Patronis warns about lithium-ion battery fire safety, electric vehicles ahead of Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Patronis warns about lithium-ion battery fire safety, electric vehicles ahead of Hurricane MiltonFlorida State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis issued a warning about fire hazards with lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Patronis confirms 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to Hurricane Helene storm surge
Read full article: Patronis confirms 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to Hurricane Helene storm surgeFlorida CFO and State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis confirmed 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Hurricane Helene.
Patronis announces funding, new equipment to fight cancer among firefighters
Read full article: Patronis announces funding, new equipment to fight cancer among firefightersFlorida CFO Jimmy Patronis announced Tuesday that the state will be seeking to double its funding to fight high rates of cancer among firefighters.
Florida CFO shares storm recovery resources, flood insurance claims information ahead of expected major hurricane
Read full article: Florida CFO shares storm recovery resources, flood insurance claims information ahead of expected major hurricaneFlorida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis shared storm recovery resources and flood insurance claims information ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to hit the Florida Panhandle Thursday.
Florida homeowners need to be careful about persistent roofing scams, CFO says
Read full article: Florida homeowners need to be careful about persistent roofing scams, CFO saysFlorida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is issuing a warning to homeowners about ongoing roofing scams that are costing property owners thousands of dollars each year.
Florida provides millions to help residents prepare their homes for hurricane season
Read full article: Florida provides millions to help residents prepare their homes for hurricane seasonBig changes and big money are on the way for the State of Florida’s My Safe Florida Home Program. $200 million is available July 1 to help Floridians harden their homes to save money on their property insurance.
State, local political leaders offer swift response to guilty verdict for former President Trump
Read full article: State, local political leaders offer swift response to guilty verdict for former President TrumpFormer President Donald Trump is expected to speak at a news conference at 11 a.m. Friday at Trump Tower following Thursday’s guilty verdict in his New York criminal trial.
New Florida law increases support for firefighters who are battling cancer
Read full article: New Florida law increases support for firefighters who are battling cancerAccording to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general population in the United States.
After arrest of Jacksonville funeral director, DeSantis signs bill giving state more power to investigate funeral homes
Read full article: After arrest of Jacksonville funeral director, DeSantis signs bill giving state more power to investigate funeral homesGov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law on Thursday in Jacksonville that will give the state more authority to investigate derelict funeral homes.
Florida program that could help lower home insurance costs gets approved for more funding
Read full article: Florida program that could help lower home insurance costs gets approved for more fundingThe Florida Senate unanimously cleared a bill Wednesday to put $100 million into the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which could help people lower their home insurance costs.
Arrest warrant issued for Jacksonville funeral home director accused of theft, mishandling remains
Read full article: Arrest warrant issued for Jacksonville funeral home director accused of theft, mishandling remainsA Northside funeral home director is wanted on multiple charges after the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) opened an investigation following complaints over the “mishandling of cremated remains” and allegedly “abandoning” the business.
WATCH LIVE: Ringing of the Bell Ceremony to honor Florida fallen firefighters
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Ringing of the Bell Ceremony to honor Florida fallen firefightersChief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis are hosting the Ringing of the Bell Ceremony to honor Florida’s fallen firefighters.
‘This is free money’: Officials trying to get My Safe Florida Home program running again following severe storms
Read full article: ‘This is free money’: Officials trying to get My Safe Florida Home program running again following severe stormsFlorida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis urged Floridians to enroll in the My Safe Home Program to help save homeowners on insurance. The program has practically run out of money and state officials are trying to get it back running again.
4 reported tornadoes hit Florida Panhandle, leave behind widespread damage as powerful storms move across state
Read full article: 4 reported tornadoes hit Florida Panhandle, leave behind widespread damage as powerful storms move across stateA sprawling storm has hit the South with high winds and tornado warnings that blew roofs off homes, flipped over campers and tossed about furniture in Florida.
Florida CFO Patronis wants $5.5M to expand state’s Division of Consumer Services
Read full article: Florida CFO Patronis wants $5.5M to expand state’s Division of Consumer ServicesFlorida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis wants to expand what he calls one of the state's best-kept secrets: The Division of Consumer Services.
Get your cash! $340,000 claimed Monday in Northeast Florida and millions are still up for grabs!
Read full article: Get your cash! $340,000 claimed Monday in Northeast Florida and millions are still up for grabs!You may have money owed to you, but you don’t even know it! Now is your chance to claim it.
