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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $236,000 for Floridians in May

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $236,000 for Florida consumers during the month of May. 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 May 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $236,184 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,339 complaints;
  • Initiated 279 investigations;
  • Arrested 23 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 22,311 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 19,885 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 consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for 2017 Hurricane Season

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, which begins June 1. Expecting weak El Nino conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season.
“Preliminary forecasts point to an active hurricane season this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial that Floridians plan early to protect their families and homes this hurricane season.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season:

  • Have a Plan: Know what you and your family will do in an emergency. Research the locations of hurricane shelters and find out if you can take your pet. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are stored.
  • Prepare a Kit: Keep a kit stocked with emergency supplies. This should include a three-day supply of food and water for each family member. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Supplies should also include: cash, blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kits, battery-powered radios, flashlights and extra batteries, clothing, necessary medications, pet care, a list of important phone numbers and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest weather information. Watch local news and weather, listen for radio updates or stay informed with your computer or smartphone.

In addition to these tips, it is imperative to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.

  • Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to provide an accurate temperature reading even if the power is out. A freezer should be at or below 0°F and the fridge at 40°F.
  • Store food on shelves high enough that it will not be contaminated in case of flood.
  • Have coolers on hand to keep food cold if the power is out more than four hours. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Discard perishables, such as meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items, if the power is out more than four hours.
  • Use bottled water if you are concerned about your water supply. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water and let it cool before storing to drink.

During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

First Cases of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed in Florida

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in coordination with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, announced today that the University of Florida has confirmed seven cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, a.k.a. “dog flu.” Six additional results for the virus are pending. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine influenza virus infects people.
While H3N2 has been circulating throughout the country since 2015, this is the first time it has been confirmed in Florida. This is a highly contagious virus. Fortunately, the mortality rate is low. Dog owners can have their veterinarians vaccinate their dogs against canine influenza viruses.
If dog owners suspect a case of dog flu, they should call their veterinarian prior to going to the clinic in order to decrease the chances of spreading the virus to other animals at the clinic. Many dogs have a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Most dogs recover at home without any complications. Some require hospitalization.
More information on canine influenza can be found here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, call 1-800-HELP-FLA or visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,300 wildfires have burned over 233,000 acres in Florida this year, with 84 active wildfires burning as of today, May 30, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“As we enter what is traditionally Florida’s rainy season, much of the state is still experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 30, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County Burn Bans:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

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

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recognizes School Gardens with “Golden Shovel” Awards

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Tallahassee School of Math and Science in Leon
County Best New Garden, Secondary Division

Tallahassee School of Math and Science in Leon County
Best New Garden, Secondary Division

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced the winners of the third annual Florida Farm to School “Golden Shovel” Awards, which recognize Florida students, educators and community members for their extraordinary school garden efforts. The five award categories include: Best New Garden, Best Revitalized Garden, Best Use of Produce, Most Community Involvement and Most Creative Learning Environment.
Applicants to the “Golden Shovel” Awards implemented numerous innovative gardening methods, including: irrigated raised beds, hoop houses, hydroponic towers, fruit tree orchards and aquaponics systems. Produce from the school gardens was featured in student and teacher meals, donated to the community and taken home for the weekend. The program received applications from 20 counties.
Numerous schools showcased fully integrated school garden programs that featured outdoor classrooms with decorative pergolas and arbors, butterfly gardens and atriums, as well as native wetlands and shoreline restoration projects.
The recipients of the 2017 “Golden Shovel” Awards are:

  • Best New Garden
    • Primary Division: Loughman Oaks Elementary, Polk County
    • Secondary Division: Tallahassee School of Math and Science, Leon County
  • Best Revitalized Garden
    • Primary Division: Palmetto Elementary, Miami-Dade County
    • Secondary Division: Santa Fe High School, Alachua County
  • Best Use of Produce
    • Primary Division: West Melbourne School for Science, Brevard County
    • Secondary Division: Osceola Middle School, Marion County
  • Most Community Involvement
    • Primary Division: Dommerich Elementary, Orange County
    • Secondary Division: Osceola Middle School, Marion County
  • Most Creative Learning Environment
    • Primary Division: Lawton Elementary, Seminole County
    • Secondary Division: Sickles High School, Hillsborough County

