Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Respondent: DAYAMI QUETGLES
Judges: LARRY J. SARTIN
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Miami, Florida
Filed: Sep. 19, 2001
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, October 26, 2001.
Latest Update: Nov. 17, 2024
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FILED
AUG 29 2001
THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE _ Treasurer and
TOM GALLAGHER . pesurance Comrgi oe jigsioner
eketed oF
IN THE MATTER OF
DAYAMI QUETGLES CASE NO.:
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ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
TO: DAYAMI QUETGLES
Sun Tropic
904 sw 67" Ave.
Miami, Florida 33144-4761
DAYAMI QUETGLES
18217 NW 61°* Street Place
Miami Beach, Florida 33015-5604
YOU, DAYAMI QUETGLES, are hereby notified that the Insurance
Commissioner of the State of Florida (“the Department”) 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, DAYAMI
QUETGLES, are currently licensed in this state as a general lines
. insurance agent (2-20) and asa health insurance agent (2-40).
2. At all times pertinent | to the dates and occurrence referred
to herein, you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, were licensed in this state to
transact general lines property and casualty insurance and to act as
agent for the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint
Underwriters Association (FRPCJUA) (0-17).
3. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Florida
Department of Insurance has jurisdiction over your insurance licenses
and appointments.
4, During all times material to the allegations contained in
this complaint you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, were the sole officer and
director of A.A.A.A.A. Sun Tropic Insurance Services, Inc. or Sun
Tropic Insurance Consultants, Inc. or Sun Tropic Insurance Service,
Inc. (“Sun Tropic”) and the sole signator on the Sun Tropic corporate
bank accounts.
5. As the sole corporate officer and director of Sun Tropic,
you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, knew or should have known of the activities of
salaried employees and insurance agents under your direct supervision
and control and you were responsible and accountable for all of the
activities of the staff at the Sun Tropic agency locations for the
times and occurrences as hereafter presented. References to you,
DAYAMI QUETGLES, include persons acting under your direct supervision
and control at the agencies described herein.
COUNT I
6. The above General Allegations numbered one through five are
hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference. .
7. In July 1997, Vivian and Ernesto Rodriguez came to you,
DAYAMI QUETGLES, for the purpose of purchasing personal residence
property and casualty insurance through Apex Managers Inc. (“Apex”),
the servicing carrier for the FRPCJUA, showing a total premium of
$1,945.00 financed by Grand Park Premium Finance Inc. (“Grand Park”).
an een ae ame a A A NNR sb eens sean eee”
The declarations page shows the policy number as FR-0314137-00 04 and
the policy period as running from September 5, 1997 to September 5,
1998. |
8. The coverage for the Rodriguez’s home was placed through the
FRPCJUA and the finance agreement contract was based on a premium of
$1,722.00 with a down payment of $521.00 and eight scheduled payments
of $165.25 to be made to Grand Park.
9. The original FRPCJUA application received on October 2, 1997
shows that the insured signed the application on September 5, 1997.
You, DAYAMI QUETGLES, failed to provide the FRPCJUA with all necessary
information and documentation with respect to this policy as a direct
consequence of which the FRPCJUA issued a Notice of Cancellation as to
the policy effective December 18, 1997.
10. You, DAYAMI QUETGLES, never notified either Mr. or Mrs.
Rodriguez of the cancellation and they continued making payments to
Grand Park. In September, 1998, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez received a .
telephone call from “Maria” at Sun Tropic advising them that it was
time to renew their policy. When Mrs. Rodriquez called Apex, she was
notified that the policy was cancelled on December 18, 1997, and that
the unused premium was sent to Grand Park.
11. As a direct result of the cancellation, FRPCJUA had earlier
issued Grand Park a $1,169.00 refund on behalf of the insured. Grand
Park, in turn, credited the Rodriquez’s account and issued you, DAYAMI
QUETGLES, a total refund of $1,305.06.