No power and nowhere to stay as rural Florida starts recovering from Hurricane Idalia
Read full article: No power and nowhere to stay as rural Florida starts recovering from Hurricane IdaliaHurricane Idalia's fast track over a sparsely populated region means Florida's insurance industry isn't expected to take nearly the hit it has with previous storms like last year's Ian.
Farmers Insurance pulls out of the Florida market
Read full article: Farmers Insurance pulls out of the Florida marketThe Florida insurance market took a hit Tuesday, as Farmers Insurance said it will end residential, auto and umbrella policies in the state, forcing tens of thousands of customers to look elsewhere for coverage.
2023 Hurricane Season: What you need to complete your kit & be ready for a storm
Read full article: 2023 Hurricane Season: What you need to complete your kit & be ready for a stormThe 2023 Hurricane Season begins Thursday, and it’s probably been a while since you’ve looked at your hurricane kit, so we'll help you finish up getting everything you need ready for a storm.
2023 Hurricane Season: How your cellphone can help you prepare for the worst
Read full article: 2023 Hurricane Season: How your cellphone can help you prepare for the worstAs many Floridians know, one hurricane can change your life forever with financial and property losses. But you might not be thinking of your cellphone as one of the tools to prepare ahead of the storm.
Gov. DeSantis signs law aimed at blocking ‘ESG’ standards in government investments
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs law aimed at blocking ‘ESG’ standards in government investmentsGov. Ron DeSantis signed a law Tuesday that’s designed to eliminate the consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards from government investment strategies, procurements, bond issuances and use of banks.
‘Digital fentanyl’: CFO Jimmy Patronis calls for TikTok ban at Florida universities
Read full article: ‘Digital fentanyl’: CFO Jimmy Patronis calls for TikTok ban at Florida universitiesThe battle against TikTok continues as federal lawmakers introduce legislation that would ban the social media app in the United States.
Ready to cash in? You could have money, property waiting to be claimed in time for holidays
Read full article: Ready to cash in? You could have money, property waiting to be claimed in time for holidaysIt’s time for Florida's Holiday Money Hunt! News4JAX is officially launching the yearly campaign with Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to help you put extra cash in your pocket -- at a time when all of us could really use the extra money.
Republicans sweep Florida Cabinet races
Read full article: Republicans sweep Florida Cabinet racesThe Florida Cabinet returned to an all-Republican lineup Tuesday as outgoing Senate President Wilton Simpson was elected agriculture commissioner and Attorney General Ashley Moody and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis won second terms.
Florida CFO says insurance proposal will put brakes on fraud after storms
Read full article: Florida CFO says insurance proposal will put brakes on fraud after stormsFlorida’s Chief Financial Officer is calling for a major overhaul in the way insurance is handled to prevent fraud in wake of Hurricane Ian.
Floridians urged to be cautious, aware of potential scams in wake of Ian’s destruction
Read full article: Floridians urged to be cautious, aware of potential scams in wake of Ian’s destructionAs residents all over Florida begin the process of recovery after disasters like Hurricane Ian, Florida officials are warning them of potential scammers trying to take advantage of their situations.
Hurricane Ian is bad news for already high property insurance premiums
Read full article: Hurricane Ian is bad news for already high property insurance premiumsHomeowners in the state of Florida who were already paying nearly triple the national average for property insurance, will be forced to pay even more after Hurricane Ian.
Floridians urged to prepare for insurance claims as tropical system looms
Read full article: Floridians urged to prepare for insurance claims as tropical system loomsAs Tropical Storm Ian strengthens with a path toward Florida as a major hurricane, state officials are urging Floridians to prepare for possible post-storm insurance claims.
Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primary
Read full article: Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primaryThe most significant race in Florida's primary election Tuesday is between the two Democratic gubernatorial candidates seeking to go against Gov. Ron DeSantis, who's unopposed in the Republican primary.
Florida insurers face ratings change that could raise costs
Read full article: Florida insurers face ratings change that could raise costsA ratings agency has plans to downgrade more than two dozen Florida-based property insurance companies in a move that could cost more money for homeowners with loans.
Mayor Curry and CFO Patronis market Jacksonville to Elon Musk for future business
Read full article: Mayor Curry and CFO Patronis market Jacksonville to Elon Musk for future businessJacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer have called on Elon Musk to bring his business ventures to the River City.
