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CFO Jimmy Patronis

CFO Jimmy Patronis, Commissioner Putnam Urge Lawmakers to End Credit Report Freeze Fee

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House Bill 953 passed unanimously out of its first committee today


At a joint press conference today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam along with Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa) urged lawmakers to eliminate the credit report freeze fee during the 2018 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 1302, sponsored by Sen. Brandes, and House Bill 953, sponsored by Rep. Harrison, aim to make it easier for Floridians to protect themselves from fraud. HB 953 passed unanimously out of its first committee, House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee, today.
“Florida has the second highest number of identity theft complaints per capita with Miami, Naples, Tallahassee, and Orlando in the top 10 metro areas for these complaints,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “We know data breaches will continue to happen to no fault of consumers. No one should have to jump through hoops to protect themselves from fraud.”
“We should do all we can to make protecting consumers’ financial information even easier. Protecting consumers from fraud continues to be a top priority of mine,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
“Whether a data breach victim or a consumer wanting to protect themselves from fraud, Floridians should be able to easily freeze their credit without having to pay to do so,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes. “It’s the right thing to do.”
“We’ve seen time and time again the implications data breaches have for Floridians,” said Rep. Shawn Harrison. “There should not be a burden placed on the consumer’s shoulders just to protect their credit.”
Florida law currently allows credit report agencies to charge a fee of up to $10 to freeze credit reports, and data breach victims are required to submit paperwork to prove their identity is in jeopardy to avoid paying the fee. Four states (Indiana, South Carolina, Maine, North Carolina) do not charge fees to freeze credit.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and Commissioner Adam Putnam Host Joint Press Conference on Credit Report Freeze Fee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will hold a press conference with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), and Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa) to urge lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1302 and House Bill 953, which eliminate the credit report freeze fee, on Wednesday, January 10, at 11 a.m.
WHO: CFO Jimmy Patronis and Commissioner Adam H. Putnam
Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg)
Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa)
WHAT: Press Conference on Eliminating the Credit Report Freeze Fee
WHEN: Wednesday, January 10, 2018
11 a.m.
WHERE: The Florida Capitol
Fourth Floor Rotunda
Senate Side

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Sponsors Resolution For Children’s Home Society of Florida

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During today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sponsored a resolution highlighting the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s tireless efforts supporting the growth, protection and success of Florida’s foster children.
“Florida’s children are the future fabric of our communities and it is imperative that we continue to provide all children with as many opportunities for success that we can,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “I applaud the Children’s Home Society of Florida and their 115-year commitment to ensuring Florida’s foster children have the support they need to rise above life’s challenges and reach their full potential.”
The Children’s Home Society of Florida has been the leader in enacting change for children, from driving policy establishing child labor laws and compulsory education laws to fiercely advocating for children’s rights in foster care and developing innovative solutions such as community partnership schools to turn odds into opportunities for kids.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida first opened its doors on November 17, 1902, as an orphanage, providing a safe home to the growing population of abandoned and homeless children in Jacksonville. Since 1902, the Children’s Home Society of Florida has grown from a team of two caring for 24 children to a team of nearly 2,000 empowering more than 50,000 children and family members every year.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Swears In New Explosive Detecting K9

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During today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS), held a swearing in ceremony for Oregon, the newest member of DFS’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit.
Oregon’s handler, Detective Monty Taylor, has more than 15 years of experience as a K9 handler and has served with DFS’ EOD Units for nine years. Together, K9 Oregon and Detective Taylor will continue to support local law enforcement agencies across Florida, predominately in rural regions of the state, where explosive detecting resources may not be readily available. Detective Taylor and K9 Oregon will be housed out of the South Central Region in Polk County but will serve as a statewide asset.
Oregon, an 18-month old German Shepard, joined DFS’ EOD Units through Southern Coast K9 located in New Smyrna Beach. Southern Coast K9 is a recognized canine vendor specializing in training canines for law enforcement patrol work as well as canines specializing in scent discrimination for narcotics and explosives.
Detective Taylor recently retired his previous explosive detecting canine, Bella, after more than eight years of service and hundreds of requests for assistance with the detection of explosive devices and compounds.
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Department of Financial Services that conducts fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other related criminal investigations statewide. The use of explosive detection canine teams serves as a valuable asset for BFAI, whose mission is to enhance the life safety of all Floridians. Since July 1, 2016, BFAI has provided Floridians with an arson clearance rate of 41 percent. The average national arson clearance rate is 20 percent.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Prevent a Holiday Fire with These Top Five Safety Tips

