Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis relishes giving Floridians back their money. But that enthusiasm ends when it’s headed toward foes of Israel.
Patronis announced last week that the state Department of Financial Services would not return unclaimed property to countries hostile to Israel, according to a press release.
The directive applies to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and any other region affiliated 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,” Patronis said.
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“That’s insane and we’re putting a stop to it. Not one cent will leave Florida to be used for potential terrorist activity.”
Additionally, he said, the state’s Unclaimed Property division will “proactively” return 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,” said Patronis.
“I urge Treasurers and Comptrollers across the nation to take the same action.”
The value of the property at issue is not large.
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.
Yet Patronis has purchased about $145 million in Israeli bonds to help America’s staunchest ally in the Middle East.
Overall, since Patronis took office in 2017, the state has returned more than $2.1 billion in unclaimed property to Florida citizens and businesses.
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