12. You, DAYAMI QUETGLES, kept this refund and never forwarded
it or otherwise credited the insured for this sum despite demands from
them for such refund. .
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, have violated
or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida
Insurance Code and Rules of the Department of Insurance which
constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of your licenses
and appointments as an insurance agent:
(a) Within 15 days of receipt of notification from the premium
finance company, the agent shall return unearned premium including any
unearned commission to the insured or with the written approval of the
insured apply such amount to the purchase of other insurance products
-regulated by the department [Section 627.848(1)(e), Florida Statutes];
(b) All premiums, return premiums, or other funds belonging to
insurers or others received by an agent, solicitor, or adjuster in .
transactions under his license shall be trust funds so received by the
licensee in a fiduciary capacity; and the licensee in the applicable
regular course of business shall account for and pay the same to the
“insurer, insured, or other person entitled thereto. [Section
626.561(1), Florida Statutes];
-(c) Any agent, solicitor, or adjuster who, not being lawfully
entitled thereto, either _temporarily or permanently diverts OL
appropriates such funds or any portion thereof to his or her own use
or deprives | the other person of a benefit therefrom. [Section
626. 561(3), Florida Statutes);
(d) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in
the business of insurance. [Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes];
(e) Demonstrated lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and
technical competence to engage in the transactions authorized by the
license or permit. {Section 626.611(8), Florida Statutes];
(f) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business
under the license or permit. [Section 626.611(9), Florida Statutes];
(g) Misappropriation, conversion, or unlawful withholding of
moneys belonging to insurers or insureds or beneficiaries or to others
and received in conduct of business under the license. [Section
626.611(10), Florida Statutes]; :
(h) Violation of any provision of the Florida Insurance Code or |
of any other law applicable to.the business of insurance in the course
of dealing under the license or appointment. [Section 626.621(2),
Florida Statutes];
(i) Failure or refusal, upon demand, to pay over to any insurer
he represents or has represented any money coming into his hands
belonging to the insurer. {Section 626.621(4), Florida Statutes];
(3) "Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in
the business of insurance. [Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes];
(k) Demonstrated lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and
technical competence to engage in the transactions authorized by the
license or permit. [Section 626.611(8), Florida Statutes];
COUNT II
13. The above General Allegations numbered one through five are
hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference.
14. On or about November 9, 1998, Sergio Bello went to Sun
Tropic for the purpose of insuring his home. An employee of Sun
Tropic, by the name of Susie Garcia, filled out the application and
quoted him a premium of $365.00 for homeowners insurance coverage.
Another Sun Tropic employee/agent named Yamilet Beltran signed the
insurance application. Mr. Bello paid the premium in full by check.
15. Later, Mr. Bello received a letter from the FRPCJUA dated
December 9, 1998 advising him that his insurance coverage was null and
void because agent Yamilet Beltran did not have the proper appointment
with them. :
16. Mr. Bello called you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, regarding this
transaction and went again to the Sun Tropic office to sign another
application. Once again Mr. Bello received a letter from FRPCJUA
dated January 28, 1999 advising him there there was a cancellation
notice effective February 16, 1999. Mr. Bello was further advised
that he had a balance due of $767.00 on a policy premium of $963.00
17. Mr. Bello again went to Sun Tropic and attempted to speak to
you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, but neither you or any Sun Tropic employee would
grant hima refund for the premium he paid on the policy until after
the Department became involved in the matter.
IT Is THEREFORE CHARGED that you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, have violated
or are accountable under the provisions of the Florida Insurance Code
that it
and Rules of the Department of Insurance which constitute grounds for
the suspension or revocation of your licenses and appointments as an
insurance agent as fully described under Count I above.
COUNT III
18. The above General Allegations numbered one through five are
hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference.
