Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Respondent: RICHARD LEE BAMMERLIN
Judges: CHARLES C. ADAMS
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Tallahassee, Florida
Filed: Feb. 15, 2005
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, March 9, 2006.
Latest Update: May 18, 2012
Summary: In relation to DOAH Case No. 05-0515, does the case involve the sale of securities as described in Chapter 517, Florida Statutes (2002), that would confer jurisdiction upon OFR to proceed to a hearing on the merits of the Administrative Complaint that forms the basis for DOAH Case No. 05-0515, and to what extent, if any, the named Respondents have been involved with the sale of securities sufficient to declare jurisdiction over their activities? Preliminary to that determination is the related i
Summary: In relation to DOAH Case No. 05-0515, does the case involve the sale of securities as described in Chapter 517, Florida Statutes (2002), that would confer jurisdiction upon OFR to proceed to a hearing on the merits of the Administrative Complaint that forms the basis for DOAH Case No. 05-0515, and to what extent, if any, the named Respondents have been involved with the sale of securities sufficient to declare jurisdiction over their activities? Preliminary to that determination is the related issue concerning the possible pre-emption of OFR's regulatory authority by virtue of the regulatory action previously taken by the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes (DBPR) under authority set forth in Chapter 721, Florida Statutes (2002)? Argument has also been set forth concerning the significance of court cases as they might influence OFR's ability to declare their regulatory authority in this instance.
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FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Her FILED
OFFICER
SEP 28 2004
IN THE MATTER OF: ocaenaty CLA _
CASE NO.: 75699-04-AG "2. ¥
RICHARD LEE BAMMERLIN
{
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT engel ince
TO: RICHARD LEE BAMMERLIN OS - OSWY id L
802 Lanark Court
Inverness, Florida 34453
RICHARD LEE BAMMERLIN
RJAM, Inc.
802 Lanark Court
Inverness, Florida 34453
You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, license I.D. #4012841, are hereby notified that,
pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has
caused to be made an investigation of your activities while licensed as an insurance agent in this
state, as a result of which it is alleged:
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
1. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERL IN, are
currently licensed in this state as a life (2-16) agent, and life & health (2-18) agent.
2. At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you,
RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, were licensed in this state as an insurance agent.
3. The Business of Life Insurance is a public trust, in which all agents of all
companies have a common obligation to work together in serving the best interests of the
insuring public, by understanding and observing the laws governing Life Insurance by presenting
accurately and completely every fact esscntial to a client’s decision, and by being fair in all
relations with colleagues and competitors, always placing the policyholder’s interests first.
[Chapter 69B-215.210, Florida Administrative Code}.
4, At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you,
RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, were listed as an agent of Ameri-Life & Health Services of
Marion County (‘Ameri-Life’}, located at 821 North East 36 Terrace, Ocala, Florida 34470.
5. At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you,
RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, were associated with and acted as a “sales representative” for a
company known as Universal Luxury Coaches, LLC. (“ULC”) located at 4441 Orange Blvd.,
Sanford, FL 32771. In that capacity, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, sclicited and sold
investments in ULC’s Affinity Rental Program, Option 4 (“Option 4”), an unregistered security.
6. ULC’s Option 4 is an investment contract inasmuch as the plan involves an
investment of money in a common enterprise with the expectation of profits to be derived from
the managerial efforts of others. Investment contracts arc statutorily defined as securities
pursuant to Section 517.021(20), Florida Statutes.
7. ULC’s Option 4 is a security, but it is not registered with the State of Florida,
Office of Financial Regulation. Section 517.07, Florida Statutes, requires that all securities sold
in or into Florida be registered with the Office or exempt from registration. ULC’s Option 4 is
not exempt from such registration requirements under the provisions of Sections 517.051 or
517.061, Florida Statutes.
8. ULC’s Option 4 is not a timeshare plan and does not qualify for the exemption set
forth in section 721.23, Florida Statutes.
9. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, used your existing insurance relationships
with clderly customers to either introduce these customers to other agents or act individually for
the purposc of soliciting investments in ULC’s Option 4.
10. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, while an agent for Amen-Life, sold
approximately $309,414.00 worth of unregistered securities to senior citizens, earning you
substantial commissions.
11. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, aided and abetted agent Kenneth Keyes, of
Ameri-Life & Health Services of Citrus County, in the marketing and sale of ULC’s Option 4 to
senior citizens.
12. As to each of the transactions described below, you, RICHARD L.
BAMMERLLI, used your position as an agent of Ameri-Life to knowingly mislead clderly
insureds into purchasing unregistered securities, thereby causing pecuniary harm to them.
13. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Financial
Services has jurisdiction over your insurance licenses and appointments.
COUNT I
14. The above General Allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated by
reference.
15. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, have sold insurance to, or have becn
acquainted with R.E. (age 80) for approximately ten (10) years.
16. On or about June 4, 2003, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, sent agent Kenneth
Keves of Ameri-Life & Health Services of Citrus County, to visit with R.E., for the purpose of
soliciting investments in ULC’s Option 4.
17. During this visit, agent Keyes represented that R.E. was “not making anything”
on his CD, and you recommended ULC’s Option 4 as a better investment alternative. Agent
Keves assured R.E. that ULC’s Option 4 was a safe investment by stating that, “Bammerlin
would not offer any investments to his clients that he did not personally invest in himself.” In
addition, R.E. was promised a 10% return on monies invested in ULC’s Option 4.
18. Acting upon this advice, R.E. purchased $51,000.00 worth of ULC’s Option 4.
For this sale, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, received a substantial comnuission, fee, or other
benefit.
19, In conclusion, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, used your position as an agent
of Ameri-Life to knowingly aid and abet agent Kenneth Keyes in the sale of an unregistered
security, You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, did this for the purpose of obtaining a fee,
commission, or other benefit.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, have violated
or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and Rules of the
Department of Financial Services which constitutes grounds for the suspension or revocation of
your licenses and eligibility as an insurance agent:
(a) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the business of
insurance. [Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes];
(b) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business under the license or
appointment. [Section 626.611(9), Florida Statutes};
(c) Asa life agent, a violation of the code of ethics. [Section 626.621 (9), Florida
Statutes};
(a) Knowingly aiding, assisting, procuring, advising, or abetting any person in the
violation of or to violate a provision of the insurance code or any order or rule of the department,
commission, or office. [Section 626.621(12), Florida Statutes].
CQUNT II
20. The above General Allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated by
reference.
21. On or about February 18, 2003, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, and agent
Kenneth Keyes of Ameri-Life & Health Services of Citrus County, visited M.H. (age 68),
regarding a supplemental insurance policy. During this visit you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN,
and agent Keyes recommended ULC’s Option 4 to M.H. You, RICHARD Lt. BAMMERLIN,
and agent Keyes informed M.H. that “ULC did not have enough coaches to fill the demand for
people wanting to lease them,” and that you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, and agent
Bammerlin, were “raising funds to acquire more busses.”
22. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN represented to M.H. that the ULC Option 4
investment required a minimum investment of $10,000.00. M.H. stated that she could not afford
a $10,000.00 investment, and you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, agreed to accept a smaller
investment.
23. Acting upon your advice, M.H. purchased $6,000.00 worth of ULC’s Option 4.
For this sale you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, received a substantial commission, fee, or other
benefit.
24, In conclusion, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, used your position as an agent
of Ameri-Life to knowingly mislead M.H. into purchasing $6,000.00 worth of an unregistered
security. You, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, did this for the purpose of obtaining a fee,
commission, or other benefit.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, have violated
or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and Rules of the
Department which constitutes grounds for the suspension or revocation of your licenses and
cligibility as an insurance agent: Sections 626.611(7); 626.61 1(9); 626.621(%); and 626.621(12),
Florida Statutes, as more fully described under Count I above.
In addition, it is also charged that you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, have violated or are
accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code ard Rules of the
Department which constitutes grounds for the suspension or revocation of your licenses and
eligibility as an insurance agent:
(a) Sale of an unregistered security that was required to be registered, pursuant to
chapter 517 [Section 626.611(16), Florida Statutes].