Gov. Ron DeSantis: Partisan political positions could keep Florida from receiving money for emergency responders
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis: Partisan political positions could keep Florida from receiving money for emergency respondersIn Jacksonville Monday, firefighters and first responders were honored along with teams needed in disaster areas after catastrophic storms.
New tax incentive aims to make homes more resilient to storms, provide opportunity for owners to save on insurance
Read full article: New tax incentive aims to make homes more resilient to storms, provide opportunity for owners to save on insuranceStarting this summer, the home hardening incentive removes sales tax from storm resistant windows, exterior doors and garage doors.
Mayor Lenny Curry tells Elon Musk that Jacksonville would make perfect headquarters for Twitter
Read full article: Mayor Lenny Curry tells Elon Musk that Jacksonville would make perfect headquarters for TwitterA day after it was announced that Elon Musk had purchased Twitter for $44 billion, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry joined a chorus of elected officials looking to convince Musk to move Twitter headquarters to their state.
Governor DeSantis and Florida lawmakers will address property insurance problems during a special legislative session
Read full article: Governor DeSantis and Florida lawmakers will address property insurance problems during a special legislative sessionIn a stop in Jacksonville Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he'll address the property insurance crisis in a special legislative session in May.
State CFO visits Jacksonville to thank firefighters who helped in Surfside
Read full article: State CFO visits Jacksonville to thank firefighters who helped in SurfsideJimmy Patronis, Florida’s state fire marshal and chief financial officer, visited Jacksonville on Thursday to thank the Urban Search and Rescue team that’s made up of firefighters from a number of agencies in the area.
Identity Theft Awareness Week: How to protect yourself from scams
Read full article: Identity Theft Awareness Week: How to protect yourself from scamsAccording to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were more than 101,000 reports of identity theft in Florida in 2020, making it the most reported category of fraud.
Edward Waters ‘will not be intimidated’ after receiving bomb threat
Read full article: Edward Waters ‘will not be intimidated’ after receiving bomb threatEdward Waters University warned students via social media early Tuesday morning that it had received “an anonymous bomb and threat of violence to the EWU campus this morning.”
More than $650K claimed in Jacksonville area since launch of Holiday Money Hunt
Read full article: More than $650K claimed in Jacksonville area since launch of Holiday Money HuntIf you haven’t checked your name yet in the Holiday Money Hunt, you could be missing out on cash that could be in your pocket in two weeks or less.
Ringing of the bell ceremony at state Capitol honors fallen Florida firefighters
Read full article: Ringing of the bell ceremony at state Capitol honors fallen Florida firefightersAmong the 18 firefighters honored in this year’s ceremony, we’re told three died from COVID infections, acquired in the line of duty.
Jacksonville insurance agent accused of writing 98 fraudulent life policies
Read full article: Jacksonville insurance agent accused of writing 98 fraudulent life policiesAn insurance agent was arrested and charged with fraud after state investigators said he submitted fraudulent life insurance policy applications without the knowledge or consent of the named policyholders in order to obtain commissions.
Jacksonville man accused of setting fire to home with 2 children inside
Read full article: Jacksonville man accused of setting fire to home with 2 children insideA 19-year-old man was arrested Friday and charged with arson hours after Jacksonville Fire-Rescue put out a fire at a Southside mobile home.
DeSantis: Not time to let guard down, despite relatively mild impacts from Elsa
Read full article: DeSantis: Not time to let guard down, despite relatively mild impacts from ElsaAt an 8 a.m. briefing Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis was breathing a sigh of relief that the effects of Tropical Storm Elsa hadn’t been worse, but he cautioned that dangers might still lie ahead.
With more than 150 still missing in condo collapse, ‘we still have hope,’ officials say
Read full article: With more than 150 still missing in condo collapse, ‘we still have hope,’ officials sayOfficials say there are still 159 people unaccounted for after the partial collapse of a beachside building in Florida.
Florida to release new information on storm resources
Read full article: Florida to release new information on storm resourcesPresident Joe Biden will visit FEMA headquarters in Washington D.C. on Monday for a briefing on the Atlantic hurricane outlook and preparedness efforts. Florida is also expected to release new information on storm resources Monday.
Florida is auctioning off tons of unclaimed property to the highest bidder
Read full article: Florida is auctioning off tons of unclaimed property to the highest bidderRegistration begins Friday for the 2021 Florida Unclaimed Property Auction, which will be held online for the first time in the program’s history.
