Florida Department of Financial Services published a press release on a directive issued by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis to fight fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Fraud is typically prevalent in the chaos and confusion following a catastrophe. 

The directive strengthens the anti-fraud teams in the counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The CFO's Criminal Investigations Division assigned 80 law enforcement officers to Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams (D-FAST) who are authorized to arrest, prosecute, or issue civil penalties to anyone found engaging in insurance fraud. 

D-FAST aims to stop insurance fraud and protect consumers from being targeted by unfair or deceptive acts. These include false advertising, submitting false insurance claims, and public adjusting without a license. D-FAST should coordinate with the applicable regulatory agencies in order to bring criminal charges or penalties to anyone found in violation of the insurance code.