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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $274,000 for Floridians in March

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $274,000 for Florida consumers during the month of March. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During March 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $274,174 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,560 complaints;
  • Initiated 231 investigations;
  • Arrested 12 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 23,478 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 18,187 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact 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). For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Putnam Warns of IRS Scams Targeting Seniors

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Scam artists use tax season to prey on Floridians, and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges residents to be wary of tax-related scams specifically targeting seniors. Some prevalent scams include fraudsters posing as IRS representatives requesting personal information over the phone and scammers offering to file consumers’ taxes for a fee. Senior citizens should be particularly wary as they are often vulnerable to these types of scams.
Consumers should be cautious of individuals posing as IRS representatives claiming they can rectify payment discrepancies over the phone once provided with personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers and banking information. Scammers can then use this information to falsify claim refunds or gain access to personal accounts.
In another popular scheme, scammers offer to file consumers’ taxes for a fee and promise to help claim deductions that were supposedly overlooked in the past. Individuals commonly try to convince seniors that they falsely qualify for lucrative deductions, such as reimbursements for education.
Seniors can help protect themselves from scams by keeping the following in mind:

  • The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail in most cases and will never ask for a credit card, prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer immediately over the phone.
  • The IRS will never threaten to involve local law enforcement to issue an arrest or suspend a license.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit/debit card numbers without verifying the source. To ensure the source is legitimate, hang up and call the entity using its official number.
  • Floridians who are unsure about their tax situation can reach the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

State Preserves More than 3,800 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Ranch Lands in Four Florida Counties

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The Governor and Cabinet today approved the preservation of 3,846 acres of environmentally sensitive ranch lands in Polk, Hardee, Martin and St. Lucie counties through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchases are a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which partners with Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve active agricultural operations and their immense economic and environmental benefits.
“Florida’s population is projected to reach nearly 34 million by 2070, and this growth will put additional pressure to develop more and more of our world-renowned natural spaces,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Partnering with Florida’s farmers and ranchers through conservation easements is a cost-effective way to preserve these invaluable pieces of our rural economy and environment for future generations.”
Today’s partnerships increase the total land preserved by the program to 31,495 acres over 35 conservation easements. Since 2011, the current Governor and Cabinet have approved the acquisition of 28 projects totaling 27,910 acres, a more than 770 percent increase in acres preserved by the program. Additional details on today’s purchases can be found here.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program in 2001 to protect working agricultural lands threatened by other uses, such as development.
The goals of the program include:

  • Protecting valuable agricultural lands;
  • Creating conservation easements that ensure sustainable agricultural practices;
  • Preventing conversion to non-agricultural land uses in the rural base of Florida; and
  • Helping to protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations.

Florida agriculture has an overall economic impact estimated at more than $120 billion annually, making it the state’s second largest industry. The agriculture industry supports more than 2 million jobs in Florida.
More information on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is available here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on Today’s Historically Low Citrus Crop Forecast

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2016-2017 season, which is down four-percent from the February forecast:
“Although not unexpected, today’s historically low forecast is the latest example of citrus greening’s continued devastation of Florida’s citrus industry. Until a long-term solution is discovered, which some of our state’s brightest minds are working on, we must support Florida’s multi-billion dollar citrus industry and the more than 60,000 jobs it supports.”
The USDA’s forecast today of 67 million boxes of oranges for the 2016-2017 season is down more than 17 percent from the 81.5 million boxes harvested last season. Today’s forecast represents a decline of more than 70 percent since the peak of citrus production at 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.
In support of Florida’s growers and industry groups seeking approval from the EPA for the use of certain antimicrobial treatments to combat greening, a bacterial disease spread by a tiny, invasive insect, Commissioner Putnam issued a crisis declaration in 2016 regarding their Section 18 application to the Environmental Protection Agency, which allowed the immediate use of these treatments.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Collier County Wildfire Afternoon Update

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Commissioner Adam H. Putnam announced this afternoon that the Lee Williams Road Fire in Collier County is approximately 7,500 acres and is 40 percent contained.
Lee Williams Road Fire March 8, 2017 Morning Update
Location: Picayune Strand State Forest in Naples, Florida
Acreage: 7,500 approximately
Fire Started: Sunday 3/5/17: 2 pm
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 40%
Weather: Winds are coming out of the East and forecasted to shift out of the South
Today:
Afternoon fire activity is anticipated to increase as humidity decreases and wind gusts increase.  Firefighters are strategically placed in areas that embers are expected to be of concern while improving containment lines. Wildland firefighting bulldozers are continuing to suppress the wildfire, with shifting winds, as the cold front approaches.  