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians to take steps to prevent a fire during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an annual average of 200 home structure fires start with a Christmas tree resulting in an average of six deaths, 16 injuries and nearly $15 million in damages. In addition, 58 percent of Christmas tree fires occur in January and February when a tree is often neglected and becomes dry.
“In the midst of our holiday traditions, we tend to forget the dangers that a dry and improperly placed Christmas tree can pose to the safety of our families and neighbors,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It only takes a matter of seconds for a dry Christmas tree and its surrounding furnishings to catch fire. Keep your trees watered, placed in a safe area and have them immediately removed from the home following your holiday festivities.”  
Be sure to remember these top five fire safety tips to help prevent a Christmas tree fire from ruining your holiday:
1. Make sure your tree is healthy. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Keep the tree away from sources of heat within the home. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any fireplaces, radiators, candles or heat sources.
3. Keep your tree hydrated. After your tree is up, add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.
4. Decorate the tree with the proper lighting. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and inspect your lights and accessories to make sure there aren’t any broken bulbs or damaged wiring. 
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t exceed the recommended number of light strands that can be connected to one another and make sure you are using indoor and outdoor lights when appropriate.

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Florida Must End Credit Report Freeze Fee

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Make it Easier for Data Breach Victims to Protect Themselves from Fraud

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today that he wants Florida to end all fees imposed to freeze credit reports, and remove requirements for data breach victims to submit investigatory paperwork to prove they were victimized in order to waive this fee. The recent major data breaches underscore the importance of eliminating the credit report fee.
“Recent widespread data breaches at major companies have huge implications for our 20 million residents. Every Floridian should have the power to easily protect themselves and their families,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “No one should have to jump through hoops to prove their identity was compromised just to get a fee waived.”
This legislative session, CFO Patronis will work with Commissioner Adam Putnam to entirely remove the credit report freeze fee in Florida, under all circumstances.
“I applaud CFO Patronis for his leadership on this consumer protection initiative, which will eliminate the financial burden of placing a security freeze on credit reports. We must continue to do all we can to help protect consumers from fraud,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
CFO Patronis stated, “There shouldn’t be a fee, in any case, for credit report freezes. These fees serve one purpose: to generate more money for reporting agencies.”
Florida law currently allows credit report agencies to charge a fee of up to $10 to freeze credit reports, and data breach victims are required to submit paperwork to prove their identity is in jeopardy just to avoid paying the fee. Four states (Indiana, South Carolina, Maine, North Carolina) already do not charge fees to freeze credit.

CFO Patronis’ Office to Host Live Insurance Phone Bank in Tampa

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As Floridians continue the recovery process after Hurricane Irma, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is partnering with Tampa Bay news station Fox 13 to host a live phone bank to assist Floridians with their insurance questions, concerns and complaints. The phone bank will take place Thursday, November 16, from 7:00–10:00am EST. During that time, Floridians can call the station at 1-800-826-4434 to speak one-on-one with an insurance specialist working for the Department. The Department will also answer questions posted to Fox 13’s Facebook account (@Fox13TampaBay).
CFO Patronis said, “Our Department boasts some of Florida’s foremost insurance experts, and we’re taking every available opportunity to help Floridians as they move through the insurance claims process. If any consumer is running into a roadblock, I encourage them to give us a call to see how we can help.”
The Department of Financial Services also operates Florida’s only toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline, which is available year-round. During the third quarter of 2017, insurance specialists working the Helpline recovered more than $9.3 million for Floridians. Returns consist of underpaid or previously denied insurance claims, as well as overpaid premium amounts that were refunded due to intervention by the Department on the consumer’s behalf.

