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CFO Jimmy Patronis

CFO Patronis Urges Gulf Coast Residents to Plan and Prepare for Tropical Storm Nate

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As Tropical Storm Nate approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Gulf Coast and Big Bend residents to prepare now for the possibility of severe weather in the coming days.
“Floridians should take a proactive approach and stock up on necessary supplies now, days ahead of the storm’s arrival,” said CFO Patronis. “While the storm’s track remains uncertain, all Floridians should closely monitor local weather alerts and be prepared for the possibility of severe weather.”
CFO Patronis reminds Floridians that hurricane preparedness plans should include copies of insurance policies and cards, insurance company contact information and financial account(s) records. The Department’s Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) is available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST to answer any insurance-related questions that consumers or business owners may have.
In the days ahead of the storm’s potential impact, homeowners are encouraged to take these simple, specific steps to protect their homes and property:

  • Inventory household items, including receipts, purchase dates, and serial numbers. Photograph or videotape each room of your home. Email the information to yourself to create a digital record.
  • Shore up your structure. Buy materials that can secure your property and minimize your losses. Consider covering your windows with shutters, siding, or plywood. Move vehicles into a garage or carport. Carry outdoor grills and patio furniture inside.
  • Read through your insurance policies and take note of hurricane deductibles. Most policies have a hurricane deductible equivalent to 2, 5 or 10 percent of a home’s insured value. If your property is damaged, you will be responsible for a portion of the repair costs.

To keep all insurance and banking information in one easily-accessible place, consumers can download a copy of the Department’s free Emergency Financial Preparedness Toolkit. The Toolkit serves as a one-stop shop for all finance, emergency and insurance contact information. Download and complete the toolkit today.

CFO Patronis Deploys DFS Law Enforcement Assets to Assist in Puerto Rico

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that law enforcement personnel from the Department of Financial Services will join the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and others to offer aid in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
CFO Patronis said, “Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, leaving many families with nothing but the few belongings they could carry as they fled their homes. As Florida continues to rebuild after Irma, I know that disaster recovery requires an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach, and I’m proud to make resources available to help Puerto Rico get back on its feet. The needs are great, and we’ll do what we can do assist during this difficult time.”
To help assess the law enforcement needs in the area, the Department is deploying Major Karl Morgan from the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations to join an eight-person incident management team. Additional resources, including heavy land-clearing equipment used during Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, remain on standby.
While in Puerto Rico, a collective law enforcement team coordinated by FDLE will conduct recovery missions and offer security resources to protect relief materials being shipped or flown into the coastal country.
Florida-based personnel and resources are made available to Puerto Rico through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

CFO Patronis Attends Latin America Summit in Miami

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CFO Jimmy Patronis today joined state, local and industry leaders at the Latin America Summit hosted in Miami by Governor Rick Scott. The summit called together leaders from a wide array of professions, including international trade, human rights and economic development, to increase communication, collaboration and growth opportunities between Florida and Latin American countries.
For a full list of speakers and participants, click here.

CFO Patronis: Be Scam Smart #AfterIrma

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today warned Floridians of scammers looking to take advantage of those impacted by Hurricane Irma. Floridians should be vigilant in verifying the identity of those claiming to represent government and relief agencies, and should ask questions to fully understand all contracts with insurance and repair companies.
CFO Patronis said, “As Florida continues the recovery process following Hurricane Irma, I urge all consumers to be scam smart and on the lookout for opportunistic scammers who try to prey on vulnerable people during this time. Regrettably, there are individuals who will attempt to take advantage of our fellow Floridians.”
Below are tips to help protect Floridians from scams:

