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‘We need a lot of different tools:’ State leaders discuss lithium-ion battery safety
Read full article: ‘We need a lot of different tools:’ State leaders discuss lithium-ion battery safetyExperts, manufacturers, and first responders came to Florida Fire State College to help create rules to prevent and stop lithium-ion battery fires.
Florida lawmakers struggle to curb roofing fraud in insurance market
Read full article: Florida lawmakers struggle to curb roofing fraud in insurance marketCora Hayes and her husband had just replaced the roof on their Ocala home when she says they were approached by an employee from another roofing company.
Need help with insurance? ‘Fixing Problems for Floridians Fair’ heads to Orlando
Read full article: Need help with insurance? ‘Fixing Problems for Floridians Fair’ heads to OrlandoExperts in number of fields will gather in Orlando for a what’s being called the ‘Fixing Problems for Floridians Fair,” according to a news release.
My Safe Florida Home exhausts new funding, pauses initial applications
Read full article: My Safe Florida Home exhausts new funding, pauses initial applicationsMy Safe Florida Home, a popular state-run program meant to help approved homeowners pay for hurricane-related home improvements, has paused initial applications as it says it’s run out of new funding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Cabinet OK new emergency facility amid hurricane prep
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Cabinet OK new emergency facility amid hurricane prepFlorida is moving forward with plans to buy and retrofit a massive warehouse in Central Florida as a staging area to respond to hurricanes and other emergencies.
Florida’s property insurance market shows small signs of improvement. Homeowners aren’t sure.
Read full article: Florida’s property insurance market shows small signs of improvement. Homeowners aren’t sure.Florida's troubled property insurance market is showing small signs of improvement, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation and the Chief Financial Officer.
Thinking about solar panels? What you need to know even if you never plan to sell your home
Read full article: Thinking about solar panels? What you need to know even if you never plan to sell your homeCentral Florida realtors and even Florida's Chief Financial Officer are warning about a new twist in the ongoing debate on rooftop solar panel systems and the true cost vs real benefit.
Florida rules process begins for lithium-ion battery storage to prevent fires
Read full article: Florida rules process begins for lithium-ion battery storage to prevent firesChanges in Florida-- after a News 6 investigation exposed there are no rules for safely storing batteries known to overheat and catch fire.
Trump has over $50K of unclaimed assets in Florida. Here’s how to check if you do, too
Read full article: Trump has over $50K of unclaimed assets in Florida. Here’s how to check if you do, tooUsing Florida's "Treasure Hunt" website, residents can determine whether they have any unclaimed property reported to the state.
New rechargeable battery safety rules coming after News 6 investigation
Read full article: New rechargeable battery safety rules coming after News 6 investigationGov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday that gives the State Fire Marshal new powers to help prevent fires ignited by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Florida CFO joins financial officers in 18 states to urge IRS to drop Direct File online tax program
Read full article: Florida CFO joins financial officers in 18 states to urge IRS to drop Direct File online tax programFlorida’s chief financial officer has co-signed a letter with financial officers from 18 states urging the U.S. Treasury secretary and IRS commissioner to “shut down” the IRS Direct File online tax preparation pilot program.
Florida bill replenishes program to upgrade homes against hurricanes
Read full article: Florida bill replenishes program to upgrade homes against hurricanesA bill headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis would put new money in the coffers of a popular Florida program to help homeowners pay for hurricane-related home improvements.
Florida lithium-ion safety measure championed by News 6 heads to Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: Florida lithium-ion safety measure championed by News 6 heads to Gov. DeSantisThe Florida Legislature passed a final version of a bill that would allow the state fire marshal to create new rules regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries, something a News 6 investigation showed is sorely needed in the state.
New safety rules for lithium-ion batteries headed for Florida House, Senate votes
Read full article: New safety rules for lithium-ion batteries headed for Florida House, Senate votesThe Florida State Fire Marshal’s office will be able to create new rules for safely storing lithium-ion batteries under bills now headed for votes before the full Florida House and Senate.
