On Nov. 28, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced the recent arrest of Renee De La Maza for insurance fraud and grand theft following her attempt to file a damage claim against a new insurance policy. This claim was filed after already receiving a $60,000 insurance payout from her former insurance provider for the same damages.

“As Florida continues to recover from an active hurricane season, many homeowners across the state are navigating their way through the claims-filing process and making repairs to their property,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis in a statement. “Insurance fraud can drive up insurance rates for our consumers so our message is simple: If you plan to steal from your insurance company or engage in fraudulent activity, be prepared to face swift action from our state investigators.”

The insurance provider became suspicious of Maza’s claim filings and contacted investigators with DFS’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud.

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Rosalie Donlon

Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].