FL S7044

Establishes enhanced criminal penalties for public assistance fraud based on aggregate value thresholds: third-degree felony for $200-$19,999, second-degree felony for $20,000-$99,999, and first-degree felony for $100,000 or more in any 12 consecutive months.

Creates a whistleblower reward program offering up to 10 percent of recovered funds (maximum $500,000 per case) to individuals who report original information about public assistance fraud violations that lead to recovery of fines, penalties, or forfeiture.

Limits temporary cash assistance benefits usage out of state to 30 consecutive days, with benefits terminated for recipients exceeding this period; requires the department to adopt rules on temporary absence determination and intent to return.

Requires a protective payee to be designated for eligible children when a parent or caretaker relative is disqualified due to fraud, with requirements matching work sanction protective payee standards and excluding fraud-disqualified individuals from serving as protective payees.

Takes effect October 1, 2014.