Welcome to the Division of Insurance
Fraud
The Division of Insurance Fraud was
originally formed in 1976 by the Florida
Legislature to investigate only fraudulent
automobile tort claims. In the early years,
investigators had arrest powers but could
not carry firearms. Today, the division
investigates all types of insurance fraud
crimes. Investigators now are armed, sworn
state law enforcement officers.
The division is a law enforcement agency
within the mostly civilian Florida
Department of Financial Services (DFS). The
department is headed by the Chief Financial
Officer, who is elected every four years and
is a member of the Florida Cabinet. The
Director of The Division of Insurance Fraud
is appointed by the Chief Financial
Officer.
The Division of Insurance Fraud has
authorized 128 sworn officers, managers and
administrators, and 43 nonsworn, civilian
support staff members. In
fiscal year 2005 - 2006, the
division received 12,920 Tips , which
resulted in 1,464 criminal investigations,
and 795 arrests.
The Division of Insurance Fraud has five
regions located throughout the state of
Florida, each commanded by a law enforcement
captain. One region is located in the north,
one in central and three in south Florida.
Sixteen squads, each headed by a lieutenant,
are located throughout the state.
Investigators are assigned to work general
fraud cases, workers’ compensation fraud,
medical and health-care fraud, and agent and
company fraud. Areas of assignment may
include:
Insolvency - Fraud committed by insurance companies that fail
financially due to internal fraud by owners
and corporate officers.
Unauthorized Entities - fraud, both criminal and civil, committed
by insurance companies operating illegally
in the state.
Health Care Fraud - focuses on organized medical and health care
scams.
Workers’ Compensation - investigates employers for workers’
compensation premium fraud.
Public Employee Fraud - investigates state and local government
employees for workers’ compensation claimant
fraud.
Additionally, insurance companies doing
business in Florida must report suspected
fraud to the division. Those reports are
protected from civil liability, provided the
information is reported in good faith.
A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for
information leading to a conviction in
insurance fraud cases.
