Florida Crackdown on Roof Insurance Fraud Leads to Multiple Arrests

Florida authorities have apprehended four individuals linked to a scheme involving deliberate roof damage for insurance claims, alongside the arrest of Ricky Lynn McGraw, owner of South Florida Restoration Services (SFR). McGraw, known for his numerous lawsuits against property insurers, faces charges of grand theft and insurance fraud. His company has been involved in various disputes with Florida carriers, including a notable case with Tower Hill Prime Insurance Co., where a judge found SFR concealed cost information in a condominium claims dispute. McGraw plans to appeal this decision.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced the arrest of four associated with Castle Roofing Co., including Paul and Kiana Vautour. They are accused of systematically damaging roofs to fabricate insurance claims. DFS’s investigation revealed training methods for employees to create roof damage. Citizens Property Insurance Co. CEO Tim Cerio and Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis emphasized the significant impact of such fraud on insurance rates and urged homeowners to be vigilant.

This series of arrests underscores the challenges facing Florida’s insurance industry, particularly in combating fraudulent activities that inflate costs and affect honest policyholders.