Florida’s DeSantis signs COVID-19 lawsuit protection bill
Read full article: Florida’s DeSantis signs COVID-19 lawsuit protection billTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida businesses, governments and healthcare providers will be protected from coronavirus lawsuits if they made a good effort to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 under a bill signed by Republican Gov. The legislation was the first bill to go to the governor during the 60-day legislative session that began March 2. In order for a lawsuit to move ahead, a plaintiff would have to show that the defendant deliberately ignored guidelines. DeSantis had a live band playing a cover version of The Beatles “With a Little Help from My Friends” in the Cabinet meeting room before he signed the bill. They said the language in the bill and need to prove gross negligence will make it difficult to bring a case forward.
Insurance, K9s and weed among Cabinet legislative priorities
Read full article: Insurance, K9s and weed among Cabinet legislative prioritiesThe Associated Press interviewed each of the Cabinet members to discuss their 2021 legislative priorities:CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JIMMY PATRONISOne of Patronis's top priorities reflects an issue supported by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican legislative leaders: Passing a bill to shield businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19. He said he was inspired by a California law that went into affect last year in that state. A wide ranging food insecurity bill would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for farmers who donate food to charities. “It makes sure that we can go after those folks like guardians and other fiduciaries that are exceeding their scope and taking advantage and exploiting seniors,” Moody said.
Florida’s 2021 legislative session; governor’s State of the State address; UNF research polls
Read full article: Florida’s 2021 legislative session; governor’s State of the State address; UNF research pollsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis weighs in on what can be accomplished during Florida’s 2021 legislative session. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried shares her thoughts on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address. And University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab Director Dr. Michael Binder explains recent poll results.
COVID-19 protections sought for Florida workers
Read full article: COVID-19 protections sought for Florida workersMembers of House and Senate panels have expressed concerns that workers who allege they contracted COVID-19 on the job aren’t getting workers’ compensation benefits. A state report shows that 29,400 coronavirus-related workers’ compensation claims were filed as of Dec. 31, including 13,409 claims filed by health care workers and educators. Claims related to COVID-19 accounted for 31 percent of the 93,228 workers’ compensation claims filed in 2020. Bill Herrle, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Florida, said it’s insurers, not employers, that determine whether workers’ compensation claims lead to payments. “Insurers licensed to provide workers’ compensation coverage in Florida are reminded of this statutory requirement, which must be applied on a non-discriminatory basis,” Altmaier’s memo said.
Olympic dream? CFO urges Summer Games to move from Tokyo to Florida
Read full article: Olympic dream? CFO urges Summer Games to move from Tokyo to FloridaFlorida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee on Monday encouraging them to consider relocating the 2021 Olympics from Tokyo to the United States and, more specifically, to Florida. “The state of Florida has successfully allowed sports to take place during the pandemic,” Patronis wrote to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee. Additionally, our international tourist destinations, like Disney parks have been open and operating safely in Florida for some time. Japan was awarded the 2020 Summer Games in 2013 and has spent at least $25 billion preparing for the Olympics. Publicly, the International Olympic Committee and organizers in Japan are adamant that the games will happen and are planning for the four-month torch relay across Japan to begin March 25.
COVID-19 business protections clear first hurdle
Read full article: COVID-19 business protections clear first hurdleBill sponsor Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, said “fewer than 10” lawsuits have been filed against business owners related to COVID-19. The other proposed amendments were offered by Rep. Ben Diamond, a St. Petersburg Democrat who is an attorney. “I think that idea, candidly, jeopardizes the bill,” Diamond said. The committee shot down the two amendments by Diamond, including one that would have deleted the provision from the bill. Diamond called the withdrawn amendment “a first attempt at this issue” of providing greater protections to employees.
New fireworks law helps ring in new year
Read full article: New fireworks law helps ring in new yearTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, whose job includes the role of state fire marshal, cautioned Floridians to follow fire-safety guidelines ahead of the first New Year’s holiday with a law bolstering the availability of fireworks. Ron DeSantis signed a measure (SB 140) that allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, called the state’s prior fireworks rules “one of the craziest laws we have on the books.” The old fireworks law prohibited explosives, such as firecrackers, torpedoes and roman candles, while allowing relatively innocuous devices such as sparklers. “You’re basically perjuring yourself every time you purchase fireworks, because you’re signing a paper that most people, I would say everyone, doesn’t use for that purpose,” Rodriguez said in February. The new law eliminated the need for people to declare why they are buying fireworks if they use the fireworks during the three holidays listed in the bill.
