Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today held a roundtable with Panama City firefighters, local official and first responders to discuss the importance of preparing for the coronavirus. [Read more…] about CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Holds Roundtable with First Responders on the Coronavirus
Jimmy Patronis
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Issues Santa Claus Fireplace Safety Alert
As Santa Claus approaches Florida this Christmas Eve, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following fireplace safety alert: [Read more…] about CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Issues Santa Claus Fireplace Safety Alert
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Honors Florida’s Fallen Firefighters
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis honored Florida firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. [Read more…] about CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Honors Florida’s Fallen Firefighters
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Get Your Hurricane Plans in Place During National Preparedness Month
In recognition of September as National Preparedness Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to prepare now for disasters and do not wait until a storm is imminent. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis: Get Your Hurricane Plans in Place During National Preparedness Month
CFO Jimmy Patronis Appoints Tasha Carter as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today announced the appointment of Tasha Carter, long-time Director of the Florida Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Consumer Services, as the state’s Insurance Consumer Advocate effective August 1. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis Appoints Tasha Carter as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate
Statement from CFO Jimmy Patronis: With Finalized OFR IG Report, Cabinet Must Act
Please see below statement from CFO Jimmy Patronis: [Read more…] about Statement from CFO Jimmy Patronis: With Finalized OFR IG Report, Cabinet Must Act
Memo Regarding the Release of Initial Allegations Against OFR Commissioner Ronald Rubin
Please see the below statement and link to memo from Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis’ General Counsel Peter Penrod regarding the legal review of and decision to release the three initial allegations against Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Ronald Rubin:
I am writing to provide the attached analysis explaining why the Department of Financial Services released the three original redacted allegations against Commissioner Rubin. As you are aware, the Department received one allegation that could be classified as sexual harassment and two subsequent allegations of a similar nature. Upon receiving these allegations, the Department had two objectives, (1) ensure the alleged victims had a safe work environment and (2) begin an investigation as quickly as possible.
This issue was referred to legal to determine how to achieve these goals without violating the sunshine law provisions of section 286.011, Florida Statutes, and the confidentiality provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. After a thorough review, legal determined that the only confidentiality provision that applied was section 119.071(2)(n), Florida Statutes—the provision protecting the identity of individuals making allegations of sexual harassment, which was applied. Despite what is being publicly alleged to the contrary, section 119.071(2)(k), Florida Statutes, the provision addressing complaints of misconduct, was also carefully considered but ultimately determined not to apply.
A careful review of chapter 119, Florida Statutes, reveals misconduct, as the term is used in section 119.071(2)(k), Florida Statutes, is undefined. Section 110.227(1), Florida Statutes, uses the term “misconduct” as a standard of discipline for career service employees. Rule 60L-36.005(3)(g), Florida Administrative Code, defines misconduct as a standard of conduct inappropriate for a career service employee that is not illegal but inappropriate given the individuals specific job. The allegations received by the Department were not allegations of misconduct against a career service employee, they were allegations of sexual harassment against the Commissioner of the Office of Financial Regulation—a senior management service employee, a form of at-will employment reserved for high-level management positions.
Click here to view the full memo.
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
Request from CFO Patronis for Cabinet Action Regarding Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis’ office sent the following letter to request the actions below at the next Cabinet meeting regarding the Commissioner of the Office of Financial Regulation. [Read more…] about Request from CFO Patronis for Cabinet Action Regarding Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner
CFO Jimmy Patronis: 6 Tips for Insurance Awareness Day
In recognition of June 28 as Insurance Awareness Day, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to ensure they are adequately protected in the event of a major loss or natural disaster and recommends consumers conduct an insurance checkup at least once a year to review all their insurance policies, coverages, and deductibles. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis: 6 Tips for Insurance Awareness Day
CFO Jimmy Patronis to Florida’s First Responders on PTSD Awareness Day: You Are Not Alone
In recognition of June 27 as PTSD Awareness Day, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is raising awareness on the mental health challenges facing Florida’s first responders and highlighting the passage of vital PTSD training and benefits now available to aid Florida’s heroes in managing the effects of their often hazardous profession.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “PTSD within our first responder community is real. Firefighters alone attempt suicide at a rate much higher than the general population. These heroes encounter unthinkable tragedy on the job as they work to protect our communities. It is vital they know they’re not alone.
“As State Fire Marshal, I advocated for the passage of important legislation to help our first responders recognize and manage PTSD and provide essential benefits now available through Florida’s Workers’ Compensation system. I’m proud to stand by our first responders, just as they stand with us.”
CFO Patronis’ Division of Workers’ Compensation provides a framework for employing agencies of first responders to build upon for the educational requirement in the PTSD law. Agencies can learn more and download the training materials here.
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
