Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJune 6, 2018

Suspended Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown, currently facing 32 federal counts in a scheme to defraud with another suspended council colleague, is still an active primary opponent in Senate District 6 for Minority Leader-designate Audrey Gibson. Brown told media he was not suspending his campaign at his indictment a week ago, and proof of that active candidacy […]

Guest AuthorOctober 4, 2017

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, beware of scammers perpetrating fraud. Advertisements that guarantee a loan for an advanced fee can be tempting, and the websites associated with these offers may even look legitimate, but don’t be fooled. It is probably a scam. In Florida, it is illegal for a loan broker to charge any […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2017

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Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is warning residents of potential fraudsters looking to make a buck off others’ misfortune. Here’s a release he sent Tuesday: Following the landfall of Hurricane Irma, many Floridians are now assessing their homes and property for damage and taking steps to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage before […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2017

An investigation by the state Division of Investigative and Forensic Services has resulted in the arrest of an insurance company manager for allegedly defrauding her employer of more than $1 million. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater identified the accused as Jennifer Summerlott, an accounts-payable and commercial lines manager for Fairway Insurance Group LLC of Fort […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 31, 2017

The Western Union Co. will pay $5 million and provide consumer warnings to resolve a multistate investigation into complaints that con artists used its money-transfer services to facilitate fraud. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the settlement Tuesday with 49 states, including Florida, and the District of Columbia. The money will cover investigation costs. In addition, […]

Peter SchorschDecember 21, 2016

Tip o’ the hat to the Times’ Susan Taylor Martin for covering a blistering audit of the Florida Housing Finance Corp. (FHFC), which is supposed to be the steward of both state and federal affordable housing money. But let’s also give some credit where it’s due: In a series of three articles called “Who watches the […]

Associated PressDecember 20, 2016

A story claiming Florida is set to recount votes in the presidential election because of fraud is untrue. The story posted on bipartisanreport.com on Dec. 6 was headlined: “Florida Moves For FULL RECOUNT Of State Over Massive Voter Fraud.” It received more than 73,000 likes, comments or shares on Facebook before it was removed from […]

Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2016

State Sen. Jeff Brandes wants to sound the death knell for Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system. The St. Petersburg Republican on Tuesday filed a repeal (SB 156) of the personal injury protection, or PIP, requirements under Florida law for motor vehicle insurance. “PIP is a broken insurance system, and it does not reflect the reality […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 27, 2016

Rep. Corrine Brown, facing a federal trial on 23 counts related to fraud and tax evasion, seeks to have her trial pushed back to October. The filing in federal court Wednesday from attorney Bill Sheppard cites “77,000 pages of discovery that undersigned counsel is doing his best to review and digest.” Prosecution does not oppose the motion, […]

Associated PressMarch 5, 2016

The head of a purported charity with close ties to Florida U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown pleaded guilty Friday in a federal fraud investigation. One Door for Education Foundation Inc. President Carla Wiley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to testify in the larger ongoing case, according to a […]

Tag: fraud
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Indicted Senate candidate Reggie Brown stays in race, reports no May fundraising

Drew Breakspear: Don’t pay for the promise of a loan!

Jimmy Patronis warns of post-hurricane fraud

State agents arrest insurance company manager for alleged $1M fraud

Western Union settles complaints that it facilitated fraud

We told you so: Audit blasts Florida Housing Finance Corp.

Fact check: Florida not recounting election votes

Jeff Brandes files PIP repeal for 2017

Corrine Brown wants trial pushed back to October

Charity with ties to congresswoman target of fraud case