Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Respondent: MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER
Judges: LAWRENCE P. STEVENSON
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Orlando, Florida
Filed: Jan. 19, 2000
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, April 4, 2000.
Latest Update: Jan. 09, 2025
THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
BILL NELSON
a
__ INTHE MATTER
MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER
~y
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
TO: MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER
1854 Eagles Rest Drive
Apopka, FL 32712-2060
fas Wd 61 NYT 00
You, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, are hereby notified that the Insurance
Commissioner 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, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER,
are currently licensed in this State asa life and variable annuity agent, a life, health and variable
annuity agent, a life agent, a life and health agent, and a health agent.
2. At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you,
MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, were licensed in this State as a life and variable annuity agent,
a life, health, and variable annuity agent, a life agent, and a life and health agent.
3. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Insurance
has jurisdiction over your insurance licenses and appointments.
4 On or about June 22, » 1970, J Johnie McLeod purchased a life i insurance policy,
Policy No. 35- -758- ‘835, from Prudential Insurance © Company of America (“Prudential”), from
another Prudential i insurance 2 agent,
5, P.O. Box 1053 was the mailing address utilized by Prudential and its insurance
agent(s) in the Apopka, Florida, area, to which Prudential directed its policyholders to send their
premium payments and other communications.’ ")2°"""
6. The General Allegations set forth in Paragraphs | through 5 above are hereby
realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference. |
7. On or about June 22. 1981, you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, sold to Johnie — |
McLeod a second Prudential life insurance policy, Policy No. 75-185-174. You, MICHAEL
HUNTER BARBER, represented to Mr. McLeod that he would only have to pay premiums on
this second policy for a maximum period of four (4) years, after which the cash value and
dividends from the second policy would be sufficient to eliminate any further premium
payments.
8. In fact, the cash value and dividends from Policy No. 75-185-174 were
insufficient to pay the premiums and other charges related to the second policy after four (4)
years.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, 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, registrations, and appointments as an insurance agent:
OA ; A
@ If the license or *appinment i is willy used, or to be used, to circumvent any of
(b)
wiht ‘misrepresentation of any insurance © policy or annuit contract or willful
(c) "Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the business of
insurance. [Section 626. 61 1(7), Florida Statutes];
@ Demonstrated lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and technical competence
to engage in the transactions s authorized by the license or appointment. [Section 626.61 1(8),
, Florida Statutes];
(e) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business under the license or
appointment. [Section 626.61 1(9), Florida Statutes];
(f) Violation of any provision of [the Florida Insurance Code] or 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]; .
(g) In the conduct of business under the license or appointment, 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 or herself to be a source of injury or loss to the
public. {Section 626.621(6), Florida Statutes];
(h) No person shall engage in this state in any trade practice which is defined in this
part as, or determined pursuant to [Sections 626.951 or 626.9561, Florida Statues] to be, an °
unfair method of competition or an unfair o or deceptive a act ¢ or practice involving the business of
insurance. [Section 626. 9521 (1), Florida Statutes];
3
lpen
Se eee
placed before the public:
(i) Knowingly making, issuing, circulating, or causing to be made, issued, or
circulated, any € estimate, illustration, eeu, statement, sales p sent i omission, or
comparison which:
1. Misrepresents the benefits, advantages, conditions, or xr terms of t any i insurance ;
!
potiey. [Section 626.
oO Knowingly making, Publishing, disseminating, circulating, or lacing before the.
public, or causing, directly or indredy, to be made published disseminated, circulated, or -
lL. Ina newspaper, magazine, or other publication,
2. In the form of. a notice, circular, pamphlet, letter, or Poster,
3. Over any radio or television station, or
4. In any other way,
an advertisement, announcement, or statement containing any assertion, representation,
or statement with respect to the business of insurance, which is untrue, deceptive, or misleading.
[Section 626.954 1(1)(b), Florida Statutes].
| COUNT I
9. The General Allegations set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are hereby
realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference. .
. 10. On or about June 22, 1983, you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, sold to Johnie
McLeod a third Prudential life insurance policy, Policy No. 75- 566-322. You, MICHAEL
HUNTER BARBER, represented to Mr. McLeod that he would never have to pay premiums on
this third policy, because the cash values and dividends from the first, second, and third policies
would be sufficient to pay the premiums s for this third policy from its inception date.
4
seams See
AA
11. In fact, the cash value and dividends from Policy Nos. 35-758-835, 75-185-174,
and 75-566-322 were insufficient to pay the premiums and other charges related to the third —
12. You, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, failed t to > advise Mr. MeLeod that ctaking
the cash values andlor dividends from Policy Nos. 38- 158- 835 and 15- 185- 174 would | result in a=?
reduction of the value of those policies
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER. have a
i
r
nsicates :
violated or are © accountable under the following provisions of the Florida
Rules of the Department of Insurance which constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation
of your licenses, registrations, and appointments : as an insurance © agent:
>
|
| oe (a) . Sections 626. 16.61 1(4), 626.611(5), 626, 61107), 626. 61108), 626. 61109), 626.621(2)
626.621(6), 626.9521(1), 626. 9541(1)(a), and 626. 941, Florida Statutes, which are more
fully set forth i in Count I above and fully incorporated herein by reference.