  • Ensure you understand all documents a contractor requests you to sign, including assignment of benefits agreements. Ask questions until you fully understand who is responsible for payment.
  • Verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent government and relief agencies or insurance companies. Official personnel should display their ID badges, should provide identification without hesitation upon request, and say why they are in the area (i.e. surveying damage, assisting residents, etc.). If you suspect that someone is impersonating official personnel, contact the local police department or sheriff’s office immediately.
    • Beware of imposters going door-to-door claiming to be FEMA representatives, asking for money to assist with the filing of federal flood claims. FEMA does not charge for this service and does not go door-to-door in this capacity.
      • Reports of such activity were reported in North Florida following Hurricane Hermine.
    • Beware of robocalls from imposters claiming to represent FEMA, asking consumers to hang up and dial a 1-800 number to make an insurance payment ASAP to prevent policy cancellations.
      • Reports of such activity have been reported in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
  • If you have damage to your home or vehicle, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
  • Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses and hire only licensed professionals. To verify a contractor’s license, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website –www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
    • Also, ensure that contractors carry the proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance by checking the Department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation database.
    • Beware of contractors requesting that you pay more than half of the cost upfront. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • If considering the assistance of a public insurance adjuster, verify that they are licensed.
    • Be sure that you understand how much a public insurance adjuster is charging and what services are included before signing a contract.
    • When there is a state of emergency declared by the Governor, there is a cap of 10% on the fee a public adjuster can charge. The cap applies to all residential and commercial residential claims related to the event for one year.
    • To verify an insurance agent’s or adjuster’s license, visit the Hurricane Irma resources webpage at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

The Department of Financial Services’ Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) is available to assist home and business owners with all insurance-related questions and concerns. Reports of suspected fraud can be reported via the Helpline. Insurance experts are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

CFO Patronis Partners with Senator Marco Rubio to Open Insurance Villages and Disaster Recovery Centers Across Florida

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that, in partnership with Senator Marco Rubio, insurance villages and disaster recovery centers will be opening next week in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Local, state and federal partners will be in attendance to offer Floridians a wide array of relief assistance in one centralized location.
CFO Patronis said, “Getting Floridians back on their feet and back to normalcy is our top priority, and these recovery centers will provide access to the tools and resources needed to help our residents navigate the post-storm recovery and claims-filing process. I am amazed by the strength and sense of community that our state has exhibited in the wake of Irma’s destruction. To my fellow Floridians recovering from Irma’s wrath, help is on the way.”
Insurance experts from CFO Patronis’ Department of Financial Services will be on hand to answer Floridians’ insurance-related questions and concerns. CFO Patronis has also arranged for several insurance companies with policies in the impacted areas to be on-site to help Floridians file post-storm claims. Consumers are encouraged to bring copies of all insurance policies with them to these events. A list of participating insurance companies is available here.
The confirmed schedule of days and locations is as follows:
St. Augustine – Monday, September 18
8:00am to 6:00pm EST
St. Johns County Administration Building
500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine, FL 32804
Jacksonville – Tuesday, September 19
8:00am to 6:00pm EST
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
1000 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Naples – Wednesday, September 20
8:00am to 6:00pm EST
New Hope Ministries
7675 Davis Blvd
Naples, FL 34104
Ft. Myers – Thursday, September 21
8:00am to 6:00pm EST
Lee County Veterans Park Recreation Center
55 Homestead Road South
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
In addition to Senator Marco Rubio’s staff and those participating from the Department of Financial Services, the following companies, non-profit organizations, and federal and state agencies have confirmed:

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • American Red Cross
  • Florida SBDC Network
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Florida Departments of Children and Families and Economic Opportunity
  • First Data Corporation
  • Anheuser-Busch Companies
  • CareerSource Florida
  • ElderSource
  • United Way of Florida
  • The Salvation Army

CFO Patronis Tours Hurricane Irma Damage In Hillsborough County

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On Tuesday, CFO Jimmy Patronis toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Hillsborough County with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones. CFO Patronis and Chief Jones rode with Station 16 as they continued to survey damage and conduct urban search and rescue efforts.
CFO Patronis offered insurance resources to residents impacted by the storm. Any Floridian who needs assistance with insurance-related issues after Hurricane Irma is encouraged to call the Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236. Floridians can also find Hurricane Irma insurance resources on www.myfloridacfo.com.

