmly committed to creating new jobs and getting rid of burdensome regulations,” Diaz said.
“In House District 116, NFIB endorses Jose Mallea because as a small business owner and NFIB member himself, he truly understands the challenges our members in South Florida face. He will fight for small business and represent our members well in the Florida House,” Herrle said.
“NFIB’s support for small business is crucial, and I’m proud to have their endorsement,” Mallea said. “I look forward to working with them to advance policies that support both entrepreneurs and employees by removing barriers to starting and sustaining businessesthat put people to work.”
The NFIB Florida PAC endorsement is based on a candidate’s voting record, interviews, and questionnaire regarding key small business issues including healthcare, taxes, tort, labor, and regulatory issues. The endorsement brings the considerable grassroots support of more than 10,000 of Florida’s small businesses.
NFIB is the nation’s leading small-business association, with offices in Washington,D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activistssends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate andgrow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom. 

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Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative

Key Senate panel advances legislation to protect Olympic athletes from sexual abuse

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Florida Sen. Bill Nelson co-authors measure requiring independent investigations

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved a bill today giving an independent entity the power to investigate alleged incidents of sexual abuse against aspiring Olympic athletes.
The measure, sponsored by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Thune (R-SD), comes in response to recent reports of widespread sexual abuse in USA Gymnastics, USA Taekwondo and other national sports governing bodies.
“We must do everything we can to protect our aspiring Olympic athletes from heinous acts of abuse and prevent attempts to sweep such crimes under the rug,” said Nelson, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees sports-related issues.
Among other things, the measure would give the newly created U.S. Center for Safe Sport the power to independently investigate allegations of sexual abuse against athletes governed by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and other national sports governing bodies. The center would also be required to develop policies that the USOC and the governing bodies must use to prevent the emotional, physical and sexual abuse of amateur athletes, including reporting requirements when child abuse is alleged or suspected.
The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. Click here for the text of the legislation.

Senator Denise Grimsley Announces July Mobile Office Hours

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Senator Denise Grimsley’s staff will hold “mobile office hours” during the month of July to assist constituents with state agency concerns and to gather public input on legislative issues.
“If you or someone you know needs help, please visit with my staff at one of our mobile office hours locations,” said Senator Grimsley.
The following are the mobile office hours for Senate District 26:
DeSoto County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, July 11th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
County Administration Building
2nd Floor, Conference Room
201 East Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Glades County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, July 11th, 2017
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Glades County Courthouse
1st Floor, Conference Room
55 Avenue J, SW
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Hardee County Mobile Office Hours:
Wednesday, July 19th, 2017
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Hardee County Chamber of Commerce
135 E. Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
Lee County Mobile Office Hours:
Thursday, July 6th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Shell Factory
Chamber of Commerce Office
2787 North Tamiami Trail
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Okeechobee County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, July 11th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce
55 South Parrott Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Polk County Mobile Office Hours:
Wednesday, July 19th, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mulberry Library
1st Floor, Civic Center
905 NE 5th Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Fort Meade Community Center
10 SW 3rd Street
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Senator Denise Grimsley represents Senate District 26, which consists of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk counties. Senator Grimsley served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012 and elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.