Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis recaps state legislation accomplishments

Jun. 8--PANAMA CITY -- State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis spoke to local business leaders on Friday about the latest Florida legislative accomplishments, from Hurricane Michael aid to helping with insurance claims.

The Bay County native spoke at the First Friday event, held by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce at Florida State University-Panama City.

"Most of you probably had some form of an insurance claim. It's painful and it's difficult dealing with insurance companies. The claims process is challenging," Patronis said. "We passed legislation this past year that is going to help give the consumer more protection. Some of the things that we did in this particular bill is limiting attorney fees to reduce the cost of litigation; clarifying the AOB (assignment of benefits agreement) rule to make it clear that they're more consumer-friendly; providing clear requirements for the homeowners, contractors, insurance companies and force them to cooperate together."

Many Hurricane Michael survivors have filed insurance claims on their homes and properties because of storm damage and have said dealing with insurance companies and payouts has been difficult. Patronis urged people having problems with insurance claims to call his office at 1-877-MYFLCFO.

Patronis also spoke about hurricane relief measures that state officials worked on in Tallahassee.

"The legislature stepped up, $220 million in recovery from the Florida legislature. I'll give you a snapshot of some of the things it will be used for," Patronis said. "We've got critical life-saving services that will be provided in our Panhandle communities, a large portion of money will be providing affordable housing options for displaced families, rebuilding infrastructure including county and municipal roads and rebuilding area education facilities."

An elective class on financial literacy for young people also will be offered in schools because of state legislation.

"With student loan debt, juggling a car payment, balancing a checkbook, fiscal literacy is a big deal to me. I feel like the more fiscally literate our young adults are, we're going to change the culture that they approach balancing a checkbook and managing household expenses hopefully until maybe they have a job or own their own business or raise a family," Patronis said. "More than 50% of Florida students experience some type of student loan debt right now. We just want to make sure they're prepared."

Patronis also spoke about efforts to help firefighters dealing with cancer, an issue he has passionately and frequently spoken about. Firefighters dealing with cancer will be provided $25,000 under state legislation. Those eligible must "have a lifestyle that is not helping you contract cancer," Patronis said.

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