Patronis and Altmaier Stress Hurricane Irma Preparedness

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In advance of Hurricane Irma’s impact to Florida, CFO Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier are advising the state’s more than 20 million residents to take actions now and get prepared.
“I know that Floridians have worked hard for their homes, but nothing is more important than protecting your life, so I ask all Floridians to please heed evacuation orders in their area and head to safer ground today,” said CFO Patronis. “We will help homeowners navigate through their insurance issues after Hurricane Irma has passed, and we will do everything possible to protect Florida’s policyholders.”
“Hurricane Irma is a dangerous storm and everyone in Florida should be taking it seriously. This includes monitoring weather advisories and making preparations to protect their families and homes for its pending landfall in our state,” stated Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.
Numerous hurricane preparedness resources are available on both the Department of Financial Service’s (DFS) “Hurricane Irma” webpage and on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (Office) “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage.
These include tips such as:

  • Know the phone number and contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make sure to have easy access to this information and your insurance policy if you must evacuate your home.
    • Find contact information for insurance companies here.
    • Find contact information for insurance agents and agencies through the Department of Financial Services here.
  • Review your insurance policy and make sure you understand what may or may not be covered under your policy. Typically, flood insurance is not covered under a homeowners policy. In addition, some policies may cover expenses related to a mandatory evacuation, so it will be important to save all receipts.
  • Strengthen your home’s defenses against a storm through simple mitigation techniques, such as covering windows and outside doors with storm shutters or plywood, replacing worn weather stripping under doors, and removing tree limbs that may fall on your home or become flying projectiles.
  • Inventory your valuables and possessions using a home inventory checklist, which is available as a form you can download and print here. If you prefer to use a smartphone, there is a link to a free app created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which allows you to take pictures and add descriptions of your belongings.
  • Most importantly, have a plan for you and your family if evacuation becomes necessary and know where the designated evacuation routes are in your community. Do not wait to evacuate if it becomes necessary.
  • Following the storm, document all damaged property and belongings (take photos or shoot video of any damage before attempting temporary repairs), contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damages, and be wary of signing any documents for repairs that will give away your rights as an insured to a third-party vendor without understanding who will be responsible for paying the vendor, you as the consumer, or the insurance company. For more information about how an assignment of benefits (AOB) for repairs works, visit the DFS “AOB” or Office “AOB Resources” webpages.

Consumers who have questions about their insurance coverage are encouraged to call CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236. This helpline can also help consumers to gain contact information for their insurance company, and can also help to verify the license of an insurance agent or adjuster.

CFO Patronis: As Irma Approaches, Understand Your Insurance Coverage

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Ahead of Hurricane Irma’s potential impact, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is stressing the importance of understanding insurance coverage. As Floridians finalize their preparations, they are encouraged to include copies of their insurance policies in their family disaster kits and to call Florida’s Insurance Helpline (1-877-693-5236) for help with any insurance-related questions or concerns.
“Hurricane Irma is a large and dangerous storm, capable of creating widespread damage, and it is crucial for consumers to understand their insurance coverage as they prepare their homes for Irma’s possible impact,” said CFO Patronis. “Insurance is a complicated issue, and it’s easily misunderstood. I encourage Floridians to call 1-877-693-5236 with all of their insurance questions – our team is standing by to take their calls.”
If possible, Floridians should complete the following before the storm:

  • Update your inventory – Take photos or video of high-value belongings, gather receipts and write down purchase dates (if known) and serial numbers.
  • Minimize losses – IF it is safe to do so, take simple steps to secure your home or property. Cover your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood to guard against flying objects, move vehicles into carports or garages, carry in grills and outdoor furniture that may become flying objects.
  • Follow – Follow your insurance company on social media for important storm-related information. Also, save your insurance company’s or agent’s phone number for ease of filing future claims.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies have a separate hurricane deductible of two to five percent of a home’s insured value. If a home is damaged due to a hurricane, homeowners will be responsible for this deductible, which may be higher than their normal deductible amount. While every insurance policy is different, as a general rule, homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Damage caused to a car by wind, falling trees, flood, etc. is covered under auto insurance, if the consumer carries comprehensive auto coverage.

