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Jimmy Patronis

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis: Unanimous Support for First Responders, Consumers, and Florida’s Military Community

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Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today praised the Florida legislature for the unanimous support of his 2018 legislative priorities including fighting for first responders, protecting consumers from fraud, making Florida a more military friendly state, and streamlining and modernizing government.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis stated, “After hearing from our first responder community, we fought hard so that they can now have access to mental health benefits. When the Equifax data breach impacted millions, we made it easier for Floridians to protect themselves from fraud.  My mission is to make Florida an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Laws on the books should work for our residents, not against them.”

Key reforms advocated by CFO Patronis included the following:

Fighting for Our First Responders
Senate Bill 376: CFO Patronis’ top priority was to increase access to mental health benefits for Florida’s first responders. This legislation allows first responders to file a workers’ compensation claim for a mental injury without an accompanying physical injury.

Protecting Florida Consumers from Fraud 
House Bill 953: CFO Patronis fought to make it easier for Floridians to protect themselves from fraud. This legislation eliminates the fee that credit reporting agencies were allowed to charge for Floridians to freeze their credit.

Making Florida More Military Friendly
House Bill 29: CFO Patronis worked to make it easier for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their spouses and honorably discharged veterans to take charge of their economic futures by removing certain licensing and training fees for the Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services, the Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services, and the Division of State Fire Marshal.

Streamlining Government 
House Bill 1073: CFO Patronis worked to modernize the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and better protect Florida consumers. This legislation includes streamlining the appointment process for non-resident adjustors and providing a pathway for better communication between local governments and DFS. Additionally, the bill reduces regulatory costs for licensees.

Returning Every Cent of Unclaimed Property 
House Bill 1361: CFO Patronis’ mission is to return unclaimed property back to its rightful owners, but it can be difficult if account information submitted is incomplete. This legislation includes uniform standards for account information provided to CFO Patronis’ Division of Unclaimed Property from local Clerks of Court.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Puts Full Weight of Office Behind First Responders

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, sponsored by Senator Lauren Book.  
“The numbers don’t lie. More than 15 percent of firefighters reported having made at least one suicide attempt during their time in the fire service, compared to about 2 percent of the general population. Forty-six percent of firefighters reported having thought about suicide, compared to about 5 percent of the US population. These statistics are alarming and this is what we are fighting to change this session.
Our first responders arrive on any emergency scene without hesitation, without question. We can only imagine how difficult it is to face what they see daily. I’m putting the full weight of my office to increase benefits this legislative session for our first responders who suffer from PTSD. It’s time Florida step up for our fearless first responders.”

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: 6 Fire Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve

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Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to celebrate safely during upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an annual average of three deaths and cost $43 million in direct property damage.
“Since 2014, Florida firefighters have responded to more than 50 fireworks-related incidents accountingfor more than $1.5 million in property loss,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It’s important to use precaution while celebrating on New Year’s Eve as fireworks can destroy property, cause serious burns and can pose a serious threat to the safety of our communitities. Leave the fireworks shows to the professionals so you can avoid becoming a part of these devastating statistics.” 
Only approved sparklers and fireworks purchased for approved agricultural or industrial purposes are legal in Florida. Anyone who chooses to use fireworks or sparklers should follow these six safety tips. 
  1. Only purchase sparklers from licensed vendors. 
  2. Keep a fire extinguisher and water hose on hand, and a bucket of water available to fully extinquish used products.
  3. Never give fireworks to young children. Even sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees, at least 200 degrees hotter than a standard butane lighter.
  4. Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light.
  5. Keep pets indoors and away from all fireworks.
  6. Never mix fireworks and alcohol. Attend public fireworks show instead. Public displays are sponsored by communities and organizations across Florida.
Floridians should not sign waivers to purchase fireworks that are illegal for personal use in Florida. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility if caught illegally using fireworks. Local law enforcement agencies are charged with the enforcement of Florida fireworks laws. To learn more about fireworks enforcement, click here.
For a complete list of Florida-approved sparklers your family can enjoy, click here.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis to Make Major Announcement Regarding Florida Firefighter Cancer and PTSD Benefits

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MEDIA ADVISORY

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will make a major announcement regarding Florida firefighter cancer and PTSD benefits on Tuesday, December 5, at 2 p.m. in West Palm Beach. Joining State Fire Marshal Patronis will be local fire service professionals.

Tuesday, December 5

WHO: CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis
WHAT: Major Announcement Regarding Firefighter Cancer and PTSD Benefits
WHEN: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station No. 23
5471 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33417

State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Releases Top 7 Fire Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following seven safety tips to avoid a holiday disaster.
“While holidays are filled with laughter and family memories, any firefighter can tell you how quickly they can become a disaster,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “Although you can’t completely eliminate your fire risk, there are simple steps to take to avoid a tragedy.” 
  1. If you fry a turkey, do it away from the home. Put the turkey fryer the farthest you can from your home and keep it on a level surface. The smallest spark can ignite a fire.
  2. Thaw the bird completely when frying. Ice or water mixed with hot oil is a major fire hazard.
  3. Don’t overfill the fryer. Filling the fryer to the top with oil can cause oil to spill over and ignite.
  4. Monitor the oil temperature. When cooking oil is heated beyond its smoke point it can catch fire.
  5. Get a fire extinguisher. A Class K (kitchen type) or grease-rated extinguisher is the best option. Never leave the fryer unattended.
  6. Pay attention to the stove. Turn in handles of pots on the stove to avoid scalding hot food from spilling.
  7. Check the kitchen floors. Keep the kitchen free from toys and pets to avoid accidents.