WHEREFORE, you, RICHARD L. BAMMERLIN, are hereby notified that the Chief
Financial Officer intends to enter an order suspending or revoking your license(s) and eligibility
for licensure as an insurance agent or to impose such lesser penalties as may be provided under
the provisions of Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, and under the other referenced Sections of the
Florida Statutes as set out in this Administrative Complaint. You are further notified that any
eT ne ee
order cptered in this case revoking or suspending any license or eligibility for licensure held by
you shall also apply to all other licenses and eligibility held by you under the Florida Insurance
Code.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
You have the right to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Department
pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and Rule 28-107, Florida
Administrative Code. The procceding request must be in writing, signed by you, and must be
filed with the Department within twenty-one (21) days of your receipt of this notice.
Completion of the attached Election of Proceeding form and/or a petition for administrative
hearing will suffice as a written request. The request must be filed with the General Counsel as
acting Agency Clerk, at the Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Building, 200
East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333. Your written response must be received
by the Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first day after your reccipt of this notice.
Mailing the response on the twenty-first day will not preserve your right to a hearing.
YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN
TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS
NOTICE WILL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT
TO REQUEST A PROCEEDING ON THE MATTERS
ALLEGED HEREIN AND AN ORDER OF REVOCATION
WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
If you request a proceeding, you must provide information that complies with the
requirements of Rule 28-107.004, F lorida Administrative Code. As noted above, completion of
the attached Election of Proceeding form conforms to these requirements. Specifically, your
response must contain:
(a) The name and address of the party making the request, for purpose of service,
(b) A statement that the party is requesting a hearing involving Cisputed issues of
material fact, or a hearing not involving disputed issucs of material fact; and
(c) A reference to the notice, order to show cause, administrative complaint, or other
communication that the party has received from the agency.
If a hearing of any type is requested, you have the right to be represented by counsel or
other qualified represcntative at your expense, to present evidence and argument, to call and
cross-examine Witnesses, and to compcl the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documents by subpoena. ,
If a proceeding is requested and there is no dispute of material fact, the provisions of
Section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes, apply. In this regard, you may submit oral or written
evidence in opposition to the action taken by the Department or a written statement challenging
the grounds upon which the Department has relicd. While a hearing is normally not required in
the absence of a dispute of fact, if you fecl that a hearing is necessary, onc will be conducted in
Tallahassee, Florida, or by telephonic conference call upon your request.
However, if you dispute material facts that are the basis for the Department's action, you
must request an adversarial proceeding pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida
Statutes. These proceedings are held before a State administrative law judge of the Division of
Administrative Hearings. Unless the majority of witnesses are located elsewhere, the
Department will request that the hearing be conducted in Tallahassee, Florida.
Failure to follow the procedure outlined with regard to your response to this notice may
result in the request being denicd. All prior oral communication or correspondence in this matter
shall be considered freeform agency action, and no such oral communication or correspondence
shall operate as a valid request for an administrative proceeding. Any request for an
administrative proceeding received prior to the date of this notice shall be deemed abandoned
unless timely renewed in compliance with the guidelines as set out above.
Mediation of this matter pursuant to Section 120.573, F lorida Statutes, is not available.
No Department attorney will discuss this matter with you until the response has been received by
2 bee
KARE! nas
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
the Department of Financial Services.
DATED and SIGNED this, 28" day ot Sep-bmber,
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
| HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPILAINT and ELECTION OF RIGHTS has been furnished to: Richard L. Bammerlin, 802
Lanark Court, Inverness, FL 34453, Richard Lee Bammerlin, RIAM, Inc., 802 Lanark Court,
Inverness, FL 34453 by Certified Mail this 28"tay of Se@lember_, 2004.
