Florida Department of Financial Services - Press Releases

CFO ALEX SINK ASKS CHAIRMAN BERNANKE TO EXTEND COMMERCIAL PAPER FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:17:14 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alex Sink, while in Washington, D.C., speaking before the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s National Roundtable on Insurance Literacy, issued the following statement:

LEON COUNTY JUDGE ORDERS MD MEDICARE CHOICE INTO RECEIVERSHIP FOR PURPOSES OF LIQUIDATION

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:26:17 GMT

A Leon County Circuit Court judge late Monday ordered Tampa-based MD Medicare Choice (MDMC), a Medicare Advantage plan with more than 16,000 members in 23 Florida counties, placed into receivership for the purpose of liquidation.

CFO SINK CREATES ‘SAFEGUARD OUR SENIORS’ TASK FORCE

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:23:10 GMT

Standing beside Mr. David Greene, an 81-year-old retired Army Master Sergeant and victim of annuity fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that she has created the “Safeguard our Seniors” (SOS) Task Force to review and recommend solutions to better protect Florida seniors against financial fraud, with an immediate focus on annuity fraud.

CFO SINK PROMOTES WORKPLACE SAFETY WITH FREE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLASSES

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:30:23 GMT

The classes will provide information on what is required under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, when exemptions apply, what resources are available to help employers and contractors comply with the law, and training on workplace safety. Contractors who successfully complete the classes will be eligible for continuing education credits.

MORTGAGE BROKER AND PASTOR CHARGED WITH BILKING CONSUMERS IN $1 MILLION SCHEME

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:04:00 GMT

A Florida mortgage broker and her husband, a pastor and popular radio show host, are facing numerous felony charges stemming from a state investigation that found the couple allegedly scammed consumers in a real estate investment scheme.

CFO SINK LEADS FLORIDA CABINET IN REJECTING OVERPRICED LAND DEAL

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today led the Florida Cabinet in objecting to using nearly $38 million in tax dollars to purchase a parcel of land known as Pine Plantation that the state twice appraised for $28 and $25 million, respectively.

CFO ALEX SINK RECOGNIZES “FINANCIAL PLANNING WEEK”

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:44:11 GMT

At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today designated the week of October 6 through 12, 2008, as “Financial Planning Week.”

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON WALL STREET FINANCIAL CRISIS

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:16:45 GMT

Millions of Floridians today awoke to news of increased volatility among several global financial institutions. Today’s tumultuous events continue the global financial turmoil witnessed during the last 18 months, and provide clear evidence that the federal government needs to provide increased oversight of large financial institutions to better protect consumers.

CFO SINK LAUNCHES LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES TO HELP STATE EMPLOYEES STRETCH HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:02:15 GMT

The Lunch and Learn series began in the summer and, following rave reviews, a third is scheduled for noon on Friday, September 12, 2008, in the Cabinet Room of the Capitol. Participants can bring their lunch.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ASSISTING IN THIRD ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:15:41 GMT

The memories of 9-11 will never be forgotten and have become synonymous with the dedication of our nation’s firefighters. In honor of those who gave everything they had to rescue their fellow citizens, the third annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend will be held September 19 -22, 2008, at the Okaloosa/Walton College, 100 College Blvd., in Niceville, Florida.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA TREASURY FIRST TO REVIEW CLIMATE RISK

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:17:50 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that Florida is the first Treasury in the nation to formally analyze investments for the financial impacts of climate change. In an effort to better protect the Treasury portfolio from emerging risks, CFO Sink has launched a semi-annual review process to assess how public fund managers incorporate climate risk in portfolio holdings as part of prudent investment management.

CFO SINK UNCOVERS FRAUDULENT CHECK-CASHING SCHEME; DELIVERS $325,000 IN RESTITUTION

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:41:22 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Insurance Fraud, has led to more than 110 criminal charges against Christiano Leonardo Gloria, the operator of one of the largest check-cashing operations in Broward County, for allegedly conspiring in a major money-laundering and workers’ compensation fraud scheme.

CFO SINK CHEERS PROPOSED SIXTH CONSECUTIVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATE DECLINE

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:10:35 GMT

The National Council on Compensation Insurance filed a request with the Office of Insurance Regulation for an average 14.1 percent rate decrease, which if approved would constitute a cost savings of about $465 million for Florida employers effective January 1, 2009. The cumulative rate decrease since 2003 is 58 percent.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON FLORIDA’S DEEPENING REVENUE SHORTFALL AND BUDGET DEFICIT -

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:56:24 GMT

The latest report shows a looming $3.5 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009-2010. Although not surprising and slated for next fiscal year, it dramatically underscores the severity of Florida’s growing budget deficit.

SINK SURVEYS DAMAGE IN THE BIG BEND AREA, OFFERS ADVICE TO STORM VICTIMS

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:32:11 GMT

With Tropical Storm Fay now downgraded to a tropical depression, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink surveyed storm damage in the state’s Big Bend area today.

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO PREPARE FOR TROPICAL STORM FAY

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:18:32 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today urged Floridians to continue to monitor and prepare for Tropical Storm Fay including taking the necessary financial and fire safety precautions to weather the storm with the help of a Hurricane Toolkit available online at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

CFO SINK CREATES “FINANCIAL ACTION TEAM”

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:13:43 GMT

In an effort to increase the amount of aid to Floridians facing economic crisis, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has created a “Financial Action Team” to identify federal assistance available to our state.

CFO SINK APPOINTS REP. AUSLEY AS CHAIR OF HEALTHY KIDS BOARD

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:17:31 GMT

Calling upon one of the state’s leading children’s advocates, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has appointed State Representative Loranne Ausley to serve as the Chair of the Healthy Kids Board, effective after her fourth legislative term.

