The Department of Financial Services' Division of Investigative and Forensic Services is a law enforcement and forensic agency that conducts insurance and workers' compensation fraud investigations, and fire, arson, and explosives investigations. It also conducts investigations regarding the theft or misuse of state funds and performs fire and explosives sample analysis.

The division provides services through five organizational units.

• The Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud investigates suspected criminal violations of Florida's Workers' Compensation laws. The bureau participates in joint efforts with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and multiple local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to prevent and prosecute
  • unlicensed contractors;
  • businesses employing workers without appropriate workers' compensation coverage;
  • employees who file false on-the-job injuries or exaggerate their injuries; and
  • employees working other jobs while receiving workers' compensation benefits.
• The Office of Fiscal Integrity detects and investigates the misappropriation or misuse of state assets in a manner that safeguards the interests of the State of Florida and its taxpayers. The office works to ensure the proper use of taxpayer funds by investigating allegations of
  • state contract and grant fraud;
  • unclaimed property fraud;
  • theft of state property;
  • electronic fund transfer fraud;
  • state travel reimbursement, credit card, and payroll fraud; and
  • fraud through counterfeit warrants and fraudulent debits to state treasury accounts.
• The Bureau of Insurance Fraud investigates alleged acts of insurance fraud not categorized under workers' compensation fraud, including licensee, healthcare, application, vehicle, homeowners, commercial, disability, arson, and life insurance fraud. Included within these categories are organized schemes to defraud the public and insurers, insolvency of insurance companies due to internal fraud, criminal activity by unauthorized entities illegally doing business in Florida, and viatical-related fraud.
• The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations detects, investigates, apprehends, and prosecutes offenders of arson and explosive-related crimes. The Bureau also works to enhance investigations and prosecutions and deter arson and explosive-related crimes through education and training.
• The Bureau of Forensic Services provides forensic laboratory services. The bureau supports fire, arson, and explosives investigations by providing forensic analysis of fire and explosives debris and offers a variety of imaging services including the enhancement of still images, special image filtering, and the creation of still images from video footage.

The division operates a toll-free number (1-800-378-0445) for persons in Florida to report fraud. Individuals also may report suspected fraud using the department's online form. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered to persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons committing insurance fraud.

During Fiscal Year 2021-22, 93% of closed fire investigations were successfully concluded (including by cause determined, suspect identified and/or arrested, or other reasons). According to the division, 30% of arson cases were cleared during the same time period.

Expanded Authority for Investigations and Referrals. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-144 Laws of Florida, which includes changes that may impact the work of the division. The law authorizes the division to initiate, not just conduct investigations and specifies that such investigations may cover any matter under the jurisdiction of the Chief Financial Officer, including the Chief Financial Officer’s role as State Fire Marshal. In addition, the law expands the authority of the division to refer suspected criminal violations of federal law for prosecution, in addition to suspected criminal violations of state law.

Several Factors Hinder Homeowner and Auto Glass Insurance Fraud Processing, Report 21-05, March 2021

Other Reports
Joint Annual Reports, Division of Insurance Fraud and Division of Workers' Compensation

Websites of Interest
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
National Insurance Crime Bureau
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
Florida Fire Chiefs' Association
International Association of Fire Chiefs
U.S. Fire Administration

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

Sections 17.04, 17.0401, 17.05, 552.113, 552.21, 626.989, 633.112, and 943.0312, Florida Statutes

Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud, 850-413-3115
Website