As Florida’s chief financial officer, part of my job is to help promote smart financial decisions for our residents.  As such, one of my top priorities is helping to educate consumers on important financial issues.

The Department of Financial Services is dedicated to addressing Floridians’ financial questions, with an entire division committed to educating consumers on a variety of financial topics ranging from avoiding excessive debt to advice for first-time homebuyers.

I also oversee the state’s Financial Literacy Council, which was created by the Legislature in 2006. This council will study the financial problems that affect consumers, particularly young people, seniors, working adults and small business owners, which arise from a lack of basic knowledge of financial issues. The council will develop recommendations to increase financial literacy among Floridians. I look forward to using the council’s findings to assist Floridians, and encourage you to take advantage of the council information on these pages.

Financial literacy education is an essential service for the people of Florida. Together, I hope we can lift Florida’s economy higher, ensuring every Floridian has the tools necessary to adequately provide a more secure future for their families.