This morning I met with Kenneth Feinberg to share my disappointment with the oil spill claims process and request immediate changes so Floridians can receive the compensation they deserve. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had far-reaching effects on Florida and other Gulf Coast communities, spanning from the tourism industry to the fishing industry and more. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians’ livelihoods have been devastated by the oil spill and compounded by a nearly halted claims process.

At my meeting with Mr. Feinberg, I emphasized three points: the need for the Gulf Coast Claims Facility to stop its foot-dragging and immediately begin making interim and final payments; the need for improved transparency of the GCCF process; and the need for better local, in-person assistance for claimants. In response, Mr. Feinberg assured me that the GCCF will begin issuing interim and final payments this weekend. He assured me that the payments or denials will be accompanied by an explanation, and he agreed to deploy additional accountants to help injured Floridians with their claims.

Promises were made to the people of Florida, and it is my duty to ensure these promises are kept.

Protecting Floridians

Today, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi met with Ken Feinberg, administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) to call for changes to the oil spill claims process. Florida’s Attorney General also filed a statement of interest with the court offering solutions to improve the claims process being overseen by Mr. Feinberg.

"The claims process needs to be fair, transparent and as quick as possible in paying bona fide claims," stated Attorney General Bondi. "Each claim is a person or business whose livelihood has been deeply affected by the oil spill and they need to be compensated." To read more and get the court documents, click here.

On Thursday, the Attorney General’s Office participated in the Medicare Fraud Strike Force’s nationwide takedown of clinic owners and doctors who were charged with Medicaid and Medicare fraud. In total, 111 individuals were charged in fraud schemes totaling $225 million in false billing. We are proud to work with our federal and state partners to stop fraud. By working with other law enforcement agencies, we can uphold the law and protect our taxpayers.