\\ aS
ae,
DAVID BUSCH
Florida Bar Number 0140945
Division of Legal Services
612 Larson Building
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
Phone: 850-413-4146
Docket for Case No: 05-000569PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 18, 2012 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding transcripts and exhibits, to the agency.
|
Mar. 09, 2006 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Mar. 06, 2006 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Mar. 03, 2006 |
Letter to Judge Adams from M. Piscitelli requesting an abatement or stay filed.
|
Mar. 03, 2006 |
Parties` Response to Scheduling Order filed.
|
Mar. 02, 2006 |
Respondent Bammerlin`s Notice of Withdrawal of Request for Hearing in DFS No 75699-04-AG filed.
|
Feb. 27, 2006 |
Respondent Bauger`s Notice of Withdrawal of Request for Hearing filed.
|
Feb. 27, 2006 |
Letter to Judge Adams from N. Arnoff requesting a stay of Proceedings filed.
|
Feb. 17, 2006 |
Letter to N. Arnoff from D. Busch responding to the letter of February 13, 2006 to Treasurer Gallagher filed.
|
Feb. 16, 2006 |
Scheduling Order (parties shall confer and within 15 days from the date of this order identify the number of days necessary and a list of commonly available dates for hearing in April and May 2006).
|
Feb. 16, 2006 |
Letter to T. Gallagher from N. Arnoff requesting to indefinitely adjourn and stay the proceedings filed.
|
Feb. 10, 2006 |
Agency Order Finding Jurisdiction and Remanding Cause to the Division of Administrative Hearing for Continuation of Proceedings on the Merits filed.
|
Feb. 10, 2006 |
Order Finding Jurisdiction and Remanding Cause to Division of Administrative Hearings for Continuation of Proceedings on the Merits filed.
|
Jan. 23, 2006 |
Exceptions to Recommended Order filed.
|
Jan. 06, 2006 |
Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
|
Jan. 06, 2006 |
Recommended Order (hearing held June 29-30, July 28-29, and September 15-15, 2005).
|
Nov. 15, 2005 |
Respondent SPOR`s Proposed Recommended Order filed.
|
Nov. 15, 2005 |
Petitioner OFR`s Proposed Recommended Order filed.
|
Nov. 15, 2005 |
Proposed Recommended Order of Respondents Baugher, Bammerlin and Wolven filed.
|
Nov. 15, 2005 |
Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law filed.
|
Oct. 07, 2005 |
Transcript Volume I-X filed. |
Sep. 15, 2005 |
CASE STATUS: Hearing Held. |
Sep. 13, 2005 |
Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion in Limine filed.
|
Aug. 26, 2005 |
Notice of Appearance (filed by M. Ruff).
|
Aug. 25, 2005 |
Transcript Volume I-III filed. |
Aug. 01, 2005 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for September 15, 16, 19, and 20, 2005; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
|
Aug. 01, 2005 |
OFR`s Notice of Compliance with Rule 28-106.213(5)(b), F.A.C., Notary Certification for OFR Witness Glassburn filed.
|
Jul. 29, 2005 |
OFR`s Notice of Compliance with Rule 28-106.213(5)(b), F.A.C., Notary Certification for OFR Witness Jones filed.
|
Jul. 28, 2005 |
CASE STATUS: Hearing Partially Held; continued to September 15, 16, 19, and 20, 2005. |
Jul. 08, 2005 |
Notice of Attendance by Telephone filed.
|
Jun. 29, 2005 |
CASE STATUS: Hearing Partially Held; continued to July 28, 2005. |
Jun. 28, 2005 |
OFR`s Opposition to Motion in Limine filed.
|
Jun. 28, 2005 |
OFR`s Suggestion of Sub-issues at Issue in the Initial Hearing with Related Opposition to Motions to Dismiss filed.
|
Jun. 27, 2005 |
Order Granting Department of Business and Professional Regulation`s Motion for Protective Order to Quash Subpoena of James E. Blount, Chief of Staff filed.
|
Jun. 27, 2005 |
Department of Business and Professional Regulation`s Motion for Protective Order to Quash Subpoena of James E. Blount, Chief of Staff filed.
|
Jun. 27, 2005 |
Memorandum of Law filed.
|
Jun. 24, 2005 |
Motion in Limine filed.
|
Jun. 21, 2005 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for June 29 and 30, 2005; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL; amended as to Starting time).
|
Jun. 17, 2005 |
OFR`s Request to Allow Two Witnesses to Appear at Final Hearing by Telephone filed.
|
Jun. 16, 2005 |
Memorandum of Law filed.
|
Jun. 15, 2005 |
Notice of Taking Deposition filed.
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Jun. 13, 2005 |
OFR`s Notice of Intent to Use Summaries filed.