COUNT I
13. The General Allegations set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are hereby
realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference.
14. Inor about July, 1985, you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, suggested to Johnie
McLeod that he change his mailing address on file with Prudential with respect to Policy No. 75- _.-
185-174, .
15. You, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, represented to Mr. McLeod that you
would receive all communications from Prudential and communicate directly with Mr. McLeod
regarding any information received from Prudential related to the above-described policy.
16. In or about fuly, 1985, Pole No. 15. 185- 174 lapse. due to > non-payment of
the above- described policy until in or about 1996.
i
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, have
L1G), 62
626.621(6), 626.9521(1), and 626. 9541(1)(a), Florida Statutes, which are more fully set forth in
61 119), 626. 6210),
Count I above and fully incorporated herein by reference.
. COUNT IV
17. The General Allegations set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are hereby
realleged and fully incorporated herein by reference.
18. In or about July, 1985, you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, suggested to Johnie
McLeod that he change his mailing address on file with Prudential with respect to Policy No. 75-
566-322.
19. You, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, %; represented to Mr. McLeod that you
would receive all communications from Prudential and communicate directly with Mr. McLeod
regarding any information received from Prudential related to the above-described policy.
20. | In or about 1985, Policy No. 75- 566- 322 lapsed, due to > non-payment of premium.
You, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, failed to notify Mr. McLeod of the lapsing of the above-
described policy until in or about 1996.
IN etree
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, have
violated or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and
Rules of the he Departntent 0 of f Tnsurance v which constitute grounds for the Suspension o: or revocation
| “Sections 626. 611(4), 626.611(5), 626.611(7), 626. 6118), 626.611(9), 626. e210)
’
626.62 1(6), 626. 9521( D, and 626. 9541(1)(2), Florida Statutes, which z are more fully set {forth i in
oun I above and fally incorporated herein by reference. Bs
WHEREFORE, you, MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER. are hereby notified that the
Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner intends to enter an Order revoking your licenses,
registrations, and appointments as an insurance agent or to impose such lesser penalties as may
be provided under the provisions of Sections 626.61 1, 626.621, 626.681, 626.691, and 626.9521,
Florida Statutes, and under the other referenced sections of the Florida Statutes as set out in the
Administrative Complaint.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Pursuant to Section 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 Blection of a proceeding 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
7
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 WI
120. 57(2), Florida Statutes would capply. In this s regard you may submit oral or written evidence
in n opposition to the action taken by this agency or a written statement nt challenging th the grounds...
upon which the agency 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.
Tf you dispute material facts which are the basis for this agency's action you may request
a formal adversarial proceeding pursuant to Section and 120.57(1), 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 the 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.
8
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.
Pursuant to Section 120.573, Florida Statutes, you are hereby notified that mediation is | |
not available.
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.
f
i
f
f
DATED and SIGNED this 22ND day of _ DECEMBER , 1999.
BILL NELSON’
Treasurer and
Insurance Commissioner
yasURag,
spibabeay® ty
} A A
‘ "CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE .
THEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT has been furnished to: MICHAEL HUNTER BARBER, 1854 Eagles Rest Drive,
Apopka, FL 32712-2060, by U.S. Certified Mail this 22ND day of __ DECEMBER es
1999, 8 oe ett dan oe elk el nek pa nae aegis
Christo er. J.
1 Florida Department of In
i Division of Legal Servicés
- 200, East Gaines, Street
. 612 Larson Building »
gunceinjserin use» anol allahassee, FL 32399-0333. 9.
. me ‘ oe ees (850) 413-425 .
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10
ree
Docket for Case No: 00-000299
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Apr. 04, 2000 |
Order Closing File sent out. CASE CLOSED.
|
Mar. 31, 2000 |
(P. Winders) Notice of Settlement and Motion to Close Case filed.
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Mar. 08, 2000 |
Order Granting Continuance and Placing Case in Abeyance sent out. (Parties to advise status by April 3, 2000.)
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Mar. 02, 2000 |
Joint Motion for Abeyance filed.
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Feb. 21, 2000 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions sent out.
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Feb. 21, 2000 |
Notice of Hearing sent out. (hearing set for March 17, 2000; 9:00 a.m.; Orlando, Florida)
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Jan. 31, 2000 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
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Jan. 21, 2000 |
Initial Order issued. |
Jan. 19, 2000 |
Election of Rights filed.
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Jan. 19, 2000 |
Answer to Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jan. 19, 2000 |
Agency Referral Letter filed.
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Jan. 19, 2000 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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