SINK ORDERS EXTERNAL AUDIT OF ACCOUNTING & AUDITING

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:28:19 GMT

In a continuing effort to improve safeguards over public funds, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced she has engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP., to review procedures surrounding electronic payments and transfers within the Division of Accounting and Auditing.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION RAISES RECORD FUNDS FOR FLORIDA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:30:13 GMT

Bidders from around the nation descended on Tampa Bay last Saturday to find lost treasure at Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s annual Unclaimed Property Auction. Coordinated by CFO Sink’s Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau), the auction shattered previous auction records by raising $925,550 for Florida’s public schools — a $108,000 increase over last year.

CFO SINK RECEIVES CHAMPION FOR BUSINESS AWARD

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:54:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink will be the first Florida Cabinet member to receive the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Champions for Business Award when she addresses the organization at an AIF luncheon today in Tallahassee.

CFO SINK URGES SELF-EMPLOYED TO BUY, REVIEW HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE DURING AUGUST OPEN ENROLLMENT

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:22:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Florida’s self-employed individuals to take advantage of the August open enrollment period that allows single-group employers, sole proprietors, independent contractors and others to obtain health insurance or switch plans on a guaranteed-issue basis.

DFS HELPS FBI NAB SUSPECT IN WIRE FRAUD CASE

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:08:45 GMT

A 35-year-old man is in custody after being arrested on charges of wire fraud. Moments before he boarded an international flight, Ali Hammoud was arrested by federal agents at the Miami International Airport.

CFO ALEX SINK CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT AUDIT TO ENSURE WELLCARE FULLY REFUNDS FLORIDA HEALTHY KIDS

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:46:09 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today called for an independent audit after Tampa-based WellCare Health Plans, Inc. reported “errors” resulting in $46.5 million of overpayments, including millions from Florida’s Healthy Kids program.

CFO SINK APPOINTS JIM MALONE AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF CITIZENS BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:02:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced Friday the appointment of James R. Malone as the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, effective August 1, 2008. Citizens is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in the nation and the largest property insurer in Florida.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD! CFO SINK TO AUCTION LOST TREASURE IN TAMPA BAY

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:01:14 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the State of Florida will auction off more than 40,000 unclaimed items estimated to be worth more than $500,000 at an upcoming auction on August 2, 2008, at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

400,000 INSPECTIONS AND 35,000 GRANTS LATER, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME SIGN-UPS COME TO AN END

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home program will meet the Florida Legislature’s goal of approving 400,000 homeowners for free wind inspections a full year ahead of schedule. The program will cease to take new applications in the next few days.

CFO SINK AND EMERGENCY MANAGERS URGE FIREWORKS SAFETY THIS FOURTH OF JULY

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:38:43 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today joined State Emergency Management officials in urging Floridians to observe fire safety rules and follow fireworks laws as they celebrate this Fourth of July.

CFO SINK: TAMPA DUO ARRESTED FOR OVER $40,000 IN PIP-RELATED FRAUD

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:38:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of two Tampa women on charges they allegedly billed insurance companies for over $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection- (PIP) related fraud charges.

CFO SINK REMINDS FLORIDIANS MOST HOMEOWNERS POLICIES DO NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGES

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:11:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Florida homeowners to review their insurance policies, reminding homeowners that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damages, even when the flood is caused by a hurricane.

OVER 365,000 FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS SERVED, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM APPROACHING GOALS

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:29:47 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that more than 365,000 Florida homeowners have signed up for free wind inspections through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, only 35,000 inspections shy of the Florida Legislature’s goal of 400,000 free wind inspections by June 2009.

MEDIA ADVISORY -- Insurability of the Coast

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:21:51 GMT

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, along with insurance commissioners from Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Georgia, will participate in a day-long forum to discuss the Insurability of the Coast. Read More...

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST FOR FRAUDULENT USE OF TAX DOLLARS IN PENSACOLA

Thu, 29 May 2008 12:47:09 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs Tom Pelham, and State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida William Eddins today announced the arrest of an Escambia County woman charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $150,000 in state funds from a local non-profit organization.

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS “ACT-OUT FOR HEALTH” TO WIN KIDCARE PSA CONTEST

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:24:04 GMT

Three Lincoln High School students enjoyed the spotlight today after winning the Florida KidCare “Act-Out for Health” video PSA contest. Kyle Johnson, Christle Moorer and Darsak Patel were honored by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Healthy Kids Executive Director Rich Robleto today for writing and producing a :30 second public service announcement promoting the state-subsidized health insurance program for kids under the age of 19.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM NEARS 35,000 GRANTS

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:54:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is projecting it will exceed the Florida Legislature’s goal of approving 35,000 homeowners for grants by the end of May.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK PROMOTES ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

Fri, 09 May 2008 18:22:20 GMT

This week, Florida State Fire Marshal Alex Sink joined the United States Fire Administration during Arson Awareness Week in recognizing the dangers of toylike lighters.

CFO SINK SIGNS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR ALAN CROTZER

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:57:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Alex Sink today signed an agreement for the state of Florida to provide a $1.25 million settlement to compensate Alan Jerome Crotzer for more than 24 years of wrongful incarceration.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE LEGISLATURE’S PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:01:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Legislature for passing legislation (SB 2082) that seeks to combat annuity fraud, including strengthening fines against agents who target Floridians using fraudulent annuities sales practices.

STATEMENTS BY CFO SINK & INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE ON PASSAGE OF PRO-CONSUMER PUBLIC ADJUSTER LEGISLATION

Fri, 02 May 2008 20:59:51 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and interim Insurance Consumer Advocate Terry Butler today applauded the Legislature’s passage of the important public adjuster reforms within Senate Bill 2012.

CFO SINK ENCOURAGES FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2008 NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:02:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today encouraged Florida high school students and teachers to participate in the 2008 National Financial Literacy Challenge (NFLC), available online until May 16, 2008.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM ANNOUNCES HIGH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON 2008

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:39:10 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today released survey results from Floridians participating in the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program showing 97 percent of homeowners rate the application process as easy or somewhat easy, 80 percent rate their overall experience as excellent or good, and 82 percent of respondents say they are willing to recommend the program to neighbors as hurricane season draws closer.