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Jun. 10, 2005 |
Notice of Taking Deposition filed.
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May 23, 2005 |
OFR`s Response to Respondent SPOR`s Request for Production filed.
|
May 23, 2005 |
Motion for Protective Order regarding Confidential Information filed.
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May 17, 2005 |
Office`s Interrogatories to Russell G. Wolven filed.
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May 17, 2005 |
Office`s Interrogatories to Dennis L. Baugher filed.
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May 17, 2005 |
Notice of Service of Interrogatory Responses filed.
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May 16, 2005 |
Notice of Service of Answers to Interrogatories filed.
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May 16, 2005 |
Respondents Bauger, Bammerlin and Wolven`s Response to Request for Production filed.
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May 16, 2005 |
Notice of Service of Interrogatory Responses filed.
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May 16, 2005 |
Office`s Interrogatories to Richard L. Bammerlin filed.
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May 13, 2005 |
Response to Request for Production filed.
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Apr. 26, 2005 |
Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for June 29 and June 30, 2005, and July 28 and 29, 2005; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
|
Apr. 25, 2005 |
Order (motion to strike paragraph 13 is granted; motion to strike paragraph 14 is denied).
|
Apr. 25, 2005 |
OFR`s Report Regarding Attorney Arnoff Illness filed.
|
Apr. 21, 2005 |
Memorandum in Opposition to Department of Financial Services Motion for Protective Order and Motion to Strike Two Affirmative Defenses of Spor filed.
|
Apr. 19, 2005 |
Letter to Judge Adams from D. Busch enclosing letter regarinding health of Counsel for Respondent filed.
|
Apr. 18, 2005 |
Order (Respondent Moore is joined in this consolidated proceeding under DOAH Case No. 05-0515).
|
Apr. 18, 2005 |
Motion to Quash filed.
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Apr. 18, 2005 |
Notice of Taking Depositions filed.
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Apr. 13, 2005 |
Motion for Protective Order filed.
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Apr. 13, 2005 |
Motion to Strike Two Affirmative Defenses of Spor filed.
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Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Notice of Serving Interrogatories to James P. Hollis filed.
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Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Notice of Serving Interrogatories to Russel G. Wolven filed.
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Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Notice of Serving Interrogatories to Richard L. Bammerlin filed.
|
Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Notice of Serving Interrogatories to Dennis L. Baugher filed.
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Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Request for Production to Respondent Spor, Hollis, Baugher, Bammerlin and Wolven filed.
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Apr. 08, 2005 |
Office`s Notice of Serving Interrogatories to Scott W. Spor filed.
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Apr. 06, 2005 |
Motion to Dismiss Administrative Complaints filed.
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Apr. 05, 2005 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for May 4-5 and June 29-30, 2005; Tallahassee, FL; amended as to Additional dates and starting times of 9:00).
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Apr. 04, 2005 |
Order (hearing shall proceed on May 4 and 5, 2005, to consider the jurisdictional question previously noticed for hearing, in relation to the Administrative Complaint that forms the basis for DOAH Case No. 05-0515).
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Mar. 31, 2005 |
Motion for Clarification filed.
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Mar. 30, 2005 |
OFR`s Request for Additional Hearing Day filed.
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Mar. 23, 2005 |
Notice to Additional Parties of 3/18/05 Response to Pre-hearing Order (filed by Petitioner).
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Mar. 23, 2005 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for May 4 and 5, 2005; 8:00 a.m.; Tallahassee , FL; consolidated cases are: 05-0142PL, 05-0429PL, 05-0515, and 05-0569PL).
|
Mar. 18, 2005 |
Response to Pre-hearing Order (filed by Petitioner).
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Mar. 09, 2005 |
Pre-hearing Order on Scheduling.
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Feb. 24, 2005 |
Response to Initial Order (filed by Petitioner).
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Feb. 17, 2005 |
Initial Order.
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Feb. 15, 2005 |
Agency referral filed.
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Jan. 18, 2005 |
Petition for Formal Hearing filed.
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Jan. 18, 2005 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jan. 18, 2005 |
Agency referral filed.
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Orders for Case No: 05-000569PL