Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing ………..

Under the Florida Information Protection Act, Florida residents are supposed to be notified if they are a victim of a data breach within 30 days. Given how expansive and complex our use of cyber platforms have become, we must take every precaution to protect the personal information of Floridians, and frankly all Americans, from being exposed and used against them.

This week, I along with 49 other attorneys general and the District of Columbia, reached a major settlement with the ride-sharing transportation company, Uber, after they allegedly failed to report a 2016 breach of their drivers’ personal information.

While it appears that no sensitive information was dispersed, Uber did not alert its drivers or report the incident until a year later. People with compromised information need to be alerted immediately so they can take steps and guard against identity theft and potential financial losses. 

I am proud to say that Florida was one of the first states to launch this investigation that led to this $148 million settlement. I hope this settlement will send a strong message that quicker reporting of massive data breaches is essential.

We are always looking out for our citizens, but you also have the power to take measures in protecting your valuable and private information from ending up in the wrong hands. Next month happens to be National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. There are multiple ways consumers can be cyber smart, such as not oversharing your personal information online or protecting your password. The Department of Homeland Security has worthwhile lessons on their website about online safety. I encourage everyone to go check them out, here.

Uber will pay Florida $8.2 million as part of $148 million data breach settlement, Miami Herald 

Attorney General takes action against furniture store as owners scramble to make amends, WINK News

State argues against anonymity in gun case, News Service of Florida

Former judge Davis named receiver of Ritz Theatre, News Chief

Jacksonville-based FBI task force rescues, protects children from crime, WJXT

Florida Women’s Hall of Fame Celebrates Leading Women in 36th Induction Ceremony

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women inducted three new members into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame at a distinguished ceremony in Orlando as a part of the Future of Florida Forum. Celebrating its 36^th anniversary, the Hall of Fame honored 2018 inductees Adela Hernandez Gonzmart, Lee Bird Leavengood and Janet E. Petro for significant contributions to the citizens of Florida.

“These three extraordinary women exemplify true leadership in their respective fields,” said Attorney General Bondi. “From the community, to our schools and in service, each has done incredible work and have made giant positive impacts in Florida and improved the lives of countless people.”
Anchored with an induction ceremony led by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, the inductees received replicas of the plaques to be placed on the Hall of Fame wall in the Florida Capitol Rotunda, as well as an American flag that flew over the United States Capitol in the inductees’ honor. More.

Settlement Reached with Mortgage Servicer Regarding Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a settlement reached with Nationstar Mortgage, LLC, doing business as Mr. Cooper, a Texas-based mortgage lender and servicer. The settlement resolves allegations regarding Mr. Cooper’s servicing misconduct in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Mr. Cooper is one of the largest non-bank residential mortgage servicers in the United States.

As part of the settlement, Mr. Cooper will pay $350 each to Florida borrowers with a loan serviced by Mr. Cooper who were current on mortgage payments when Hurricane Irma made landfall, enrolled in a disaster forbearance plan following Hurricane Irma’s impact, and believe that Mr. Cooper misrepresented the terms of that forbearance plan. Eligible homeowners that already filed complaints with either the Attorney General’s Office or Mr. Cooper will receive immediate payment. Eligible homeowners who have not filed a complaint may submit claims by March 18, 2019. More.

This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi emceed the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and helped present awards to each 2018 inductee.

Pictured left to right: Cassandra Gonzmart, Casey Gonzmart, Jr., Heidi Gonzmart, Casey Gonzmart, Commissioner Maruchi Azorin, Richard Gonzmart, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Melanie Gonzmart, Lauren Gonzmart Schellman, Chris Schellman, Andrea Gonzmart Williams and Beau Williams.

Pictured left to right: Attorney General Pam Bondi and Janet E. Petro.

Pictured left to right: Ann Leavengood Giles, Commissioner Maruchi Azorin, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Hansel Leavengood, Lee Bird Leavengood and Commission Chair Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D.

Attorney General Bondi participating in a panel discussion on disaster preparedness at the 2018 Concordia Summit in New York City.

Pictured left to right: Moderator Michael Nyenhuis, CEO of Haitian Relief Organization Ann Young Lee, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the National Preparedness Directorate FEMA Alex Amparo, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Executive V. P. of Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer of Johnson & Johnson Michael Sneed.

At the Concordia Summit, Attorney General Bondi spoke with Morgan Ortagus about human trafficking, the national opioid crisis and more. To view the interview, click below.

Next Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi along with the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the University of Central Florida will host the 2018 Human Trafficking Summit at 8:15 a.m. EST in Orlando. This event brings together local, state and national leaders working to eradicate all forms of trafficking.