OFR News

11/19/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced that the agency will participate in a settlement with LPL Financial LLC to repurchase from investors certain securities sold since October 2006 and to pay administrative penalties of $499,000 to Florida upon entering the final order. Interim Commissioner Pamela Epting said, “The Florida Office of Financial Regulation is committed to protecting Floridians and will continue to work with our partners in other states...

11/15/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. - The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced the donation of more than 385 lbs., of non-perishable food and other items to support ongoing Hurricane Michael relief efforts. Interim Commissioner Pamela Epting said, “I am proud of our team, and their generous efforts to help friends and neighbors in the Panhandle region who were impacted by this devastating storm. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, these donations will benefit families who need...

11/15/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. - In recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation is raising investor awareness of the risks associated with investments in promissory notes. State securities regulators have identified promissory notes as a leading source of complaints to their agencies. In fact, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which OFR is a member, reported 210 investigations involving promissory notes, which led to...

11/05/2018

DeLand, Fla. - Florida Office of Financial Regulation Interim Commissioner Pam Epting received the Stetson University Distinguished Alumni Award on Saturday, Nov. 3, as part of the university's 2018 homecoming celebration. The award honors Stetson University alumni who have brought distinction and special recognition to their alma mater through outstanding achievement in their lives and professions. Interim Commissioner Pamela Epting said, "I am humbled by this recognition, and I offer...

11/05/2018

November 5, 2018 Notice of Public Hearing Meeting Materials Agenda

10/01/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced the arrest of James Harold Hosner, of Safety Harbor, for his alleged role in an investment scam. He is charged with the sale of an unregistered security, sale of a security by an unregistered dealer, securities fraud, and grand theft. Interim Commissioner Pamela Epting said, “The Florida Office of Financial Regulation is committed to working with our state and federal partners to bring financial...

09/27/2018

Active military members, veterans, and their spouses can now apply for reimbursement of mortgage loan originator and securities associated person license fees. Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced that rulemaking to implement Florida House Bill 29, the Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Military Family Opportunity Act, is complete. Active military members, veterans, and their spouses can now apply for reimbursement of fees associated with licensure of mortgage...

08/30/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are an important piece of your retirement planning. Self-directed IRAs have become a popular choice for those looking to supplement their nest egg. While most IRAs invest your money in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc., which are registered with regulatory organizations, a self-directed IRA allows the owner more control over where the money is invested, including unregistered investments.

08/23/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced the sentencing of Angela Monaco (more than six years), Pasquale Rubbo (more than eight years) and Steven Dykes (nine years) to prison after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Previously sentenced to prison were co-defendants Joseph Rubbo (five years) and Nicholas Rubbo (four years) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud. All defendants were also ordered to serve three years of...

08/18/2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – Buying a new or used vehicle is exciting, and it can be easy to get swept up by a persuasive salesperson. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) oversees motor vehicle retail installment sellers. The license authorizes its holder to offer installment payments to its customers, for the sale of motor vehicles to retail buyers. This license is required by firms that sell and finance vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, trailers, RV's, motorcycles, and mobile homes.