CFO & STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ANNOUNCES FREE TRAINING FOR FLORIDA’S VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:56:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced over 150 volunteer firefighters from across the state will journey to the Florida State Fire College in Ocala for an intensive five-day training.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON SENATE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:36 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Committee on General Government Appropriations for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces Floridians’ risk of hurricane assessments from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE SENATE PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:23:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Senate for unanimously passing legislation (SB 2082) that comprehensively addresses the issue of annuity fraud, including strengthening penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally-disabled, using predatory annuity and life insurance practices.

CFO SINK TURNS UP THE HEAT ON THIEVES STEALING ESSENTIAL FIRE EQUIPMENT

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:22:18 GMT

Florida State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of two men in connection with the theft of meters on fire department sprinkler backflows throughout Broward and Dade Counties. Fire sprinkler backflows provide essential water to sprinkler systems in commercial buildings, a life-saving resource in the event of a fire emergency.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON SENATE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:59:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Committee on Governmental Operations for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces the amount of exposure Florida’s consumers have to hurricanes.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT TO RECOVER ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR POE COMPANIES’ CLAIMS

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:15:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the Department of Financial Services (DFS) filed a civil lawsuit against the officers, directors and affiliates of three former Florida insurance companies.

CFO SINK: MILLIONS OF FLORIDIANS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS, BUT ONLY IF THEY FILE

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:57:16 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, along with representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the AARP, held a press conference Wednesday to alert millions of Floridians who are normally not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible for federal economic stimulus payments to be issued beginning May 2008.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF CAT FUND PROPOSAL

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:41:31 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida Senate Banking & Insurance Committee for unanimously passing Senate Bill 2156 by State Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), which reduces the amount of exposure Florida’s consumers have to hurricanes.

CFO SINK DESIGNATES APRIL AS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:28:38 GMT

At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced her resolution designating April as Financial Literacy Month.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS’ UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF THE ANNUITY FRAUD BILL

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:24:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Committee on Financial Institutions for unanimously passing House Bill 1003, sponsored by State Representative Clay Ford (R-Pensacola), which addresses annuity fraud and strengthens penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally disabled.

STATEMENT BY CFO & STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK ON THE HOUSE COMMITTEE’S UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF FIRE SAFETY BILL

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:18:51 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Committee on Financial Institutions for unanimously passing House Bill 1041, “Fire Prevention and Control Bill.”

CFO SINK WORKS WITH FLORIDA SENATE ON LEGISLATION TO INCREASE PENALTIES ON ANNUITY FRAUD

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:52:22 GMT

TALLAHASSEE-- Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today congratulated members of the Florida Senate’s Banking and Insurance Committee for unanimously passing legislation (PCS/SB 2082) that comprehensively addresses the issue of annuity fraud, including strengthening penalties against agents who target Floridians, especially seniors and the mentally-disabled, using predatory annuity and life insurance practices.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES PALM BEACH COUNTY PIP FRAUD ARREST

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:05:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Palm Beach County man on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud charges. This week’s arrest concludes the arrest of four South Florida residents on charges they perpetrated a PIP fraud scheme.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF A DUVAL COUNTY MAN ON CHARGES OF INSURANCE FRAUD, GRAND THEFT, AND FORGERY

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:48:58 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Duval County man on charges he fraudulently received nearly $400,000 in life insurance from an accelerated death claim. The arrest involves charges of alleged insurance fraud, grand theft, forgery and uttering a forged instrument.

CFO SINK DESIGNATES FLORIDA SAVES WEEK, FEB. 24th – MAR. 2nd

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:35:42 GMT

Today, at a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced a resolution designating February 24 – March 2, 2008, as “Florida Saves” Week. “Florida Saves” Week, a part of the national “America Saves” campaign, aims to help Floridians better learn how to manage their money by stressing the importance of saving money and building wealth.

STATEMENT BY CFO SINK ON THE HOUSE JOBS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF HER LEGISLATION TO REDUCE RISK OF ASSESSMENTS

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:39:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Florida House Jobs & Entrepreneurship Council for unanimously passing PCB JEC 08-01 – the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Risk Reduction Bill.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES 47 SUSPECTS ARRESTED SO FAR IN STATEWIDE THREE-DAY OPERATION

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:34:56 GMT

The arrests, which range from Pensacola to Miami, involve alleged fraud schemes uncovered during months-long investigations with millions of dollars in potential losses.

FIVE PENSACOLA JUVENILES CHARGED WITH ARSON, BURGLARY

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:46:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink announced today that five juveniles are facing arson and burglary charges following an investigation into a fire that destroyed a commercial building

REP. FITZGERALD DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO SARASOTA RESIDENT TODAY

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:47:08 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Representative Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Sarasota homeowner who hardened her home through the state’s MSFH program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES 13TH ANNUAL GREAT FLORIDA FIRE SCHOOL

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:09:34 GMT

AVON PARK—Firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this week in this Central Florida community to receive the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques to help them prepare for potential disaster, whether manmade or natural.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM INCREASES STANDARDS FOR INSPECTION FIRMS & INSPECTORS

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:45:49 GMT

Nearly six months after expanding statewide, the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program today announced it is increasing standards for participating wind inspection firms, in a continued effort to improve the quality of inspections provided for Florida homeowners.

CFO SINK, AG McCOLLUM & COMMISSIONER MCCARTY ANNOUNCE $4.5 MILLION INSURANCE SETTLEMENT

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:19:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that Florida and other states have reached a settlement with a large insurance carrier involved in a “pay to play” tactic used with Marsh & McLennan and other insurance brokers. ACE Group Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries will pay a multi-state task force $4.5 million to resolve allegations of bid-rigging and price-fixing in the commercial insurance market that resulted in higher premiums being paid by Florida governmental entities, companies and nonprofit organizations.