‘Home hardening’ pays off for Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis
Read full article: ‘Home hardening’ pays off for Florida CFO Jimmy PatronisFlorida CFO Jimmy Patronis said recommended “home hardening” recommendations provided by the My Safe Florida Home program saved him a bundle in his annual home insurance premium.
Trump could get money for legal bills from state of Florida if bill became law
Read full article: Trump could get money for legal bills from state of Florida if bill became lawA bill in the Florida Senate would create a grant program to pay for the legal bills of “victims of political discrimination” who are running for president. Supporters in particular say the bill would help former President Donald Trump.
This Florida bill could create new safety, storage rules for lithium-ion batteries
Read full article: This Florida bill could create new safety, storage rules for lithium-ion batteriesNew legislation has been introduced that would give the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office the power to create new rules and guidelines for safely storing lithium-ion batteries.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis wants to ‘right size’ insurance consumer services
Read full article: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis wants to ‘right size’ insurance consumer servicesFlorida’s chief financial officer is asking the state legislature for more money to increase the size of the division that helps Floridians with insurance issues.
Lithium-ion battery fires are growing in Florida. How to protect your electronics
Read full article: Lithium-ion battery fires are growing in Florida. How to protect your electronicsThis holiday season, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has an urgent warning about lithium-ion batteries.
News 6 investigation prompts lawmakers to consider lithium-ion battery storage rules
Read full article: News 6 investigation prompts lawmakers to consider lithium-ion battery storage rulesAfter a News 6 investigation uncovered there are no state regulations for commercially storing lithium-ion batteries, News 6 reached out to every state representative and senator in Central Florida to see if new rules can be created.
‘Taylor Tax:’ IRS targets Taylor Swift fans over ticket sales, Florida CFO says
Read full article: ‘Taylor Tax:’ IRS targets Taylor Swift fans over ticket sales, Florida CFO saysFans who sold tickets for over $600 could be audited by the IRS if they don’t report any of the profits, according to Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
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.
Floridians encouraged to connect with trusted contractors before Idalia hits
Read full article: Floridians encouraged to connect with trusted contractors before Idalia hitsHolly Salmons of the Better Business Bureau said Floridians need to shop for professional contractors now before Idalia makes landfall.
Florida’s volatile insurance industry prepares for Idalia
Read full article: Florida’s volatile insurance industry prepares for IdaliaAs Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to grow into a hurricane while heading towards Florida, homeowners who’ve experienced skyrocketing property insurance premiums or have been forced to change insurance carriers over the past year may be concerned about the storm’s impact.
Florida launches IRS Transparency Portal to track possible discrimination
Read full article: Florida launches IRS Transparency Portal to track possible discriminationFlorida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced on Thursday the launch of the Florida IRS Transparency Portal, which is meant to help state officials track possible discrimination by the IRS.
‘I’m concerned but I’m angry:’ Florida CFO details plan to deal with Farmers Insurance
Read full article: ‘I’m concerned but I’m angry:’ Florida CFO details plan to deal with Farmers InsuranceFlorida’s chief financial officer is looking at ways to go after Farmers Insurance for its plan to pull its Farmers-branded services from Florida, affecting 100,000 policyholders.
‘The Bud Light of insurance:’ Florida CFO threatens investigation of Farmers Insurance amid exit
Read full article: ‘The Bud Light of insurance:’ Florida CFO threatens investigation of Farmers Insurance amid exit“The more we learn about Farmers Insurance, the more it’s clear its leadership doesn’t know what they’re doing," Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said. "While they’re bad at helping people, they’re good at virtue signaling.”
Farmers becomes latest company pulling out of Florida amid property insurance crisis
Read full article: Farmers becomes latest company pulling out of Florida amid property insurance crisisFarmers Insurance is leaving the Florida insurance market, becoming the latest company to do so, and impacting thousands of policyholders.
No toys, flowers allowed on gravesites at this Florida cemetery
Read full article: No toys, flowers allowed on gravesites at this Florida cemeteryChief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is looking into the policies set in place by the Chuluota Cemetery Association limiting what items loved ones can leave at gravesites.