CFO Patronis and Commissioner Altmaier: Florida Insurance Industry Preparing for Hurricane Irma

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier today hosted a conference call with insurance company executives to confirm that companies are prepared to meet Floridians’ needs following Hurricane Irma.
CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s decade-long hurricane-free streak offered the insurance industry years to prepare, to build reserves, and to update technology. Florida’s policyholders fully expect that the insurance companies they entrust to protect their homes will be there during their time of need, and we’ll do everything possible to protect Florida’s policyholders throughout the entire post-storm process.”
Insurance Commissioner Altmaier said, “Consumer protection is our number one priority as Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida. The Office is dedicated to constantly monitoring the financial health of insurers, and in the coming days, we will be available around the clock to address any insurer issues.”
Nearly 50 insurance company representatives were invited to participate in today’s call. Topics included: post-storm claims reporting, the availability of insurance adjusters, and homeowners’ abilities to file claims when traditional communication lines are down.
CFO Patronis confirmed that there are nearly 200,000 individuals currently licensed to adjust hurricane damage claims in Florida. Insurance companies can appoint (contract with) these adjusters to ensure adequate post-storm availability. CFO Patronis today stressed that insurance companies must be prepared and have an appropriate number of adjusters on staff to meet consumers’ post-storm needs.
Following the full impact of Hurricane Irma, insurance companies will be required to report daily claims information.
To help consumers with the filing of insurance claims when traditional telephone and Internet lines may be down, the Department of Financial Services has engaged in initial conversations to host an on-site insurance village following the storm’s landfall. Date and location will be determined by the future track and ultimate landfall of the storm.
Consumers who have questions about policy coverages or need help filing a claim can call Florida’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline, run by the Department of Financial Services, at 1-877-693-5236.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Offers Full Florida Support to Texas Counterparts

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Tuesday evening, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis spoke to Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy with Texas’ Department of Insurance and offered the full support and resources of Florida’s fire service community to assist with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.
“Even in the heart of a devastating situation, Fire Marshal Connealy remains optimistic about recovery efforts thus far, and was grateful for the support of Florida and other states as Texas begins to pick up the pieces following the worst storm in recent memory,” said CFO Patronis. “We know recovery is measured not in days or weeks, but in months and even years, and we’re prepared to support Texas recovery efforts for the long haul.”
As waters slowly start to recede in Texas, CFO Patronis is also offering the full resources of Florida’s experienced insurance fraud investigators, who are trained to combat scams that are common following natural disasters, such as rampant unlicensed contracting and fake FEMA representatives who attempt to charge for assistance with the filing of federal flood insurance claims.
“After disaster, families should be free to focus on their health and safety, without worrying about the possibility of scammers wanting to take even more away from them than what they’ve already lost,” said CFO Patronis. “Our investigators have years of experience dealing with these types of opportunistic scammers, and we know how to track them and take them down. As the next phases of recovery come into focus, we stand ready to put more boots on the ground.”
Additionally, CFO Patronis and Fire Marshal Connealy forged a partnership to allow Florida officials to participate in Texas’ future after-action activities. This partnership will offer Florida a unique opportunity to learn valuable information about successful disaster recovery strategies and strategies that could be improved upon for future storms.
“Hurricane Harvey could easily have hit Florida’s shores, and I believe there’s much that can be learned from our Texas counterparts. I thank Texas officials for offering Florida a seat at the table to learn, to share best practices, and to improve upon our own Florida strategies ahead of the next storm.”