19. On or about February 26, 1998, Mr. and Mrs. Hurtado
purchased a house and sought homeowners insurance from you, DAYAMI
QUETGLES, as required by the mortgage company, Essex Home Mortgage
Servicing Corporation (“Essex”}. In your presence Mr. Hurtado spoke
‘to a Sun Tropic employee named “Christina” who, after quoting a
premium charge of $1,083.00 for coverage effective February 26, 1998
to February 26, 1999, added the premium amount to the closing costs
for the new house.
20. Universal Land and Title of Dade Ltd. requested a
certificate of insurance and paid the premium. You, DAYAMI QUETGLES,
“confirmed receipt of the premium. The Hurtados never received a copy
of the policy.
21. In February, 1999, when it came time to renew the insurance
coverage, Mr. and Mrs. Hurtado received a letter from Essex stating
not. “received any premium notice or ‘billing, although the
Hurtados’ account was escrowed by it for insurance premium payments.
22. Mr. Hurtardo went to the Sun Tropic agency and received
copies of a policy issued by Fortune Insurance Company (“Fortune”)
showing effective dates of March 5, 1999 to March 5, 2000. However,
ee
later correspondence with Fortune to verify the coverage showed
instead that you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, had never in fact placed a policy
with Fortune.
23. It was only when you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, were confronted by
the Hurtardos, that you agreed to return the premium to Essex by check
number 1239 in the amount of $1,248.00.
24, The Hurtardos also received a check for $1,083.00 dated
December 12, 1999 from Universal Title of Dade LTD. for the 1998-1999
premium which had been added to the closing costs on the house by the
title company, but for which there was in fact no insurance coverage
provided by you, DAYAMI QUETGLES.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, have violated
or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida
Insurance Code and Rules of the Department of Insurance which
constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of your licenses
and appointments as a general lines insurance agent:
(a) Knowingly collecting as a premium or charge for insurance
any sum in excess of or less than the premium or charge applicable to
such insurance, in accordance with the applicable classifications and
rates as filed with and approved by the department, and as specified
in the policy; or, in cases when classifications, premiums, or rates
‘are not required by this code to be so filed and approved, premiums
and charges in excess of or less than those specified in the policy
and as fixed by the insurer. [Section 626.9541(0)2., Florida
Statutes];
(b) The term “premium” means the consideration for insurance by
' whatever name called and includes any assessment, or any membership,
policy, survey, inspection, service, or similar fee or charge in
consideration for an insurance contract, which items are deemed to be
a part of the premium. The per-policy fee authorized by section
626.916(4) is specifically included within the meaning of the term
“premium.” However, the service fee imposed pursuant to section
626.9325 is excluded from the meaning of the term “premium” [Section
626.932(6), Florida Statutes];
(c) Willful misrepresentation of any insurance policy or annuity
contract or willful deception with regard to any such policy or
contract, done either in person or by any form of dissemination of
information or advertising. [Section 626.611(5), Florida Statutes];
(d) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in
the business of insurance. [Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes];
(e) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business
under the license or permit. [Section 626.611(9), Florida Statutes];
(f) Willful failure to comply with, or willful violation of, any
proper order or rule of the department or willful violation of any
provision of this code. [Section 626.611(13), Florida Statutes];
(g) Violation of any provision of this code or of any other law
applicable to the business of insurance in the course of dealing under
the license or permit. [Section 626.621(2), Florida Statutes]; .
(h) In the conduct of business under the license or permit,
engaging in unfair methods of competition or in unfair or deceptive
acts or practices, as prohibited under part X of this chapter, or
having otherwise shown himself to be a source of injury or loss to the
public. [Section 626.621(6), Florida Statutes];
(i) No person shall engage in this state in any trade practice
which is defined in this part as, or determined pursuant to s. 626.951
or s. 626.9561 to be, an unfair method of competition or an unfair or
deceptive act or practice involving the business of insurance.
[Section 626.9521, Florida Statutes].