CFO SINK DELIVERS $28,000 CHECK TO BAKER COUNTY SCHOOL NURSE

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:51:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today delivered a check to Shelly Bennett, a Baker County resident, along with a reminder about the importance of regularly checking the Bureau of Unclaimed Property Web site for your unclaimed property.

CFO SINK ACTIVATES STORM LINE FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:30:52 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging residents whose homes or businesses were damaged by a tornado that struck downtown Pensacola to call the Department of Financial Services’ storm hotline at 1-800-22-STORM (1-800-227-8676) if they have questions regarding steps to take to immediately protect their homes or if they need help filing an insurance claim.

SISTERS RECEIVE COLLECTIVE 17 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STEALING SCHOOL VOUCHER FUNDS

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:11:58 GMT

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Jerry Hill, State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit, announced today that sisters Betty Mae Jives Mitchell, 40, and Jeannette Jives Nealy, 39, were sentenced Monday to a collective 17 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining and misusing more than $200,000 from Florida’s school voucher program.

BOARD SUSPENDS LICENSE OF FUNERAL DIRECTOR WHO SENT FAMILY TWO SETS OF REMAINS FOR FATHER

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:18:01 GMT

A funeral director who sent two sets of ashes to a family has been ordered to serve a six-month suspension and submit to other disciplinary measures. The decision was rendered last week during a meeting of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.

CFO SINK JOINS NATIONAL COALITION CALLING FOR MORTGAGE CHANGES

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:14:39 GMT

With the mortgage crisis continuing to affect the country and the financial markets, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today has joined a coalition of national elected officials and consumer organizations to call on mortgage companies and lenders to adhere to basic principles of transparency and fairness.

SIX COLLIER COUNTY CONTRACTORS CITED IN SURPRISE SWEEP

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:15:47 GMT

Investigators from the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, issued six Stop Work Orders (SWOs) during a surprise enforcement sweep last week of 39 contractor sites throughout Collier County.

CFO SINK ON GOVERNOR’S SIGNING OF NO-FAULT REFORM LEGISLATION

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:50:08 GMT

Today, Governor Charlie Crist signed into law HB 13C, which makes crucial reforms to Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

ANNUAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNED

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:40:35 GMT

Firefighters and families from all parts of Florida will gather on Friday, October 12, 2007, at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala to remember the 137 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

CFO SINK UNVEILS PROPOSAL TO REFORM FLORIDA’S CAT FUND

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:40:49 GMT

Holding up a stack of property, auto and other insurance bills full of assessments, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink unveiled her proposal today to reform the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund), which could reduce the potential for future Cat Fund assessments on Florida’s insurance consumers.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO OF CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:41:18 GMT

Within hours of receiving the legislation from Congress, President Bush today vetoed the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO FOCUS ON SAFETY DURING FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, OCTOBER 7-13

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:44:10 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, is urging Floridians to take steps to protect themselves and their families from fire and to learn more about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday, October 7, and continues through October 13.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ON ADDITION OF FLORIDA’S NO-FAULT LAW TO CALL OF SPECIAL SESSION

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:43:22 GMT

In response to Governor Charlie Crist’s announcement today that he has added reform of Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law to the call of the upcoming special session, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink issued the following statement:

CFO SINK: PUNTA GORDA RESIDENT RECEIVES SIX-FIGURE CHECK FROM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:12:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that members of the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau), returned a six-figure check to a Punta Gorda resident along with a reminder about the importance of regularly checking the Unclaimed Property Web site to determine if the state is holding assets that belong to you or your relatives.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDES FREE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:47:24 GMT

Volunteer firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this weekend in Valparaiso to get the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques dealing with potential manmade and natural threats.

BROWARD COUNTY APARTMENT EXPLOSION RULED ACCIDENTAL

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:11:01 GMT

Detectives with the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations have determined that an explosion last Thursday at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex was an accidental fire that started in a propane gas line leading to a stove in a vacant apartment.

CFO SINK: PENSACOLA MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIR BREAKS ATTENDANCE RECORDS

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:46:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Fair last Saturday in Pensacola broke all previous MSFH event records with attendance of more than 3,000 North Floridians.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF FORMER AGENT WHO STOLE MORE THAN $90,000 IN PREMIUMS FROM MORE THAN 40 VICTIMS

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:59:27 GMT

Bruce Anthony Fonte, 53, former owner of the now-defunct Family Insurance, located in Port Richey, is charged with organized scheme to defraud in the first degree, punishable by up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted.

CFO SINK, MAJOR INVESTORS, STATE OFFICIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SIGN PETITION TO SEC REQUIRING FULL CORPORATE CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:46:29 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, along with a broad coalition of investors, state officials with regulatory and fiscal management responsibilities, and environmental groups, today filed a landmark petition asking the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose their financial risks from climate change.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARRESTS IN $8 MILLION ESCROW THEFT

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:48:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrests of a husband and wife on multiple counts of theft of escrow funds and money laundering for allegedly stealing nearly $8 million from their title company escrow accounts.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIR TO BE HELD IN PENSACOLA SATURDAY

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:47:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is partnering with Escambia County non-profit organizations and businesses to hold a fair designed to raise awareness about the safety and financial incentives of mitigation.

REP. TAYLOR DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO RIVIERA BEACH HOMEOWNERS WEDNESDAY

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:14:14 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Representative Priscilla Taylor (D-Riviera Beach) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Riviera Beach couple who hardened their home through the state’s MSFH program.

SENATOR GELLER DELIVERS $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO FT. LAUDERDALE RESIDENT TUESDAY

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:28:48 GMT

On behalf of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, Senator Steve Geller (D-Hallandale Beach) personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $5,000 to a Ft. Lauderdale homeowner who hardened his home through the state’s MSFH program.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIRS

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 21:04:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program will partner with local government and non-profit organizations and businesses to hold fairs in three Florida cities with the intent of raising awareness about the MSFH program’s safety and financial incentives. The series of fairs will take place from September to November in Pensacola, Tampa, and Ft. Lauderdale and will be free to the public.

