JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, has dedicated nearly two decades to public service, with a focus on supporting first responders and managing the state’s economic challenges.
In a recent interview, he shared his reflections on his tenure and his aspirations if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Watch the entire interview above.
As he prepares to leave his position, Patronis outlined three main goals if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He aims to be a fiscal hawk, prioritizing prudent spending of taxpayer dollars, ensuring military policies align with Florida’s priorities, and treating constituents with respect and accountability.
“If you don’t hold your elected [officials] accountable, you get the government you deserve,” he stated.
Reflecting on his legacy, Patronis highlighted the connection between safety and economic prosperity. “Nobody’s going to invest money if it’s not safe,” he noted, underscoring the critical role first responders play in creating secure communities.
THIS WEEK IN JACKSONVILLE COVERAGE
Patronis expressed pride in his efforts to support first responders, stating, “What’s been the best part is seeing our first responders, our heroes out there just throw safety to the side and rushing in when everybody else is running away.”
He emphasized the importance of providing PTSD benefits and addressing cancer risks for firefighters, noting that 70% of line-of-duty deaths were cancer-related.
He also discussed his role in managing Florida’s property insurance crisis, explaining how he leveraged the state’s strong economic health to help reduce insurance rates.
“We have taken the craziness of inflation and started passing it back out to people in the form of grants to drive down their premiums,” he said.
Patronis also addressed concerns about his endorsement from former President Donald Trump, asserting that he appreciates the president’s agenda while remaining focused on the needs of Floridians. “I think the president’s got a pretty good pulse of our country right now,” he said.
Jimmy Patronis’s tenure as CFO has been marked by significant achievements in supporting first responders, managing insurance challenges, and fostering economic development. His future goals reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and constituent service.
Patronis shared this message in his final Run Down newsletter to Floridians:
This will be my last Run Down as your Chief Financial Officer.
If you know me, you know what gets me fired up each and every day is the opportunity to fix problems for Floridians. And to me, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), especially the people of this agency, exemplifies the mission of public service.
From small things like helping people navigate filing claims for broken water heaters or collecting an unclaimed property check, to catastrophic events, like families whose homes were wiped out due to hurricanes, DFS has been in the thick-of-it when it comes to serving the people of our state. When people were in need, we answered the call. I am extremely proud of that.
We’ve accomplished so much together, and I won’t try to list everything we’ve done here — it would be too long! So, let me just say this: DFS is special, and its people are true public servants who make the world a better place. Personally, serving alongside the men and women of this agency has been the honor of a lifetime.
While leaving this office is bittersweet, I am comforted by the fact that we have made a difference in this wonderful state. First and foremost, I am a Floridian and I have the citizens of this state to thank for putting their trust in me. And whether here or in our nation’s capital, know this: Florida is my home, and I will always fight for it. If you ever need to reach out to me, send me an email at jimmy@joinjimmy.com.
Jimmy Patronis
