Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Respondent: STEVEN MARC AXE
Judges: LARRY J. SARTIN
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Filed: Jul. 24, 2003
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, September 26, 2003.
Latest Update: Nov. 14, 2024
FILED
MAY 28 25
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES eu
by.
Tom GALLAGHER ”
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
IN THE MATTER OF:
CASE NO.: 64782-03-AG
prs 7 30PS
STEVEN MARC AXE
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
TO: STEVEN MARC AXE
8075 Mizner Lane
Boca Raton, FL 33433
You, STEVEN MARC AXE, are hereby notified that, pursuant to Chapter 626: lords
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, at all times pertinent to the dates and
occurrences referred to herein, you, STEVEN MARC AXE, License #A010407, were licensed in
this state as a life insurance agent, life and health insurance agent, and health insurance agent.
2. At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you,
STEVEN MARC AXE, were licensed in this state as an insurance agent.
3. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Financial
Services has jurisdiction over your insurance licenses and appointments.
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COUNT I
4. The above general allegations are realleged and incorporated here and fully by
reference,
5. On or about January 4, 2002, you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, fraudulently induced
R.M. of Hollywood, Florida to purchase a Protective Life Insurance life insurance policy by
representing to R.M. that purchase of the life insurance policy was a prerequisite to obtain the
State General Insurance health insurance policy that she did desire to purchase. At no time was
the purchase of a life insurance policy a prerequisite to the purchase of the States General health
insurance policy. R.M. would not have purchased the life insurance policy but for your
misrepresentations. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of this fact.
6. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to R.M. that the Protective Life
Insurance life insurance policy would only cost $100 for the life of the policy. In fact, the policy
has an annual premium significantly in excess of $100 depending on the amount of coverage
purchased. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of this fact.
7. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to R.M. the benefits and provisions
of the States General health insurance policy including, but not limited to, the monetary amount
of the policy deductibles and the prescription cost benefit.
8. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, without R.M.’s knowledge or informed consent,
enrolled her into the National Benefit Advisory Association (NBAA) at a cost of $30 a month,
9. Your misrepresentations to R.M., both of commission and omission, were false
and material misrepresentations of fact. R.M. would not have purchased the health insurance
policy and life insurance policy but for these representations. Her purchase of the life insurance
policy was unnecessary and not in her best interest. These misrepresentations were done for the
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sole purpose of receiving a commission, which you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, did receive. You,
STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of these facts.
10. As aresult of your misrepresentations, R.M. purchased the Protective Life life
insurance policy and the States General health insurance policy. She has failed to receive the
insurance as represented and suffered a significant financial loss as a result.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED, that you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, have violated and
are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and Rules of the
Department of Financial Services which constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of
your licenses and eligibility as an insurance agent:
(a) 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];
(b) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the business
of insurance. [Section 626.61 1(7), Florida Statutes];
(c) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business under the
license or appointment. [Section 626.611(9), Florida Statutes];
(d) 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 appointment [Section
626.621 (2), Florida Statutes];
(e) 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]
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() Knowingly:
a. Filing with any supervisory or other public official,
b. Making, publishing, disseminating, circulating,
c. Delivering to any person,
d. Placing before the public,
e. Causing, directly or indirectly, to be made, published, disseminated, circulated,
delivered to any person, or placed before the public, any false material statement. [Section
626.9541(1)(e)1, Florida Statutes]
(g) Knowingly making a false or fraudulent written or oral statement or
representation on, or relative to, an application or negotiation for an insurance policy for the
purpose of obtaining a fee, commission, money, or other benefit from any insurer, agent, broker,
or individual. [Section 626.9541(1)(k)(1), Florida Statutes];
COUNT II
11. The above general allegations are realleged and incorporated here and fully by
reference,
12, On or about January 24, 2002, you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, fraudulently
induced MS. of Deerfield Beach, Florida to purchase a Protective Life Insurance life insurance
policy by representing to M.S, that purchase of the life insurance policy was a prerequisite to
obtain the State General Insurance health insurance policy that she did desire to purchase. At no
time was the purchase of a life insurance policy a prerequisite to the purchase of the States
General health insurance policy. M.S. would not have purchased the life insurance policy but
for your misrepresentations. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of this fact.