CFO SINK TO MEET WITH BRITISH LEADERS IN LONDON IN NOVEMBER

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:54:49 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that her office has been invited by Keith Allan, Her Majesty’s Consul General of Miami, to meet with British leaders in London in early November.

CFO SINK ADDS LINK TO MYFLORIDACFO.COM TO GUIDE FLORIDIANS ON EQUITY INDEXED ANNUITIES

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:07:03 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has created a link at MyFloridaCFO.com to help consumers better understand equity indexed annuities, which have become big sellers despite being a relatively new and complex annuity product.

CFO SINK ISSUES $6.5 MILLION CHECK TO MINOUCHE NOEL

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:41:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced her office will issue a $6.5 million check today to Minouche Noel, appropriated by the Florida Legislature during the 2007 Legislative session, while vowing to continue to fight to protect the additional $2 million the Legislature appropriated to Minouche’s parents.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MIAMI-DADE FRAUD ARRESTS FOR PIP, PROPERTY DAMAGE FRAUD

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:07:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced arrests today of individuals accused of various insurance fraud schemes including auto body damage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and hurricane claim fraud.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:10:49 GMT

A former insurance agent who had his license revoked last year by the Department of Financial Services is now facing criminal charges after he allegedly offered to sell insurance to an undercover insurance fraud detective.

CENTRAL FLORIDA MAN CHARGED WITH SELLING FRAUDULENT IDs

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:49:01 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that a Central Florida man is facing several felony charges after fraud detectives with the Department of Financial Services caught him allegedly selling fraudulent social security and resident alien cards from his home.

QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT NO-FAULT? GET ANSWERS AT MyFloridaCFO.com

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:02:46 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that Florida’s auto insurance consumers can log onto her Web site, MyFloridaCFO.com, and click on the “Life without No-Fault” link to learn about the new insurance laws in effect after the sunset of No-Fault.

NEW JERSEY MAN GETS 30 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR STEALING FLORIDA UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACCOUNTS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:28:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink together with Gregory R. Miller, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, and Enrique Gutierrez, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announced today that a New Jersey man who filed fraudulent claims on two unclaimed property accounts held by the State of Florida has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION RAISES RECORD FUNDS FOR FLORIDA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:05:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property (Bureau) broke previous unclaimed property auction records at Saturday’s auction in Orlando, raising more money than previous auctions and breaking last year’s attendance record.

WORKERS’ COMP COMPLIANCE SWEEP NABS 23 EMPLOYERS

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:39:28 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today commended state workers’ compensation compliance investigators who conducted a recent sweep of 177 businesses in two Panhandle counties that resulted in 23 Stop Work Orders against employers found to be operating without the required coverage.

CFO SINK NAMES NEW INSURANCE FRAUD DIVISION DIRECTOR

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:23:54 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that she has named a 30-year law enforcement veteran to run the Department of Financial Services’ nationally recognized Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), a sworn statewide agency that investigates fraud in all lines of insurance.

CFO SINK REMINDS SELF-EMPLOYED ABOUT AUGUST OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:31:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging self-employed Floridians to remember that August is open enrollment month for single-group employers to get health insurance or switch plans on a guaranteed-issue basis, meaning insurers and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) must offer coverage without regard to health status. The open enrollment period begins today and continues through August 31, 2007.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME ADDS NEW HELPLINE SPECIALISTS

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:39:47 GMT

In a continuing effort to improve customer service, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has added 12 helpline specialists - doubling the resources - to assist homeowners inquiring about the program through its toll free helpline.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FUTURE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE THE RECORDKEEPING OF CIVIL REMEDY NOTICES

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:38:05 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced her plan to improve the Department of Financial Services’ recordkeeping of civil remedy notices and the resolutions of these disputes between policyholders and insurance companies.

CFO SINK WORKS TO STREAMLINE HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:08:18 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation that will examine ways to make it easier for families to enroll in the low-cost health insurance program and increase the number of children the program retains.

CFO SINK RETURNS RARE CENTURY-OLD $20 GOLD COIN

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:34:02 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the return of a 1907 gold coin with an estimated value between $25,000 and $90,000 to the daughter of the late Tere Claiborne. Representatives of the state’s Unclaimed Property program presented the coin Thursday to Phyllis Childers of Palm Beach County.

CFO SINK RETURNS A PURPLE HEART AND SILVER STAR TO THE FAMILY OF A FLORIDA MARINE

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:15:19 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the return of a Purple Heart and a Silver Star to the son of the late Kenneth DeVillez, a Marine who earned the medals for injury and bravery sustained at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Representatives of the state’s Unclaimed Property program presented the medals Tuesday to Daniel DeVillez and his wife Beverly at their residence in Homosassa.

CFO SINK TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO SUPPORT MINOUCHE NOEL AND FAMILY

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:39:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today filed a complaint asking for a declaratory judgment from the Leon County Circuit Court regarding “The Noel Relief Act,” or Chapter 2007-261, Laws of Florida (House Bill 593). At issue are competing claims for the $8.5 million appropriated by the Florida Legislature to Minouche Noel and her family, which are in direct conflict with the Legislature’s intended payment of the claims bill.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION IN ARSON OF HOME THAT WAS TARGET OF ANTI-ISLAM SLURS

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:48:13 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as state fire marshal, announced today that a reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for an intentionally set fire on July 6 at a Sarasota residence where anti-Islam slurs were also spray-painted throughout the home.