WHEREFORE, you, DAYAMI QUETGLES, are hereby notified that the
Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner intends to enter an Order
suspending or revoking your licenses and appointments as an insurance
agent or to impose such penalties as may be provided under the
provisions of Sections 626.611, 626.621, 626.681, 626.691, 626.692,
and 626.9521, 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 order entered 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
Pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes and
Rule 28-106, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), you have the right
to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Department. You
may elect a proceeding by completing the attached Election of Rights
‘
form or filing a Petition. Your Petition or Election of a proceeding
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emanate 2S A a a SS UE: ER EAN ere eee
must be in writing and must be filed with the General Counsel acting
as the Agency Clerk, Department of Insurance. If served by U.S. Mail,
the Petition or Election should be addressed to the Florida Department
of Insurance at 612 Larson Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333.
If Express Mail or hand delivery is utilized, the Petition or Election
should be delivered to 612 Larson Building, 200 East Gaines Street,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333. The Petition or Election must be
received by, and filed in the Department within twenty-one (21) days
of the date of your receipt of this notice.
YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS 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 a proceeding is requested and there is no dispute of fact the
provisions of Section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes would apply. In
this regard you may submit oral or written evidence in opposition to
the action taken by this agency or a written statement challenging the
grounds upon which the agency has relied. While a hearing is normally
not required in the absence of a dispute in fact, if you feel that a
hearing is necessary one will be conducted in Tallahassee, Florida or
ce ‘Gall ‘upon. your “request.
if you dispute material facts, which are the basis for this
agency’s action, you may request a‘ formal adversarial proceeding
pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120. 571}, Florida Statutes. If you
request this type of proceeding, the ‘request must “comply with all of
the requirements of Rule 28-106, F.A.C. and contain
a) A statement identifying with particularity the allegations of
the Department which you dispute and the nature of the dispute;
(b) An explanation of what relief you are seeking and believe
you are entitled to;
(c) Any other information which you contend is material.
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.
If you request a hearing, you have the right to be represented by
counsel, or other qualified representative, to take testimony, to call
and cross-examine witnesses, and to have subpoena and subpoena duces
tecum issued on your behalf.
You are hereby notified that mediation under Section 120.573,
Florida Statutes, is not available.
Failure to follow the procedure outlined with regard to your
response to this notice may result in the request being denied. All
prior correspondence in this matter shall be considered freeform |
agency action, and no such correspondence shall operate as a valid
request for an administrative proceeding. Any request for
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.
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DATED and SIGNED this 20th day of August , 2001.
a
KENNEY SHIPLE
Deputy Insurance Commissioner
;
Regneresey q
Xe OF
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT has been furnished to: DAYAMI QUETGLES, Sun
Tropic, 904 SW 67° Ave., Miami, Florida 33144-4761 and to DAYAMI .
QUETGLES, 18217 NW 615* Street Place, Miami Beach, Florida 33015-5604
by Certified U.S. Mail this 20th day of wae 2001.
Florida Department of Insurance
Division of Legal Services
645 Larson Building
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
(850) 413-4146 .
Fla. Bar No. 140945
iat anaiie ie
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Docket for Case No: 01-003739PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Oct. 26, 2001 |
Order Closing File issued. CASE CLOSED.
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Oct. 23, 2001 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed by Petitioner
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Oct. 03, 2001 |
Notice of Hearing issued (hearing set for November 15, 2001; 9:00 a.m.; Miami, FL).
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Oct. 02, 2001 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed by Petitioner.
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Oct. 01, 2001 |
Copies from the file for S. and E. Bello filed by Respondent.
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Oct. 01, 2001 |
Copies from the file for V. Rodriguez filed by Respondent.
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Oct. 01, 2001 |
Response to the administrative complaint filed by Respondent.
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Sep. 20, 2001 |
Initial Order issued.
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Sep. 19, 2001 |
Response to Administrative Complaint filed.
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Sep. 19, 2001 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Sep. 19, 2001 |
Agency referral filed.
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