Released by CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Office …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In recognition of Consumer Protection Week, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlights legislative efforts to address insurance claim delays for storm victims and measures aimed to protect Florida’s 1.5 million veterans from fraud.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “At the Department of Financial Services, we’re laser focused on protecting consumers, and that’s why this legislative session we are aimed at fighting for consumers. After Hurricane Michael devastated parts of the Panhandle, we learned some important lessons, and that is why the Consumer Protection Act allows consumers to get out of bad public adjuster contracts and forces insurance companies to communicate with their customers more effectively to swiftly close claims.
“We’re also working to protect Florida’s veterans with the Florida Veterans Act, which goes after those that would target our veterans. Finally, we’re working with the Legislature to pass a bill that protects vulnerable investors, by injecting common sense into certain financial transactions to ensure our vulnerable populations aren’t being exploited or duped into giving away their hard-earned money.
“On top of our legislative agenda, our Division of Investigative and Forensic Services works everyday with local law enforcement to crack down on insurance fraud, which penalizes hard working families by increasing their rates. On this Consumer Protection Week, we’ll keep working to put Florida consumers first.”
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).