Letter from CFO Sink to Governor, Legislative leaders about sunset of No-Fault

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:01:55 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today sent Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Ken Pruitt, House Speaker Marco Rubio and other legislative leaders the letter copied below about the implications of the October 1, 2007, sunset of Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

CFO SINK ADVISES FLORIDIANS THAT TENNESSEE HAS PLACED NFOA INTO RECEIVERSHIP

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:56:25 GMT

Following up on a warning she issued in April, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is now advising Florida consumers who made annuity transactions with the unauthorized Tennessee-based National Foundation of America (NFOA) that the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has appointed a special deputy to take over and resolve the company’s business affairs.

CONSUMER ALERT: CFO SINK WARNS OF BOGUS LOTTERY, CHECK SCAM

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:55:08 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is warning consumers to be on the lookout for a bogus lottery contest scam that includes a letter indicating the recipient has won money from the “North American Prize Pool” along with a check that appears to be a State of Florida warrant and contains the CFO’s name and signature—but it is all bogus, warned CFO Sink.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO SIGN UP HOMEOWNERS FOR FREE WIND INSPECTIONS AT FAIA HURRICANE EXPOS

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:44:23 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced that over the next two weekends the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program will be signing up eligible homeowners for free wind inspections at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents' (FAIA) Hardening Your Home Against Hurricanes: A Trusted Choice Safe Living Expos.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDING DISASTER TRAINING FOR FLORIDA’S FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICERS

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:31:07 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink said Floridians will be better protected this hurricane season now that dozens of law enforcement officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) have been trained to deploy during natural or manmade disasters with the state’s nine Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams.

CFO SINK REVOKES AGENT’S LICENSE FOR EXPLOITING SENIORS

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:15 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of a south Florida insurance agent and ordered him to pay a $40,000 fine for targeting senior citizens, some suffering from dementia, for the sale of unsuitable deferred annuity products.

CFO SINK DELIVERS NEARLY $5,000 CHECK FROM THE MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM TO PENSACOLA RESIDENT FRIDAY

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:32:40 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today personally delivered a matching grant reimbursement for $4,942.57 to a Pensacola homeowner who hardened his home through the state’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

BANKER OBDULIO PIEDRA ELECTED CHAIR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNCIL

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:19:33 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced last week’s election of Obdulio Piedra as chair of the Financial Literacy Council. As Market President of Great Florida Bank in Miami, Piedra has extensive experience in financial matters and is focused on helping Floridians make better financial decisions.

CFO SINK ORDERS 50 PERCENT REDUCTION IN WORKERS’ COMP ADMIN TRUST FUND ASSESSMENT RATE

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:21:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today ordered a 50 percent cut in the 2008 Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund assessment rate. This reduction is projected to result in as much as $19 million in savings that can be passed on to Florida employers.

CFO SINK TO STATE EMPLOYEES: MAXIMIZE STATE BONUS BY INVESTING IN DEFERRED COMP

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:56:27 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today unveiled a new initiative that gives state employees a way to maximize their annual bonus by investing it in the State of Florida Deferred Compensation Plan.

AGENTS’ LICENSES SUSPENDED FOR IMPROPER SELLING OF DISCOUNT HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE PLAN

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:29:41 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the licenses of two Sarasota insurance agents have been suspended for making “false and worthless promises” to more than 40 elderly Floridians who thought they were buying a home health care services plan but paid nearly $200,000 for access to providers and never received any services.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRST MEETING OF FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNCIL IN TALLAHASSEE MONDAY

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:41:28 GMT

In an ongoing effort to increase financial literacy and help Floridians make better financial decisions, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced that the Financial Literacy Council will convene its first meeting next week in Tallahassee. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2007, at the Capitol Complex, House Office Building, Room 306.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SINK SUPPORTS 2007 INTERNATIONAL FIRE AND EMS SAFETY STAND DOWN

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:33:41 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink is calling for Florida's firefighters to join fellow responders around the nation in a "stand down" this week and suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on safety during the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down, being held this week through Saturday, June 23, 2007.

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME ‘BLOWING’ THROUGH WIND INSPECTIONS

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:30:21 GMT

More than one month ahead of schedule, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has “blown” through its waiting list and urged more Florida homeowners to take advantage of the valuable service through the program. Since the program resumed offering inspections in late April, more than 50,000 Floridians who were on the program’s waiting list from the pilot phase have received free wind inspections.

27 ARRESTED IN MIAMI STAGED ACCIDENT RING

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:24:16 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrests of 27 people in an ongoing investigation into a staged accident ring that billed auto insurers more than $300,000 in fraudulent Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims. The investigation was dubbed “Operation TGIF” because the staged accidents occurred on Fridays.

CFO SINK AND COMMISSIONER BRONSON TO HOST SECOND WORKSHOP “CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE”

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:47:30 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson will host the second in a series of “Conversations on Climate Change,” on June 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. The second workshop, set to begin after Tuesday’s Florida Cabinet meeting is titled Climate Change: Renewable Energy Solutions.

TASK FORCE ON CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLING AND RESOLUTION TO MEET IN PENSACOLA WEDNESDAY

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:21:03 GMT

In an ongoing effort to improve Citizens’ policyholder and applicant services, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is convening the third meeting of the legislatively-created Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution.

CFO SINK BANS INSURANCE AGENT FOR EXPLOITING ELDERLY JEWISH FLORIDA CONSUMERS

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:53:21 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of a south Florida agent and permanently banned him from the insurance business in Florida for using his insurance license to exploit elderly Jewish Floridians.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND CFO SINK APPOINTS NEW FIRE CHIEF TO THE BUREAU OF FIRE AND ARSON INVESTIGATIONS

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:42:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced the appointment of Dan Spillman as Chief of the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL ACCELERANT K9 TO RETIRE

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:59:44 GMT

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office will be retiring its Southern Region Accelerant K9 “Buddy” on Tuesday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m. at the Plantation Fire Department located at 550 NW 65 Ave. in Plantation.

