This week, I spoke to journalists from across the state at the 2019 Associated Press Legislative Planning Session. We discussed our priorities and important legislation we will be pursuing during the upcoming legislative session.
We must end the opioid crisis. While running for office, I talked about the devastating reality that Florida lost 14 people a day to opioid overdoses. Today the death toll has risen to 17.
According to the latest Medical Examiners Report, Fentanyl analogs contributed to more than 1,500 overdose deaths in Florida alone—THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. That is why, before I even took the oath of office, we began working to create a Statewide Opioid Abuse Working Group.
Our working group is already meeting to address the crisis, but we need to do more. During the upcoming legislative session, we will work with house and senate leadership to establish the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse.
This task force will study the cost of this crisis on state and local governments; identify available programs with proven success in combating opioid abuse; explore whether there is a need for additional regulatory activity; and, among other things, evaluate and identify ways to reduce the demand for opioids and decrease the supply.
I am grateful that Senator Wilton Simpson and Representative Chris Sprowls have agreed to sponsor this important legislation. There is not a corner of the state that has not felt the grave effects of this crisis, and I know each and every member of our great legislature will want to help us in this worthy endeavor.
In The News
Florida attorney general convening opioid task force, WCTV
Florida Attorney General says she wants opioid lawsuit wrapped up ‘as soon as possible', Tampa Bay Times
Florida bans company for selling millions of fake social media followers, Sun Sentinel
Attorney General Ashley Moody opens an investigation into Panhandle's high gas prices, WMBB
Consumers to receive refunds in Camp Warrior shutdown, WTXL
AG: Tips to protect taxpayers for tax identity theft, WINK News
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Issues Tips to Protect Taxpayers for Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week
Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to take action to prevent identity theft this tax season in recognition of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. To raise awareness about tax identity scams, Attorney General Moody is offering tips to help taxpayers protect sensitive information.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As Floridians prepare to file taxes, it is important to take steps to make sure sensitive financial information is protected. There are some simple steps every taxpayer can take to guard against identity theft, and in recognition of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, my office is offering several tips to help better protect all taxpayers.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Sponsors Resolution Recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Month
During this week’s Florida Cabinet Meeting, Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Florida. Attorney General Moody commends the legislature, law enforcement, local governments, community organizations and citizens fighting to end human trafficking in Florida.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Through the utilization of awareness, education, law enforcement, health care professionals and summits, Florida continues to make tremendous strides to find solutions to end this form of modern-day slavery. With this resolution, our office reinforces our commitment to continue leading the charge, working with all our state and federal partners to abolish human trafficking and provide aide to survivors.” Read More
Consumers Provided Refunds in Camp Warrior Shutdown
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced consumer refunds for parents of campers planning to attend a now shuttered summer camp. The refunds come after an investigation and litigation brought by the Florida Attorney General’s Office resulting in a consent judgment against Camp Warrior, LLC, Camp Indian Springs, and owner Derek Hart. According to the investigation, the defendants accepted deposits from consumers before closing in June 2018 and failed to provide consumers with refunds. The court order provides full restitution for all affected consumers that requested a refund.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These parents spent a lot of time and money researching the summer camp and making reservations for their children. But when it came time to send their kids to camp, there was nowhere for them to go. Not only did the conduct of the defendants cost parents hundreds of dollars, it ruined summer plans of dozens of Florida children. Thankfully, our Consumer Protection Division acted quickly and launched an investigation. Now the camp is permanently closed, and parents will receive refunds.” Read More
Company Selling Fake Twitter Followers Permanently Banned
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that a company selling fake Twitter followers to celebrities, professional athletes, comedians, television actors and others is permanently banned from the practice. The lifetime ban comes after an investigation by the Florida Attorney General’s Office into the social media company Devumi. The company, formerly based in Palm Beach, sold hundreds of millions of fake followers, known as bots, to an estimated 200,000 customers nationwide.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Social media fraud is serious deception and can give users unwarranted influence. Through the use of bots, consumers may be tricked into believing a product, person or message is much more popular than it actually is. It should go without saying, don’t believe everything you see on the internet, and this is just one example of how technology can be used to create false realities.” Read More
Attorney General Moody’s Statement on Selection of Secretary of State Judge Laurel Lee
Attorney General Moody released the following statement on Governor Ron DeSantis’ selection of Judge Laurel Lee to serve as Florida’s next Secretary of State:“I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Judge Laurel Lee as Florida’s Secretary of State. Judge Lee’s almost two decades of legal experience, including five years as a Circuit Court Judge, make her uniquely qualified to manage Florida’s elections system.” Read More
Attorney General Moody’s Statement on the Approval of Jim Zingale to Department of Revenue
Attorney General Moody released the following statement on the approval of Jim Zingale as Executive Director for the Florida Department of Revenue:“Dr. Jim Zingale is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Revenue. I met with Dr. Zingale and was impressed with his vision for the Department of Revenue and his depth of knowledge. With his 35 years of public service in state government, including 18 years at the Department, Dr. Zingale is uniquely qualified to lead this important agency.”
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried for a Florida Cabinet Meeting in Tallahassee.
Attorney General Moody introducing a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Florida. The Governor and each Cabinet member signed the resolution.
Attorney General Moody pictured with Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell at the Cabinet Meeting.
Attorney General Moody speaking to reporters about priorities and legislation at the Associated Press Legislative Planning Session at the Florida Capitol.
Attorney General Moody celebrating Denise Hair, the Office Automation Analyst for the eDiscovery and Litigation Support Center, for 35 years of service with the state of Florida. Attorney General Moody attending Denise’s retirement party.