Mandatory Evacuations:
Evacuations were lifted for the Forest Glen community and the Aventine at Naples Apartments.
There are mandatory evacuations for the Club Naples RV Park, Panther Walk RV Park and Horse Stables in the Picayune Strand State Forest including Triple V and M & H Stables. Evacuations are still in place and residents are not allowed in these areas at this time. If asked to evacuate your home, be sure to bring your important family documents (birth certificates, wills, insurance policies), valuables and your family disaster supply kit. Your disaster supply kit should contain enough food, water and supplies to sustain your family for at least three days. Do not forget any medications or special items such as a first aid kit.
Reception Center:
A reception center has been established at the Golden Gate Community Center at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL.
Road Closures (Due to smoke and poor visibility)

  • I-75 is closed mile marker 80 to mile marker 101 (both sides)
  • Intermittent road closures on County Road 951 (Collier Boulevard) between Golden Gate and Rattlesnake Hammock may be throughout the day.

Resources on Scene
Florida Forest Service:

  • Fifty- two state and federal firefighters
    • Engines – 9
    • Firefighting bulldozers  (medium) -26
    • Firefighting bulldozers (heavy) – 5
    • Helicopters – 3
    • Swamp buggies

Greater Naples Fire District and mutual aid companies:

  • Sixty-seven city and county firefighters
    • Brush Trucks – 2
    • Engines – 6
    • Water Tenders – 2
    • Chief Officers – 12

Agencies on Scene:

Florida Forest Service, Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services, West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department, Immokalee Fire Control District, City of Naples Fire-Rescue, Greater Naples Fire District, Marco Island Fire Department, North Collier Fire District, Collier County Emergency Medical Services, Collier County Sheriff, Punta Gorda Fire Department, Big Cypress National Park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida Highway Patrol, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Rukaree Bay National Wildlife Research.
More information and updates are available on the Collier County website, www.colliergov.net. A call center has been established (239) 252-8444.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam to Kick-Off Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will kick-off this evening’s Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception in the Florida Capitol courtyard. The Taste of Florida Agriculture reception is a co-hosted event between the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services highlighting the importance of Florida agriculture. The event is free and open to the public and venders will be serving dishes that feature fresh Florida Red Snapper, oysters, shrimp, honey, fruits, vegetables and much more.
Event: Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception
Date: Wed., March 8
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Capitol Courtyard

Commissioner Putnam Provides Tips to Consumers During National Consumer Protection Week

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National Consumer Protection Week is March 5-11, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is offering tips to help Florida residents and visitors protect themselves from scams. National Consumer Protection Week is a nationwide effort to educate consumers about their rights and how to make well-informed decisions. Last year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received more than 38,000 consumer complaints and recovered more than $3 million for Florida consumers.
“An educated consumer is the cornerstone of protection against scams, and I encourage Floridians to take advantage of the many resources we offer,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The department provides many tools to consumers, including the following:

  • The department is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist consumers with gathering information about businesses, charities or other organizations. The department can also help consumers file a complaint if they feel they have been taken advantage of. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
  • The department’s website also has a Live Chat function available to assist consumers with information and complaints. Click “Live Chat” from the department’s home page at FreshFromFlorida.com.
  • The Little Black Book of Scams provides tips on avoiding charity scams, identity theft, tax scams, foreign lotteries and more.
  • Before contributing to charities, consumers should utilize the Check-A-Charity tool. This helps consumers see how their donation will be used.
  • Consumers who receive unwanted sales calls at home should sign up for the state’s Do Not Call list here. It’s free to sign-up and only takes a minute.
  • Consumers can use the A-Z Resource Guide to see which office, agency or division has oversight on certain issues.
  • The A-Z Resource Guide directs consumers to the most appropriate agency for assistance with a wide variety of topics.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency. Consumers can get tips or file a complaint at FreshFromFlorida.com.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact 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).