CFO SINK: NEW URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING FACILITY WILL MAKE FLORIDA BETTER PREPARED FOR DISASTER

Fri, 25 May 2007 20:04:37 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink said a new Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) training facility, one of the first of its kind in the nation to simulate a post-blast environment with smoke and heat, represents the state’s continuing commitment to be better prepared for potential disasters.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS 14-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE HANDED DOWN IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD CASE

Fri, 18 May 2007 17:36:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink applauded a 14-year sentence handed down Wednesday against Thomas Daniel King, former owner and operator of a now-defunct professional employee organization, Miralink Group Inc., which left thousands of workers in Florida and several states without workers’ compensation coverage despite collecting more than $5.8 million in premiums.

CFO SINK DELIVERS NEARLY $300,000 IN UNCLAIMED CASH TO SARASOTA COUNTY YOUTH INSTRUCTOR

Thu, 17 May 2007 18:59:55 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today delivered a check for nearly $300,000 in unclaimed cash to a Sarasota County youth instructor along with a lesson on the importance of regularly checking the Bureau of Unclaimed Property website.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF CITIZENS TASK FORCE ON CLAIMS HANDLING AND RESOLUTION

Wed, 16 May 2007 19:15:41 GMT

In an ongoing effort to improve Citizens’ policyholder and applicant services, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today appointees to the legislatively-created Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution. The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2007, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Citizens Claims Center in Jacksonville.

CURRENT, FORMER HEADS OF KIDCARE URGE QUICK SAVE BY LAWMAKERS

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:34:08 GMT

Three days after the Florida Legislature ended its annual session without steps to bolster a program that provides low-cost health insurance for hundreds of thousands of kids, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders to shore up the program during an upcoming special session.

CFO ALEX SINK CONGRATULATES LEGISLATURE FOR IMPROVING MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Thu, 03 May 2007 19:59:12 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today applauded the Legislature’s passage of HB 7057, which makes improvements to the state’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

CFO SINK APPLAUDS FLORIDA LEGISLATURE FOR INCREASING PROTECTIONS FOR FLORIDA’S MILITARY FROM DECEPTIVE INSURANCE PRACTICES

Wed, 02 May 2007 18:35:55 GMT

The Florida Legislature today passed House Bill 1381, which allows the Department of Financial Services and the Financial Services Commission to adopt formal rules that increase protections against deceptive insurance practices for military service men and women.

STATEMENT FROM CFO SINK ENCOURAGING LEGISLATURE TO RESOLVE IMPASSE ON KIDCARE

Wed, 02 May 2007 17:12:50 GMT

With less than three days remaining in the Legislature and no agreement on legislation that would improve the KidCare program, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged the House and Senate to resolve the current stalemate, which threatens to undermine the work of Florida’s Congressional Delegation in reauthorizing federal funding for the program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE, TALLAHASSEE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT MOCK VEHICLE ARSON INVESTIGATION

Wed, 02 May 2007 16:57:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink along with the Division of State Fire Marshal and the Tallahassee Fire Department will conduct a mock vehicle arson investigation beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2007.

“BE PREPARED” BOY SCOUTS HOLDING CAMPOREE AT THE FLORIDA STATE FIRE COLLEGE

Tue, 01 May 2007 17:49:06 GMT

Dave Casey, Bureau Chief at the Fire College, announced that approximately 120 Boy Scouts will be occupying the campus beginning Friday evening.

CFO SINK HONORS DECORATED MILITARY RESERVIST, STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL SCIONTI

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:46:26 GMT

In admiration of his commitment to military service, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today proposed a resolution at the Florida Cabinet meeting to honor State Representative Michael Scionti of Tampa. Rep. Scionti is a Captain in the United States Army Reserve and has been awarded both the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for exceptional meritorious performance of duty in ground combat operations.

DETECTIVE AMY, FIRE MARSHAL K-9, HELPS WIN 20-YEAR SENTENCE AGAINST PANAMA CITY MAN WHO KILLED DOG IN FIRE

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:04:14 GMT

A man who set fire to his home during an argument with his girlfriend was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison after being convicted in Bay County Circuit Court on charges of arson and felony cruelty to animals.

CFO SINK: AFTER REORGANIZATION, MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM RESUMES FREE WIND INSPECTIONS STATEWIDE

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:07:48 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has been streamlined to provide better service and has been expanded to offer free wind inspections to eligible Floridians statewide.

CFO SINK JOINS U.S. ATTORNEY, FBI IN ANNOUNCING 25-COUNT INDICTMENT IN $100 MILLION FRAUD CASE

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:29:35 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today joined Acting U.S. Attorney James R. Klindt and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Folmar in announcing a 25-count indictment charging five suspects in a $100 million workers’ compensation fraud scam that left hundreds of workers in Florida and throughout the United States without urgently needed medical care.

UNLICENSED AGENT SNARED IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:36:12 GMT

A South Florida man is facing charges of selling insurance without a license after he attempted to sell an annuity to an undercover Department of Financial Services’ investigator.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:22:34 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today honored 10 fire and rescue service personnel and a community college for exemplary dedication to fire and rescue services last year.

CFO SINK: REWARD MONEY GROWS IN ISLAMIC CENTER ARSON

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:49:16 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as state fire marshal, announced today that an additional $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for a fire last week at the Islamic Education Center of Tampa. The reward money, posted by the Florida Advisory Council on Arson Prevention, is in addition to $10,000 in rewards already being offered by the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:51:47 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Chief Fire Officer Al Cruz of the Miami Dade Fire Rescue was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Cruz as 2006 Professional Firefighter of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:46:22 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Linda M. Stoughton, the Deputy Director for St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Stoughton as Florida 2006 Emergency Preparedness Manager of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:43:06 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Professor Kurt P. Larson of Pensacola Junior College was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Larson as Florida’s 2006 Fire Service Instructor of the Year.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:39:20 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Brevard Community College was recognized today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink as 2006 Florida Training Center of the Year. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing the college along with 10 individuals recognized for outstanding leadership in the fire and rescue services.

CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:33:56 GMT

TALLAHASSEE- Randall Napoli, former director of the Division of State fire Marshal, was among 10 fire and rescue service personnel honored today by Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink for exemplary leadership last year in the line of duty. CFO Sink presented a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist and other members of the Cabinet recognizing Napoli as Florida’s 2006 Fire Marshal of the Year.

CFO SINK: FLORIDA TREASURY JOINS INVESTOR NETWORK ON CLIMATE RISK

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:41:53 GMT

Fresh off the heels of hosting the first in a series of “Conversations on Climate Change,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that as the state treasurer, she will join the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a national network of investors focused on the business impacts of climate change.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM SET TO EXPAND STATEWIDE WITH 11 NEW WIND INSPECTION FIRMS

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:21:27 GMT

TALLAHASSEE– Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that 11 new windstorm inspection firms have been selected to aid Floridians interested in hardening their homes through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE PROVIDES FREE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:32:44 GMT

Nearly 200 volunteer firefighters from throughout Florida will converge this week at the Florida State Fire College to get the latest training on firefighting and investigative techniques dealing with potential threats from agribusiness chemical accidents to bombs.

THEY CAN RUN, BUT THEY CAN’T HIDE

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:53:36 GMT

Esmeralda Ildefonso, 25, Arturo Ildefonso, 27, and Melissa Miranda, 27, were arrested last week on warrants stemming from an investigation by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), and the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). The arrests resulted from close collaboration with the New York Police Department, who made the arrests.

INDIAN RIVER COUPLE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF INSURANCE FRAUD AND GRAND THEFT

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:48:52 GMT

Lisa Lynn Bock, 42, and her husband Patrick John Bock, 43, of Vero Beach, were arrested today following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF). They were booked into the Indian River County Jail with bond set at $10,000 and $25,000, respectively. If convicted on the charges filed against them, Lisa Bock faces up to five years in prison and Patrick Bock up to 20 years in prison. Both also face possible fines and restitution.

MAN ACCUSED OF FILING FRAUDULENT WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:49:44 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a man who allegedly filed fraudulent workers’ compensation claims for 10 years after being injured on a job that he got by using his deceased uncle’s social security card.

STATEMENTS FROM CFO SINK AND GENERAL MILLIGAN ON AUTO INSURERS’ USE OF INCOME, JOB INFO IN RATE SETTING

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:49:44 GMT

Responding to findings issued today by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty that auto insurance companies are using income and occupation information to set rates, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and General Bob Milligan, Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, issued the following statements:

CFO SINK AND COMMISSIONER BRONSON ANNOUNCE “CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE” WEB SITE

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:58:06 GMT

The day before holding the first of four half-day “Conversations on Climate Change,” Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson unveiled today an official website for their Cabinet initiative.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRE PREVENTION TASK FORCE

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:54:15 GMT

IMMOKALEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, announced today that the Division of State Fire Marshal and several South Florida fire and law enforcement agencies have created a task force to promote fire safety after a fire at a mobile home park earlier this month resulted in five deaths and the hospitalization of five others.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES FIRST MITIGATION GRANTS BEING MAILED TO FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:30:46 GMT

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that ten mitigation grants totaling almost $30,000 have been mailed to Florida homeowners from five counties who hardened their homes against hurricanes through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

CFO SINK NAMES JACKSONVILLE CLAIMS EXPERT TO CITIZENS CLAIMS HANDLING TASK FORCE

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:15:42 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the appointment of Mike Lancashire to the Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Claims Handling and Resolution.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES ARREST OF PANAMA CITY MAN SUSPECTED OF BEING SERIAL ARSONIST

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 22:04:45 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal, announced the arrest today of a Panama City man who allegedly admitted to setting more than 20 fires in and around the Panama City area in less than two years.

CFO SINK REVOKES ORLANDO AGENT’S LICENSE FOR POCKETING CUSTOMER PAYMENTS

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:55:25 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has revoked the license of an insurance agent who, from 2004 to 2006, diverted premium payments from his clients into a personal account and never forwarded the payments to the insurance carriers.

JUDGE APPROVES NEW POLICY OPTIONS FOR VANGUARD POLICYHOLDERS

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:47:14 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry P. Lewis approved an order today allowing Royal Palm Insurance Company (Royal Palm) and Security First Insurance Company (Security First) to offer new coverage to the 57,000 homeowner policyholders currently with Maitland-based Vanguard Fire & Casualty Company.

VANGUARD FIRE & CASUALTY ORDERED INTO LIQUIDATION

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:16:22 GMT

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry P. Lewis has ordered Maitland-based Vanguard Fire & Casualty Company into liquidation, effective Monday, to ensure policyholder claims continue to be paid.

STATEMENTS FROM CFO SINK AND GENERAL MILLIGAN ON INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE LEGISLATION

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:38:53 GMT

Led by State Senator Bill Posey (R- Rockledge), the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today unanimously approved Senate Bill 1884, which expands the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate.

CFO SINK ANNOUNCES STATE-OF-THE-ART INTERVIEW RECORDING SYSTEM, TO INCREASE FRAUD CONVICTION RATES

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:23:06 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that a new state-of-the-art interview recording system is now being used in the Miami regional office of the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

WASHINGTON COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD, PERJURY

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:09:44 GMT

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the arrest of a Washington County woman on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and perjury in an official proceeding.

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN $250,000 WAL-MART FIRE

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:53:02 GMT

The fire occurred shortly after 5:40 p.m., March 3, at the Wal-Mart located at 174 Cypress Point Parkway. Store video of the fire being set is being distributed to media in the central Florida region with the aim that someone will identify the perpetrators or provide more information.

WINDSTORM MITIGATION STUDY COMMITTEE PUBLISHES FINAL REPORT

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:51:13 GMT

On the first day of the 2007 legislative session, the Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee published its final report analyzing mitigation efforts in Florida, including the My Safe Florida Home program, and detailing recommendations for future efforts to harden homes in Florida.