Scott Fennell Joins DFS as Deputy Chief Financial Officer

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – CFO Jimmy Patronis today announced that Scott Fennell has joined the Department of Financial Services as Deputy Chief Financial Officer over operations. In this capacity, Fennell will oversee the State of Florida’s accounting and auditing responsibilities, as well as the Department’s $299 million-dollar budget. Fennell most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Florida, Inc.

 CFO Patronis said, “Scott brings years of experience in managing multi-million dollar budgets to our Department, as well as vast knowledge of state government and the legislative process, making him a valued addition to our team. His skill set will undoubtedly help carry our agency into the future on solid financial footing.”

 Fennell joins the Department following nearly nine months of service as Enterprise Florida’s Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for leading the agency’s organizational and financial operations. Before joining Enterprise Florida, he spent four years at Career Source Florida, Inc., where he served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In that role, Fennell was responsible for the success of Florida’s 24 local workforce boards, as well as the agency’s $300 million-dollar budget. 

 Positions with the Florida Auditor General, the Executive Office of the Governor, and the Florida House of Representatives round out Fennell’s extensive work history.

 His first day on the job was Monday, September 25.

CFO Patronis Invites Floridians to Second Unclaimed Property Auction in Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla.– Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis invites Floridians to participate in the state’s second and final 2017 unclaimed property auction this weekend in Orlando. The auction, featuring the sale of nearly 60,000 individual items valued at more than $625,000, is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, August 26, at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando. A public preview will be held Friday, August 25, at the same location. During the preview, Floridians can view and inspect items they may wish to bid on during the auction.
Featured items include a pair of 17.6-carat diamond and platinum earrings, a baseball autographed by members of the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series winning team, vintage Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra baseball cards, and high-end watches made by Breitling, Cartier and Rolex.
2017 Unclaimed Property Auction Preview

Date:              Friday, August 25
Time:              9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location:        Florida Hotel and Conference Center
Address:        1500 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, Fla. 32809
2017 Unclaimed Property Auction

Date:              Saturday, August 26
Time:              10:00 a.m. (Registrations opens at 8:00)
Location:        Florida Hotel and Conference Center
Address:        1500 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, Fla. 32809
The unclaimed property auction features items from safe deposit boxes that have gone unclaimed for years despite exhaustive efforts to return them to their owners. Proceeds from the auction are deposited into the state’s education fund where they work to support Florida’s public school system. Should a property owner discover that he or she owned an item that was auctioned; however, the proceeds from the sale can be claimed any time at no cost.
For full details about this weekend’s auction, or to search for or claim unclaimed property, visit www.FLTreasureHunt.gov, or call 1-88-VALUABLE or 850-413-5555. A free catalog, which lists each item up for sale, is also available on the website.
Contact: Ashley Carr
(850) 413-2842
[email protected]

Jimmy Patronis Brings Business Expertise to Department of Financial Services

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Today in Tallahassee, Jimmy Patronis was officially sworn in as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, replacing Jeff Atwater who is leaving state government to pursue a career in higher education. As a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and a successful business owner, Patronis brings to the Department a unique expertise of the Florida economy as well as private sector perspective on many of the Department’s key issues, such as financial accountability, protecting employees from the harmful effects of on-the-job injuries, contract management and the importance of providing consumer services aimed at improving the quality of life of all Floridians.
“Florida is without a doubt the best place to live, work and raise a family,” said Chief Patronis. “I am honored to serve my fellow Floridians in this capacity, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of CFO Jeff Atwater in creating the same opportunities and success that my family has seen for all Floridians.”
The Chief Financial Officer oversees the Department of Financial Services, serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal and as a member of the Florida Cabinet.
The Department of Financial Services manages the state’s accounting and auditing functions, monitors the investment of state funds and manages Florida’s risk management program. The Department also serves as the clearinghouse for insurance information, licensing insurance agents and addressing consumer complaints involving insurance companies. Law enforcement units aggressively fight insurance and public assistance fraud and ensure that employers adequately provide workers’ compensation insurance for employees.
Jimmy Patronis was born and raised in the Florida Panhandle. The Patronis Family owns and operates Captain Anderson’s, a Panama City restaurant currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. He served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2014, and has earned degrees from Gulf State College and Florida State University.

ICYMI: Trumbull Congratulates Patronis on CFO Appointment

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 In case you missed it, State Representative Jay Trumbull released the following statement today following the swearing-in of Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer:
“I want to congratulate my friend, Jimmy Patronis, on his first official day as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. With his business background and his experience in public service, he’s a great choice for the job. Having him in the Florida Cabinet is a huge win for Bay County and all of Florida, and I look forward to working with him.”
About Jay Trumbull for State Representative
Born and raised in Panama City, Florida, Jay Trumbull Jr. graduated from Bay High School and then from Auburn University with a degree in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. The Trumbull family has been in the bottled water and water conditioning business for over 4 generations and owns 6 Culligan dealerships in Panama City; Ft. Walton; Dothan, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; Tifton, Georgia; and Americus, Georgia. Jay started out driving a truck for the first 2 years and then later became a part of the dealer management team. Jay is active in local business community organizations, including the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. Jay married his high school sweetheart, Brittany Fishel. They are members of the First United Methodist Church of Panama City and are both active in the community.
ON THE WEB:  www.jaytrumbull.com

Paid by Jay Trumbull, Republican, for State Representative