Yearly Archives: 2017

Attorney General Pam Bondi's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit today secured a prison sentence for an Orlando woman who exploited homeless men and women to commit Medicaid fraud. Christina Benson, owner of Tranquility Health Care Solutions, bilked Medicaid out of more than $200,000 by billing Medicaid for services not provided and not warranted. Last year, Benson pleaded guilty to one count of Medicaid provider fraud, a first-degree felony.

Hurricane Irma helped drive Orlando’s home sales down by nearly 20 percent in September compared to September of last year, reports the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. In addition, sales decreased by almost 30 percent when compared to last month.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services is sending insurance specialists to the Florida Keys to assist with the handling of Hurricane Irma claims.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office filed a complaint against HOA Problem Solutions, Inc., as well as several related companies, for using deceptive and unfair practices to acquire properties from financially distressed homeowners. These Floridians’ homes faced impending homeowners’ association foreclosure auction because of outstanding HOA dues.

Colombia continues to be the top foreign country searching for South Florida real estate on the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) website, according to new statistics from the nation’s largest local Realtor group. Colombia registered 10.2 percent of all international searches on MIAMI’s portal, www.MiamiRealtors.com, in July 2017.

The Realtors Commercial Alliance of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (RCA MIAMI) will present its 17th annual RCA Conference on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Five panels and more than 10 speakers will address how real estate professionals can enhance their business by learning the latest trends in all commercial real estate sectors.

Colombia continues to be the top foreign country searching for South Florida real estate on the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) website, according to new statistics from the nation’s largest local Realtor group. Colombia registered the most South Florida property searches among all countries on MIAMI’s portal, www.MiamiRealtors.com, in June 2017

As the reentry process for the Lower Keys begins, FEMA stresses the importance of following guidance from your local officials. Currently only residents, business owners, disaster workers, and supply vehicles with appropriate identification, or re-entry stickers, will be permitted to enter.

The median price of Orlando homes sold during the month of August increased nearly 10 percent while sales increased almost 3 percent compared to August 2016, report the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. Inventor continued its year-over-year slide and dropped about 16 percent

As Hurricane Irma barrels toward Florida, Congressman Vern Buchanan will make the following stops in his district Friday to monitor preparations and make sure his communities have the resources they need.

Mass destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey and floodwaters in Texas and Louisiana. Severe flooding due to heavy rains in Southwest Florida. The devastating aftermath on people’s lives and livelihoods is a shocking reminder of what can happen when disaster strikes – and the critical need for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Florida Realtors® honored Matey H. Veissi, 2016 president of the state Realtor association, as its 2017 Realtor of the Year. The Realtor of the Year award was presented at the state association’s recent 101st annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the second 2017 unclaimed property auction, hosted Saturday in Orlando, earned $1.186M. Nearly 60,000 individual items went up for auction, and every item sold. The highest individual grossing item was a pair of 17.6-carat diamond and platinum earrings with a starting reserve value of $19,000 that sold for $75,000. The pair features two 5.78-carat diamonds, flanked by a total of 112 diamonds

Twenty-five years ago today Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida. The Category 5 storm caused more than $25 billion worth of property damage and caused 44 direct and indirect fatalities in Florida. In the aftermath of the storm, looting, repair scams and price gouging complaints were reported to law enforcement and the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

Miami existing condominium sales increased for the second time in three months and $1-million-and-up luxury transactions surged for all properties in July, according to a new report by the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system.

MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) Commercial President José María “Chepe” Serrano was awarded the prestigious 2017 Commercial Achievement Award by the Florida Realtors® for his excellence in commercial real estate, and his dedication and commitment. Florida Realtors® awarded Serrano the honor at its 101st annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

Just like the weather, Florida’s housing market was hot in July with more closed sales, higher median prices, increased pending sales and more new listings, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 24,546 last month, up 2 percent compared to July 2016.

This morning, Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-17) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue observed critical water quality and land conservation projects during a helicopter tour over South Florida and discussed the importance of reauthorizing these programs in the upcoming Farm Bill. These water and conservation projects help Florida’s farmers and ranchers coordinate with state and federal agencies to share in the stewardship of preserving and protecting the state’s natural beauty