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13. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to M.S. that the Protective Life
Insurance life insurance policy would only cost $200 for the life of the policy. In fact, the $200
represented only an initial down payment and the policy has an annual premium significantly in
excess of $200 depending on the amount of coverage purchased. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE,
were aware of this fact.
14. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to M.S. the benefits and provisions
of the States General health insurance policy including, but not limited to, the monetary amount
of the policy deductibles and the prescription cost benefit.
15. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, without M.S.’s knowledge or informed consent,
enrolled her into the National Benefit Advisory Association (NBAA) at a cost of $30 a month.
16. Your misrepresentations to M.S., both of commission and omission, were false and
material misrepresentations of fact. M.S. would not have purchased the health insurance policy
and life insurance policy but for these representations. Her purchase of the life insurance policy
was unnecessary and not in her best interest. These misrepresentations were done for the sole
purpose of receiving a commission, which you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, did receive, You,
STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of these facts.
17. As a result of your misrepresentations, M.S. purchased the Protective Life life
insurance policy and the States General health insurance policy. She has failed to receive the
insurance as represented and suffered a significant financial loss as a result.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED, that you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, have violated and
are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and Rules of the
Department of Financial Services which constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of
your licenses and eligibility as an insurance agent: Sections 626.611(5); 626.61 1(7); 626.611(9);
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626.621(2); 626.621 (6); 626.9541(1)(e)1; and 626.9541(1)(k)1, Florida Statutes, as more
particularly alleged in Count I above.
COUNT III
18. The above general allegations are realleged and incorporated here and fully by
reference.
19, On or about J anuary 4, 2002, you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, fraudulently induced
K.A. and L.A. of Coral Springs, Florida to purchase a Protective Life Insurance life insurance
policy by representing to K.A. and L.A. that purchase of the life insurance policy was a
prerequisite to obtain the State General Insurance health insurance policy that they did desire to
purchase. At no time was the purchase of a life insurance policy a prerequisite to the purchase of
the States General health insurance policy. K.A. and L.A. would not have purchased the life
insurance policy but for your misrepresentations. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of
this fact.
20. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to K.A. and L.A. that the
Protective Life Insurance life insurance policy would only cost $100 for the life of the policy. In
fact, the policy has an annual premium significantly in excess of $100 depending on the amount
of coverage purchased. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of this fact.
21. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, misrepresented to K.A. and L.A. the benefits and
provisions of the States General health insurance policy including, but not limited to, the
monetary amount of the policy deductibles and the prescription cost benefit.
22. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, without K.A. or L.A.’s knowledge or informed
consent, enrolled them into the National Benefit Advisory Association (NBAA) at a cost of $30 a
month.
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23. Your misrepresentations to K.A. and L.A., both of commission and omission,
were false and material misrepresentations of fact. K.A. and L.A. would not have purchased the
health insurance policy and life insurance policy but for these representations. Their purchase of
the life insurance policy was unnecessary and not in their best interest. These
misrepresentations were done for the sole purpose of receiving a commission, which you,
STEPHEN MARC AXE, did receive. You, STEPHEN MARC AXE, were aware of these facts.
24. Asaresult of your misrepresentations, K.A. and L.A. purchased the Protective
Life life insurance policy and the States General health insurance policy. They have failed to
receive the insurance as represented and suffered a significant financial loss as a result.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED, that you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, have violated and
are accountable under the following Provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and Rules of the
Department of Financial Services which constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of
your licenses and eligibility as an insurance agent: Sections 626.611(5); 626.61 1(7); 626.611(9);
626.621(2); 626.621(6); 626.9541(1)(e)1; and 626.9541(1)(k)1, Florida Statutes, as more
particularly alleged in Count I above.