Anna Alexopoulos Farrar Joins DFS as Communications Director

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that Anna Alexopoulos Farrar will join the Department of Financial Services (DFS) as Communications Director. In this capacity, she will oversee the communications strategy for the department.
CFO Patronis said, “Anna is a seasoned communications professional whose experience in both the government and private sectors brings a fresh perspective to the role. This experience and her knowledge of the department will help us advance our efforts to connect with Floridians on top issues that impact those living in our great state.”
Alexopoulos Farrar has more than 10 years of experience in public and private communications. She joins the department after nearly three years at a top Florida public relations firm, On 3 Public Relations (On3PR), serving most recently as vice president of accounts where she led communication strategy and message development for major companies and organizations. She previously served as press secretary for DFS under former CFO Jeff Atwater, and managed media relations for a national disaster safety nonprofit.
Her first day on the job is Monday, Nov. 20. Alexopoulos Farrar succeeds Ashley Carr who recently announced her resignation to accept a position with the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.

CFO Patronis Honors the Department of Financial Services’ Veterans

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During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, veterans working for the Department of Financial Services were honored for their service and the sacrifices they have made for Florida and our nation. Governor Scott presented each of the Department’s veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, CFO Patronis hosted a breakfast reception for the veterans and their families.
CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s veterans made a choice to selflessly serve, and in doing so, they willingly made countless personal sacrifices. As Americans, we owe these dedicated heroes our gratitude, and I am proud to honor those who continue to serve their fellow Floridians by now working in our Department. It was a privilege to spend time with them this morning, and I offer my unending thanks to them and all of Florida’s veterans.”
The Department of Financial Services has taken several steps to assist Florida’s service members and veterans as they transition into civilian careers, including a program called “Operation Dispatch,” which grants comparative skills-based training credit to military firefighters who wish to join Florida’s firefighting community. The Department has also refunded insurance licensing fees for veterans and their spouses and created a series of financial literacy programs aimed at helping military families navigate through unique financial challenges.
An estimated 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, many of whom now work within state and local governments. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that veterans make up nearly 12 percent of Florida’s population, the third highest population in the nation behind California and Texas.
To learn more about the Department of Financial Services, visit www.myfloridacfo.com.

$1 Million Work Comp Scam Leads to Arrest of Construction Company Owner

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent arrest of Carlos Contreras, owner of DJC Builders & Construction. Contreras allegedly obtained a fraudulent workers’ compensation policy by underreporting the number of staff he employed, the company’s annual payroll amount and the company’s scope of work. By providing false information on the application, Contreras illegally avoided paying more than $1,000,000 in premium payments for an adequate policy.
CFO Patronis said, “When companies lie to obtain cheaper, inadequate workers’ compensation policies, staff or property owners are left vulnerable to covering sky-high medical costs if a worker gets injured on the job, and free markets are disrupted by scammers who can underbid their legitimate competitors. It’s a lose-lose situation for Florida, and I won’t stand for it.”
Contreras claimed his company’s annual payroll was $273,786, and thus was quoted an annual workers’ compensation policy premium of $25,311. However, between January and August 2017, DFS investigators determined that Contreras cashed at least 620 payroll checks for DJC Builders & Construction. In total, nearly $6,500,000 in payroll was cashed using various money service businesses located across the state. If Contreras had accurately reported the company’s total payroll, number of employees and correct work description, the company’s proper workers’ compensation premium would have been $1,217,161.
As a result of the scam, Contreras’ insurance company was defrauded of more than $1,000,000.
Contreras was arrested on October 19 and transported to the Duval County jail. He has been charged with one count of knowingly concealing payroll and one count of scheme to defraud.
The case will be prosecuted by the Duval County State Attorney’s Office and if convicted, Contreras could face up to 60 years in prison.