Fla. Spanish-Language Website Launched to Help Hispanics Prepare for Hurricanes

June 1, 2006

A Spanish-language version of the Department of Financial Services’ consumer website has been launched to better serve Florida’s growing Hispanic population.

“Nearly three million Hispanics call Florida home and need access to information that impacts their financial well-being and future,” Tom Gallagher, Florida’s CFO said. “Following the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, we had the opportunity to help thousands of Spanish-speaking residents, and many asked to get more information on insurance and financial issues in Spanish. My hope is that launching this new technology before the start of the hurricane season will ensure a greater number of Floridians are better protected and prepared if a disaster strikes.”

Gallagher said his department is among the first statewide government agencies in Florida to dynamically and comprehensively launch its site in Spanish. The Spanish site can be accessed by clicking on the “En Español” tab on the DFS homepage at www.fldfs.com.

More than 5,000 pages were translated on the department’s website, including consumer-focused areas that offer information about disaster assistance, homeowners’ insurance, financial matters such as mortgages and investments, unclaimed property; victim rights and more.

Source: Department of Financial Services