WHEREFORE, you, STEPHEN MARC AXE, are hereby notified that the Chief
Financial Officer intends to enter an Order suspending or revoking your licenses 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
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.
ii
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
You have the right to Tequest 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 proceeding 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 Tequest. The request must be filed with the General Counsel as acting
Agency Clerk, at the Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Bui Iding, 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 receipt 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
If you request a proceeding, you must provide information that complies with the
requirements of Rule 28-107.004, Florida 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 disputed issues of
material fact, or a hearing not involving disputed issues 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,
ere eens neat mmmeranemag Se Na eS 1A eye ME Reeve nan:
Ifa hearing of any type is requested, you have the right to be represented by counsel or
other qualified representative at your expense, to present evidence and argument, to call and
cross-examine witnesses, and to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documents by subpoena.
Tf'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 relied. While a hearing is normally not required in
the absence of a dispute of fact, if you feel that a hearing is necessary, one will be conducted in
Tallahassee, Florida, or by telephonic conference call upon your request.
However, if you dispute material facts, which 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 denied. 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, Florida Statutes, is not available.
No Department attorney will discuss this matter with you until the response has been received by
the Department of Financial Services.
DATED and SIGNED this 28th day of May , 2003.
KAREN CHANDLER
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Ta aa eee ees mn Soca ee Ne RENE NS a ete etre,
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMIN ISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT and has been furnished by Certified Mail to: STEPHEN MARC AXE at 8075
Mizner Lane, Boca Raton, Florida 33433 on this <°t day of __May , 2003.
ivjsion of Legal Services
612 Larson Building
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-033
Phone: 850 413 4124
STATE OF FLORIDA ET SPY
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES nied
03 JUL 24 PM 4:55
IN THE MATTER OF: DIVIS. CHL
ISTRAL SS
CASE NO.: 64782-03-40 acer
STEVEN MARC AXE
/
ELECTION OF PROCEEDING
Thave received and have read the Notice of the ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT filed against me,
including the Notice of Rights contained therein, and I understand my options. I am requesting disposition of this
matter as indicated below. (Choose one)
1. [J I do not dispute any of the Department’s factual allegations and I do not desire a hearing. I understand
that by waiving my right to a hearing, the Department may enter a final order that adopts the
Administrative Complaint and imposes the sanctions sought, including revoking my licenses and
appointments as may be appropriate.
2. T do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and [ hereby elect a proceeding to be
conducted in accordance with section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes. In this regard, I desire to (Choose
one):
{] Submit a written statement and documentary evidence in lieu of a hearing; or
[] Personally attend a hearing conducted by a department hearing officer in Tallahassee; or
{] Attend that same hearing by way of a telephone conference call,
3. [ ] I do dispute one or more of the Department's factual allegations. | hereby request a hearing pursuant to
section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes, to be held before the Division of Administrative Hearings.
TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING, YOU MUST FILE YOUR RESPONSE WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT.
The address for filing is: General Counsel as acting agency clerk, Florida Department of Financial Services, 612
Larson Building, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333,
Signature Print Name
Date: Address:
Phone No.:
12
Docket for Case No: 03-002720PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Sep. 26, 2003 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Sep. 25, 2003 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction and Close File (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
|
Sep. 18, 2003 |
Letter to S. Axe from J. Bossart regarding witnesses intended to call at the hearing filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for October 2, 2003; 9:30 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale, FL, amended as to date and location).
|
Aug. 05, 2003 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Aug. 05, 2003 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for September 25, 2003; 9:30 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale, FL).
|
Aug. 04, 2003 |
Letter to Respondent from Judge Sartin responding to the July 29, 3003, letter and notice of ex parte communication.
|
Aug. 04, 2003 |
Response to Initial Order (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Jul. 29, 2003 |
Letter to Judge Sartin from S. Axe requesting help obtaining legal aid and requesting discovery (filed via facsimile).
|
Jul. 25, 2003 |
Initial Order.
|
Jul. 24, 2003 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Jul. 24, 2003 |
Election of Proceeding filed.
|
Jul. 24, 2003 |
Agency referral filed.
|