‘We have got to stop it:’ $205.7M going toward Florida resources battling opioid crisis
Read full article: ‘We have got to stop it:’ $205.7M going toward Florida resources battling opioid crisisFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $205.7 million would go toward boosting resources in the state battling the opioid crisis.
Gov. Ron DeSantis calls to permanently ban COVID-19 restrictions in Florida
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis calls to permanently ban COVID-19 restrictions in FloridaFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a package of proposals Tuesday to make permanent bans on COVID-19-related restrictions in Florida, from mask requirements to medical professionals’ ability to disagree with those COVID-19 restrictions.
Florida insurance commissioner steps down 1 day after special session
Read full article: Florida insurance commissioner steps down 1 day after special sessionAfter lawmakers this week passed an overhaul of the state’s property-insurance system, Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier on Thursday submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Dealing with damage after Ian? Call your insurance agent
Read full article: Dealing with damage after Ian? Call your insurance agentFormer deputy insurance commissioner Lisa Miller wants anyone dealing with storm damage from Hurricane Ian to call their insurance agent rather than “answer the door” for an unknown repair crew targeting your insurance money.
Florida clears way for jobless benefits after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Florida clears way for jobless benefits after Hurricane IanState officials have taken steps to make it easier for people in areas affected by Hurricane Ian to receive unemployment benefits, as recovery efforts from the massive storm continued Monday and the death toll mounted.
Florida property insurers could face financial rating downgrades
Read full article: Florida property insurers could face financial rating downgradesFlorida regulators scrambled Thursday after they said a financial-ratings agency notified about 17 property-insurance companies of potential ratings downgrades.
Floridians receive more than $36 million in unclaimed property, CFO says
Read full article: Floridians receive more than $36 million in unclaimed property, CFO saysMore than $36 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians last month, the state’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced Friday.
Gas pump manipulators steal ‘millions of dollars’ in fuel --and it’s legal In Florida
Read full article: Gas pump manipulators steal ‘millions of dollars’ in fuel --and it’s legal In FloridaInvestigators tell News 6 the manipulation device was first uncovered in Orlando and Tampa last June and many lawmakers are not aware of it.
Florida CFO, Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announces $112K boost for cancer-mitigating firefighter safety gear grant
Read full article: Florida CFO, Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announces $112K boost for cancer-mitigating firefighter safety gear grantPatronis made the announcement at the Ocoee Fire Station on South Bluford Avenue, where he announced a $112,579 disbursement to the aforementioned effec
DeSantis issues state of emergency in Bay County; wildfires burn more than 1,400 acres, FEMA says
Read full article: DeSantis issues state of emergency in Bay County; wildfires burn more than 1,400 acres, FEMA saysThe governor issued Executive Order 22-54 to declare a state of emergency in Bay County after the wildfires engulfed eight homes and led to the evacuation of thousands more, with weather conditions expected to maintain a moderate drought in the area for at least the next three days, according to the order.
In-N-Out Burger says no plans at this time of Florida location after call with Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: In-N-Out Burger says no plans at this time of Florida location after call with Gov. DeSantisIn-N-Out Burger has no plans to move the headquarters or open a location in Florida at this time despite a recent phone call between Gov. Ron DeSantis and In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder-Ellington.
Gov. DeSantis speaks with president of In-N-Out Burger, State CFO wants a location in Florida
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis speaks with president of In-N-Out Burger, State CFO wants a location in FloridaGov. Ron DeSantis had a call with In-N-Out Burger president Lynsi Snyder-Ellington at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Titusville waitress loses lotto winnings to DEO ‘overpayment’
Read full article: Titusville waitress loses lotto winnings to DEO ‘overpayment’Instead of a check for $1,000, a Titusville waitress received a check for $175 with an explanation that the missing funds were directed to the DEO because of an unemployment benefits overpayment.