Results of Skimmers Sweep Targeting Popular Spring Break Destinations Announced

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In anticipation of the upcoming spring break season, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspected nearly 500 gas stations last week in popular spring break destinations for skimmers, devices that steal consumers’ credit and debit card information. Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the sweep uncovered eight skimmers. If undetected, the number of consumers victimized by each skimmer averages around 100 per device, with an average of $1,000 stolen from each victim.
“From Okaloosa County to Miami-Dade County, these skimmers are being placed on gas pumps and stealing from unsuspecting residents and visitors,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “We will continue to crackdown on these devices – and the criminals responsible for them.”
Since early 2015, the department has found and removed more than 430 skimmers across the state. The areas inspected in this sweep, the number of facilities inspected and numbers of skimmers found are as follows:

  • Panama City Beach/ Panhandle –77 facilities, 0 skimmers found
  • Orlando area – 128 facilities, 0 skimmers found
  • Clearwater / St. Pete Beach – 66 facilities, 4 skimmers found

One Stop, Giant BP #109, 6151 4th St N, St. Petersburg
One Food of Pinellas Inc. #23, 901 4th St N, St. Petersburg
Quick Mart of Largo, 1990 West BAY Dr., Largo (2 skimmers)

  • Ft. Myers Beach – 36 facilities, 0 skimmers found
  • Daytona Beach/ Cocoa Beach/ Flagler Beach/ New Smyrna Beach – 75 facilities, 1 skimmer found

Sunoco Food Mart, 5625 N Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach

  • West Palm Beach – 51 facilities, 2 skimmers found

Mobil/7-Eleven Inc., 3035 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach

Texaco/Sunshine #37, 2274 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach

  • Ft. Lauderdale – 25 facilities, 1 skimmer found

Valero, 1 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach

  • Miami – 21 facilities, 0 skimmers found

In addition to regularly inspecting gas pumps, the department worked with the Florida Legislature last year to put in place additional safeguards against skimmers at the pump and increase the penalties against the criminals responsible.
There are steps consumer can take to protect themselves, such as:

  • Pay in cash inside the store to ensure the credit card information stays safe.
  • Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with. Many stations are now putting a piece of security tape over the cabinet to ensure it has not been opened by unauthorized individuals.
  • Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store so they are not noticed as quickly.
  • 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 a debit card. 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.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Putnam Highlights National School Breakfast Week

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam encourages Florida schools to “Take the School Breakfast Challenge” and celebrate National School Breakfast Week from March 6-11. National School Breakfast Week celebrates healthy starts to the day in cafeterias throughout the state. Last year, more than 140 million breakfasts were served to Florida’s K-12 students.

“Academic success begins at breakfast, and we have worked hard to make sure students start their day with nutritious options,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I thank our partners for organizing fun activities to excite kids about wholesome meals.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the School Breakfast Program at the state level to ensure schools have the ability to provide healthy, wholesome breakfasts to students every day. 

Some events to promote National School Breakfast Week include:

  • Okaloosa County Public Schools will host a 1950s costume event and coloring contest.
  • Volusia County Public Schools will host fruit samplings and help students create themed posters.
  • Chile Elementary and Ft. Clarke Middle School in Alachua County will host giveaways, games and photo booths and participate in a breakfast “Egg Pop” promotion featuring new menu items.
  • Double Branch Elementary in Pasco County will use a “Minecraft” theme to excite students about “Building Your Way to a Better Day Starts With Breakfast.’
  • Pasco High School will host a beach-themed event.
  • Woodland Elementary in Pasco County will host special guests from the community, including policemen, firemen and nurses.
  • Sunray Elementary in Pasco County will host a motorcycle “Born to ride Straight to Breakfast” event with Bikers Against Child Abuse, police officers and Pasco County Fire. 

In an effort to enhance school nutrition, new dietary guidelines were implemented in 2012. New requirements include: providing age-appropriate caloric ranges, larger servings of fruit and vegetables, a wider variety of vegetables, fat-free or 1-percent milk, more whole grains and less sodium. 

For more information about the School Breakfast Program or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $235,000 for Floridians in February

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $235,000 for Florida consumers during the month of February. In 2016, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During the month of February, the department:

  • Recovered $235,485 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,208 complaints;
  • Initiated 205 investigations;
  • Arrested 10 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 20,866 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 15,115 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact 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). For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.