Democrats attack DeSantis as first-time unemployment claims tick up
Read full article: Democrats attack DeSantis as first-time unemployment claims tick upRon DeSantis’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, as first-time unemployment claims in Florida were up last week from the holiday-shortened previous week. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated 25,012 initial jobless claims were submitted in Florida during the week that ended Dec. 5, up from 23,063 claims during the previous week, which included Thanksgiving. Last week’s Florida total was among the lowest for a seven-day period since pandemic-related unemployment exploded across the state and nation in March. Since the start of November, the state has averaged just over 26,000 new claims a week. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has paid out nearly $19.1 billion, mostly in federal money, to almost 2.13 million unemployment claimants since March 15.
Push for Jacksonville firefighters to be among first to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Push for Jacksonville firefighters to be among first to receive COVID-19 vaccineJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida prepares for the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed, there’s a push to get firefighters who deal with medical calls to the front of the line. Right now firefighters who are also EMTs are not in Phase 1 of the vaccine plan like hospital workers are. All we’re saying is treat them the same way you treat our doctors and nurses.”News4Jax also reached out to Randy Wyse with the Jacksonville Firefighter’s Union. He said all Jacksonville firefighters who are on the street are trained EMTs. A CDC spokeswoman issued an emailed statement:“ACIP, CDC’s independent vaccine advisory committee, traditionally develops vaccine recommendations that go to the CDC director for approval before becoming official CDC policy.
Florida AG backs Texas challenge to election results in 4 states
Read full article: Florida AG backs Texas challenge to election results in 4 statesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on Wednesday joined 16 other states in backing a last-chance effort by Texas to get the U.S. Supreme Court to block election results in four swing states where the vote went in favor of President-elect Joe Biden. “The integrity and resolution of the 2020 election is of paramount importance,” Moody wrote in a statement as Florida joined a friend-of-the-court brief urging the Supreme Court to allow Texas to move forward with the case. The other states are Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined, without comment, to hear a challenge to Pennsylvania’s election results. Also, state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis backed Trump’s efforts in an interview Wednesday with The News Service of Florida.
Lauren Verno answers your questions about the Holiday Money Hunt
Read full article: Lauren Verno answers your questions about the Holiday Money HuntNews4Jax teamed up with the Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ office to find people that money. Twenty-four hours after the Holiday Money Hunt began, 3,441 people in Jacksonville had claimed $610,587.92. In News4Jax’s original story on the Holiday Money Hunt, we broke down how much money was available in more than 100 ZIP codes across Northeast Florida. The message says “Notification of Required Maintenace.” The CFO’s office says the website performs routine maintenance at different times of the day. Finally, if you don’t find any money for yourself, make sure to check for friends, family and neighbors.
How to protect yourself from Black Friday scams
Read full article: How to protect yourself from Black Friday scamsAs more Floridians than ever turn to online shopping, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from fraud and scams. 4 Tips to Protect Yourself from Black Friday ScamsIf it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Be careful of unfamiliar merchants and be extra wary of items listed at prices well below those of other shops. Credit cards offer consumer protection if things go wrong with a purchase. To report fraud or learn about ways to protect yourself from scams, visit FraudFreeFlorida.com.
Florida election results certified
Read full article: Florida election results certified(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As legal battles and vote counts continue in other states, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Tuesday quickly certified the results of Florida’s Nov. 3 general election. DeSantis and the two Cabinet members, acting as the state Elections Canvassing Commission, did not comment before agreeing in a conference call to certify the results. More than 11.14 million Floridians cast ballots in the election.
You’re not the only one trying to cash in on Prime Day deals
Read full article: You’re not the only one trying to cash in on Prime Day dealsAmazon’s Prime Day is a two-day long event that promising some of the best deals of the year. Never ones to pass on an opportunity to deceive, scammers are trying to cash in, too. “Do not click links in emails,” Freedman said. How do you know the email that looks like it came from Amazon is from an imposter instead? The Better Business Bureau warns of scammers calling people to day there’s an issue with their Amazon account.
Republicans cry foul over Bloomberg donations for felon voters
Read full article: Republicans cry foul over Bloomberg donations for felon votersThe controversy comes after former Democratic Presidential Candidate Michael Bloomberg pledged to donate at least $16 million to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “It doesn’t smell good, it doesn’t look good,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Republican. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Deputy Director Neil Volz said the organization doesn’t ask about the race or political leanings of the felons whose fines they pay. The coalition told us it has so far spent $5 million to pay the fines and fees of 5,000 felons. There are estimated to be about 750,000 felons in Florida currently blocked from voting because of outstanding costs related to their sentence.
