2/3/2021

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Jimmy Patronis Statement on Passage of COVID Liability Shields in House Subcommittee   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement on the House Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee’s passage of House Bill 7, which provides liability protections for COVID-19 to certain businesses. The bill moves next to Judiciary Committee for its third hearing.   CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Nearly a year ago, COVID-19 changed everything and I’ve made it my top priority this year to advocate for vital liability protections for Florida businesses so they can open their doors without fear of frivolous litigation. It is my mission to add Florida to the list of more than 20 states that have provided some form of COVID liability protections for businesses to ensure our economy can fully recover following the effects of the pandemic. Businesses who are working every day to follow safety guidelines and do right by their customers and employees should be able operate in our state without fear. I’m proud to support Speaker Chris Sprowls and Representative Lawrence McClure in their pursuit of liability shields for our job creators and thank them for their hard work on this important legislation.”   ###

About CFO Jimmy Patronis  Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).