Investor protection bill signed

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: July 01, 2009

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MIAMI --

Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill designed to strengthen Florida's investor protection law.

Crist held a signing ceremony Monday as a judge in New York sentenced Bernard Madoff, who once owned a mansion in Palm Beach, to spend the rest of his life in prison for swindling billions from investors - including many Floridians.

The new law broadens the state's ability to pursue securities fraud and increases registration requirements for investment advisers, dealers and others.

Attorney General Bill McCollum was on hand for the ceremony in Miami.

McCollum said the law gives his office the power to participate in civil investigations and help protect Floridians "from another Bernie Madoff-type scheme."

The Associated Press