Leader of felons' voting rights says resolve strengthened after pardon decision
Read full article: Leader of felons' voting rights says resolve strengthened after pardon decisionTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After his bid for a pardon was blocked Wednesday, Florida felons' voting-rights leader Desmond Meade said the decision made him even more committed to continuing his work. The decision to defer Meade’s pardon request came the same day he announced that he was receiving a $100,000 grant from an unidentified foundation for his advocacy. The 2019 law requiring felons to pay outstanding fines and fees could prevent hundreds of thousands of felons from registering to vote. There’s a backlog of 24,000 felons seeking rights restoration with or without hearings. “If restoring and protecting Floridians' constitutional rights were a priority for this governor, it would happen — but it’s not, so it won’t.
Florida seeks investigation on Bloomberg donation on voting
Read full article: Florida seeks investigation on Bloomberg donation on votingAttorney General Ashley Moody sent letters to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI saying that further investigation is warranted. Ron DeSantis had asked Moody to review allegations that Bloomberg and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition had violated the law by offering incentives for voting. The Florida Rights Restitution Coalition had raised about $5 million before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $17 million more, according to Bloomberg staffers. Neil Volz, the group's executive director, has also had his voting rights restored and the clemency board restored his other civil rights Wednesday. “It just seems like, then what is enough?”The question of satisfying financial obligations before voting rights are restored continues to be battled in court.
Pardon blocked for leader of felons' voting rights
Read full article: Pardon blocked for leader of felons' voting rightsDeSantis and Patronis on Wednesday blocked Meade’s request for a pardon, with DeSantis saying the panel should take the issue “under advisement” until it can gather more information. The state’s labyrinthine and years-long clemency process prompted Meade and other advocates to initiate the constitutional amendment, which enabled Meade to cast a ballot in last month’s primary elections. Meade said his focus is on getting his rights restored in Florida, as a pardon would restore rights such as being able to serve on juries and have firearms. Critics have condemned the state’s clemency process as a remnant of Jim Crow-era laws designed to keep Black people from voting. The number is a stark contrast to more than 155,000 felons who had their rights restored under an “automatic” process initiated by Scott’s predecessor, former Gov.
DeSantis defends agencies’ response to coronavirus
Read full article: DeSantis defends agencies’ response to coronavirusTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried calling for a coordinated response by statewide elected officials to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday defended the actions of agencies under his control. DeSantis and the Cabinet also held a conference call on May 28. Fried, the lone statewide elected Democrat, has repeatedly called for Cabinet meetings and more coordination amid the pandemic. “When you talk to like a hospital or all these places, it’s not only that we’re there to help, they’ll say that, but we’re there very quickly when someone needs something,” DeSantis told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
Florida CFO: More than $39M returned to rightful owners in August
Read full article: Florida CFO: More than $39M returned to rightful owners in AugustTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – More than $39 million was returned to the rightful owners in August, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Thursday. It was the second-highest monthly amount of unclaimed property recovered and returned to Floridians in the Division of Unclaimed Property’s 59-year history. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances and refunds. Unclaimed property assets are held by business or government entities for a set period of time, usually five years. RELATED: How to find out if forgotten treasure is waiting for youAugust 2020 unclaimed property returns by region
Many Florida COVID-19 workers comp claims rejected
Read full article: Many Florida COVID-19 workers comp claims rejectedNot surprisingly, first responders and health care workers have filed the most workers compensation indemnity claims related to COVID-19. Meanwhile private self-insured funds and government self-insured funds denied or partially denied 30 percent and 31 percent of claims, respectively. Miami-Dade County leads the state in the number of COVID-19 infections and in workers compensation claims. In addition to having claims information, the report also contains data on indemnity claims paid. Workers compensation indemnity claims had been filed in every county, with the exception of DeSoto County, according to the data.
Florida sending search-and-rescue team to Louisiana
Read full article: Florida sending search-and-rescue team to LouisianaTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Florida emergency management search-and-rescue team is heading to Louisiana in anticipation of the landfall of Hurricane Laura. The team is expected to spend about two weeks, or however long it is needed, working after the storm, Division of Emergency Management spokesman Jason Mahon said Wednesday. The Florida Division of Emergency Management on Tuesday sent three staff members to help Mississippi set up shelters that comply with coronavirus health regulations. Florida utilities also have sent crews to help restore electricity in the region. Also, the Florida Municipal Electric Association said Wednesday that crews from public utilities in various parts of the state will help with restoration in Louisiana.