DeSantis: Mandating COVID-19 vaccines could mean ‘millions and millions’ in fines
Read full article: DeSantis: Mandating COVID-19 vaccines could mean ‘millions and millions’ in finesDeSantis and other Republicans slammed Biden’s vaccine mandate requiring employers with more than 100 workers to require vaccines.
Mayor: 2 more victims found in Florida condo collapse, bringing death toll to 18
Read full article: Mayor: 2 more victims found in Florida condo collapse, bringing death toll to 18As more human remains emerge from the rubble of the collapsed Florida condo tower, the dead now include the first children.
Officials: Death toll rises to 4, nearly 160 still missing in Florida condo collapse
Read full article: Officials: Death toll rises to 4, nearly 160 still missing in Florida condo collapseAuthorities say nearly 100 people are still unaccounted for after part of a 12-story beachfront condo building collapsed in a town outside Miami.
New Florida law includes Freedom Week. Here’s what that means
Read full article: New Florida law includes Freedom Week. Here’s what that meansFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a tax relief package into law that includes the state’s first-ever Freedom Week and extends the state’s Back to School tax-free period.
WATCH LIVE at 10 a.m.: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis announces protection funding in Sanford
Read full article: WATCH LIVE at 10 a.m.: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis announces protection funding in SanfordChief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will hold a news conference at the Sanford Fire Department.
1 in 5 Floridians have unclaimed property, are you one of them?
Read full article: 1 in 5 Floridians have unclaimed property, are you one of them?ORLANDO, Fla. – One in five Sunshine State residents have unclaimed property, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Officials said more than $27 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in February. CFO Jimmy Patronis said more than $349 million in unclaimed property has been returned since March 2020. [TRENDING: Video: Arrest of Naked Cowboy at Bike Week | 36,000 Fla. Republicans leave GOP | Man rescued 135 miles off Fla. coast]AdThe state released the most common types of unclaimed property: dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit card balances and refunds. More than $4.8 million was returned to people in the Orlando area in February.
Florida CFO advocates for business protections on restaurant tour
Read full article: Florida CFO advocates for business protections on restaurant tourFlorida’s CFO Jimmy Patronis, stopped in Central Florida Wednesday for his Rally at the Restaurant Tour. “We must provide our small business owners the confidence to be able to re-open without the fear of litigation,” said Patronis. Patronis, surrounded by legislators and business owners, said in the midst of a pandemic, he’d like to see Tallahassee pass liability protections for Florida businesses. It’s something business owners agree is a protection that’s needed. “Legislation is extremely important so that our small businesses can stay in business and continue to thrive whenever we get beyond this,” said business owner, Lauren Miller.
Orlando area holds more than $359 million in unclaimed property
Read full article: Orlando area holds more than $359 million in unclaimed propertyORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s top financial official is on a treasure hunt to find the owners of millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property. Jimmy Patronis, the state’s chief financial officer, announced Monday that the Orlando area currently has more than $359 million in unclaimed funds. Overall, Florida has $2 billion in unclaimed property. According to his office, one in five Floridians has unclaimed property. Patronis said to keep up with this month’s Holiday Money Hunt, follow the hashtag #FLHolidayMoneyHunt on Twitter.
Pardon blocked for felons’ rights leader
Read full article: Pardon blocked for felons’ rights leaderDeSantis 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.
Furloughed Epcot worker waiting for unemployment benefits living on canned vegetables, help from friends
Read full article: Furloughed Epcot worker waiting for unemployment benefits living on canned vegetables, help from friendsORLANDO, Fla. – Dan Crowder’s wait for unemployment benefits has turned into a 8-week test of endurance as the furloughed Disney worker waits for his first check from the Florida Department of Employment Opportunity. By April 19, an estimated 43,000 Disney World employees were out of work with health benefits still covered by the entertainment giant. Disney employees furloughed due to closures were automatically enrolled in Florida’s unemployment system known as CONNECT. Crowder’s wait for benefits seems to reflect the frustration hundreds of people have reported their benefits are “pending” without explanation. If you would like to help Dan Crowder or you have an unemployment issue email us at makeendsmeet@wkmg.com.