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates the state’s school nutrition program, including school breakfast, lunch, Summer BreakSpot and the HealthierUS School Challenge certification program, in all 67 counties. In the past four years, the department has worked with dozens of schools across the state to implement and support school gardens. In addition, the department began its own garden in Tallahassee that helps educate students, teachers and parents about how to start and maintain a school garden.
For more information about the school garden program at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, please visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FarmtoSchool.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Highlights Summer BreakSpot Program

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During the summer months, the Summer BreakSpot program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will provide meals at no cost from June through August to children 18 and under who are from low-income families. The department partners with more than 4,200 schools and community organizations statewide to offer nutritious meals, recreational fun and educational activities.
Last summer, more than 4,200 sites helped serve nearly 16 million meals to Florida children.  The number of Summer BreakSpot meals served during the summer has increased by 46 percent since Commissioner Putnam and the department assumed responsibility of the program in 2012.
There are several ways to find a Summer BreakSpot site:

Summer BreakSpot is part of the National Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  • Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  • Fax: 202- 690-7442; or
  • Email: [email protected].

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Department Offers Free Credit Protection to 469 People Affected by Data Breach

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today notified 469 customers that their social security numbers may have been obtained as part of a data breach that appears to have originated from overseas and is offering free credit protection for one year to these individuals. No financial information was obtained in this data breach, which is the first that has occurred during this administration.
Commissioner Putnam has ordered a comprehensive review of the department’s cybersecurity measures, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is assisting the department with its active investigation.
The social security numbers that may have been obtained had been entered in an online field where either a social security number or Federal Employer Identification Number could be entered. In 2009, the department began only to request a FEIN in this field and stopped the prior practice of requesting either a social security number or FEIN.
Additionally, names of 16,190 concealed weapon licensees, which is less than one percent of total number of concealed weapon licensees, may also have been obtained; however, no other individually identifying information of the concealed weapon licensees was compromised. Only concealed weapon licensees who renewed online may have had their names accessed. The department’s Office of Inspector General determined that there is no risk of identity theft to these licensees.
Other information possibly accessed per the data breach is all public information and poses no risk of identity theft. The breach occurred through the online payment system; although, the hackers were unsuccessful in obtaining any financial information. The department takes cybersecurity seriously and acted quickly to mitigate the effects of this breach. The privacy of the department’s customers is a top priority and will remain so.
Individuals who have concerns regarding their personal information should take the following steps:

  • Obtain a free credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com;
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report if you believe your information has been compromised;
  • Closely monitor financial information;
  • Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement; and
  • Check credit reports and credit card statements periodically.

Individuals can get a free credit report once a year by contacting:

Customers who may have been affected by this data breach can call 1-800-350-1119 for more information.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that 2,273 wildfires have burned over 171,000 acres in Florida this year, with 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 22, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Even with rain across parts of Florida over the weekend, much of the state is experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 22, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County burn bans:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

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

South Carolina Sending Firefighters, Equipment to Help Florida Battle Wildfires

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that South Carolina is sending firefighters and equipment to help battle Florida wildfires. The support crews are expected to arrive in Central Florida Saturday evening. There more than 135 active wildfires in Florida and more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year. Current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips prevent and protect against wildfire in Florida can be found here.
“I thank the South Carolina Forestry Commission for providing this much-needed support as our firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the state,” Commissioner Putnam said. “Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer, and Florida is going to need all the help we can get.”
Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
“Every part of our state is susceptible to wildfire, and with more than half of Florida’s counties under burn bans, resident and visitors must take every precaution to help prevent wildfire,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 12, 2017:

Active Wildfires in Florida:

County Burn Bans as of May 12, 2017:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

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

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year, with nearly 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 8, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Florida is in the middle of its worst wildfire season in years – with no end in sight,” Commissioner Putnam said. “With such an active wildfire season and much of Florida experiencing significant drought conditions, residents and visitors should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 8, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County Burn Bans as of May 5, 2017:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

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