Patronis’ Department of Financial Services is investigating alleged fraud in the wake of Hurricane Ian, and also reopening cases from prior storms, alleging carriers cheated homeowners, his office said.

“Because at the end of the day, you want to make sure that investigation is so thorough, so black and white so that when it’s turned over to a prosecutor, that criminal charges need to be levied that we can stand behind those charges and that the prosecution has no hesitation in pursuing prosecution,” Patronis said.

Some Lawyers Applaud

Attorneys like Joseph Abraham welcomed the broadening probe.

“The real deterrent to dishonest and bad faith claim handling by Florida insurance carriers has always been consumer access to legal remedies such as the Civil Remedy Notice, and the punitive damages carriers might face for instituting unscrupulous business practices,” he said.

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