Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

All complaints are encouraged to be submitted in writing and will be reviewed upon receipt. A determination will be made either to assign to the investigation unit for further review or investigation, initiate an audit or review, submit to the appropriate office for handling, or close administratively (i.e. jurisdiction). When submitting a complaint, please be as specific as possible. Give the name(s) of the employee(s) or vendor who committed a wrongdoing such as fraud, waste, or abuse of County/ COCC funds or resources. State exactly what happened, provide witness’ names and how to contact the individual(s), if known, and provide the details and location of any records or documents that may support your complaint. The more specific information that you provide, the better we are able to assist you.

FWA Complaint Form

To submit a complaint, print the FWA complaint form and e-mail the completed form to fwa@stjohnsclerk.com, or complete and submit the form electronically here. Complaints may be filed in via postal mail, phone, fax, or e-mail as follows: Mail: Office of Inspector General  4010 Lewis Speedway  St. Augustine, FL 32084  Phone: (866) 272-4351 Fax: (904) 819-3696  E-mail: fwa@stjohnsclerk.com 

Complainants – Confidentiality, Anonymity, and Whistle-blowers

Many complainants choose to identify themselves and provide contact information that permits the OIG to ask additional questions and follow up with the complainant as needed. The OIG’s ability to follow up and seek additional information is often a significant factor in the outcome. A complainant may request confidentiality; remain anonymous; or be determined to be a whistle-blower under applicable state law. The characteristics of each designation are as follows:

1. Confidentiality – When a complainant requests confidentiality the OIG will protect the identity of the individual to the extent permitted by law. Under state law, confidentiality may be maintained until “the audit or investigation is complete and the audit report becomes final or when the investigation is no longer active.” See §119.0713(2)(b) Fla. Stat.
2. Anonymity – When a complainant remains anonymous, they have not disclosed their identity. The OIG does receive complaints anonymously; however, we highly encourage complainants remaining anonymous to work with the OIG to establish a means of communication, to ensure OIG staff can seek additional information or receive updated information.
3. Whistle-blowers – The law in Florida protects employees from retaliatory or adverse personnel action for disclosing certain information, including, but not limited to, violations of laws that create and present a substantial and specific danger to the public’s health, safety, or welfare and suspected acts of gross mismanagement or gross waste of public funds. These protections are detailed in §§ 112.3187-.31895 Fla. Stat. The OIG assesses every complaint for whistle-blower designation eligibility.