On Thursday, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a directive barring the Department of Financial Services, Unclaimed Property Division, from returning unclaimed property to nation-states, and other regions, that facilitate attacks and other hostilities towards Israel.
The countries barred under the directive include Iran, Syria, Lebanon and regions associated with Palestine.
“There’s never been a more important time to stand with Israel. Under a federal license, Florida was compelled to not only turn over unclaimed property, but provide interest to claimants that were in areas that were outwardly hostile to Israel. That’s insane and we’re putting a stop to it. Not one cent will leave Florida to be used for potential terrorist activity. Moreover, I’ve directed the Unclaimed Property division to take steps in proactively returning about $176,000 worth of property back to Israelis. Florida is a staunch ally of Israel, and as they’re fighting for their very existence, every dollar counts. I urge Treasurers and Comptrollers across the nation to take the same action,” said Patronis.
According to the Division of Unclaimed Property, there are 19 accounts totaling nearly $39,000 associated with the countries of Syria, Iran, Lebanon, and regions of Palestine.
This week’s action comes on the heels of Patronis purchasing $145 million in Israel bonds. Since Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.1 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens and businesses.