How to find out if forgotten treasure is waiting for you
Read full article: How to find out if forgotten treasure is waiting for youIt’s called Florida’s unclaimed property. On FLTreasureHunt.gov, you can do a free search in about 30 seconds to see if you have any unclaimed property. RELATED: Treasure hunt: Unclaimed property may be waiting for you | There could be money waiting for you to claim itAccording to a private startup out of Gainesville called ClaimFound, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars unclaimed in Jacksonville alone. The only difference is they charge a percentage fee or a commission to help people find that money,” Prompovitch said. Say your name doesn’t show that you have any unclaimed property, that doesn’t mean there’s not something there.
There could be money waiting for you to claim it
Read full article: There could be money waiting for you to claim itYou or your business may be struggling financially because of COVID-19, but there could be money just waiting for you to claim it. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis says an estimated one in five Floridians have unclaimed property just waiting, and it doesn’t cost you a dime to get it back. “This is another amazing milestone for our Unclaimed Property Team, especially since our staff has been teleworking since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances and refunds. Unclaimed property assets are held by business or government entities (holders) for a set period of time, usually five years.
Florida CFO wants FDLE to look into risks of social media hacks
Read full article: Florida CFO wants FDLE to look into risks of social media hacksTALLAHASSEE, Fla. State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis asked law-enforcement officials Monday to determine potential economic risks to Florida from hacks of social-media accounts after a high-profile Twitter hack last week. Twitter rightfully called the breach embarrassing, but I would also characterize it as dangerous; Twitter has clearly been culpably negligent in allowing this infiltration to occur, Patronis wrote. The attack represents a threat beyond that to all users privacy and data security, though those are credible threats given that Florida is experiencing an ongoing fraud epidemic, Patronis wrote. This coordinated attack threatens the underpinnings of how the State of Florida shares important information about elections, disasters and other emergencies, and consumer services. One tweet could cause conflicts or send our states economy into a tailspin.Questions linger about who was responsible for last weeks attack.
Florida CFO: Android users need to know signs of ID theft, fraud, scams
Read full article: Florida CFO: Android users need to know signs of ID theft, fraud, scamsPatronis says Floridians who use Android devices need to know the signs of identity theft, fraud and scams. The Federal Trade Commission ranks Florida second in the nation for fraud and ID theft reports and estimates that Florida fraud losses totaled nearly $90 million in 2019. Identity theft and imposter scams are the top two forms of fraud reported. Monitor credit reports. Credit reports are available free of charge from each of the three national credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) every 12 months.
Gov. DeSantis signs 15 bills, budget awaits action
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 15 bills, budget awaits actionRon DeSantis on Saturday signed 15 bills from this year’s legislative session, including a measure aimed at helping protect firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals. The bill sets up a program that will provide grants to local fire departments to buy equipment and provide training to help shield firefighters from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. DeSantis, who has line-item veto power, will need to act on the spending plan before Wednesday. He also issued a veto Saturday, nixing a public-records bill (SB 1292). He said the bill was a “nullity” because it was tied to a juvenile-justice bill that did not pass during the session.
Florida companies who work with state asked if they are owned by Chinese government
Read full article: Florida companies who work with state asked if they are owned by Chinese governmentTALLAHASSEE, Fla. More than 100,000 Florida companies who do business with the state are getting a letter asking about their ownership. The letter seeks to determine if the companies are owned by the Chinese government, and at least one viewer isnt happy with the letters tone. Those vendors are being contacted by CFO Jimmy Patronis, asking if they are owned by the Chinese government. The state of Florida has seen loss of life. So there is a huge debt to be paid back to the state of Florida.
Coronavirus: New website offers Floridians financial advice
Read full article: Coronavirus: New website offers Floridians financial adviceTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Three in four Floridians say they’re feeling more financial strain from the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent survey found. Now credit unions, banks and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis have teamed up to launch a new resource to help residents navigate these turbulent times. While most Floridians are feeling more financial strain from the pandemic, nearly half say they’re feeling significantly more. The site offers financial resources and advice, much of which is geared towards pandemic relief. Suncoast Credit Union CEO Kevin Johnson said learning how to create a six-month emergency fund is key in these times.