Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF INSURANCE AGENTS AND AGENCY SERVICES
Respondent: KRISTIN R. HOPKINS
Judges: ROBERT S. COHEN
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Fort Myers, Florida
Filed: Mar. 05, 2013
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Monday, May 6, 2013.
Latest Update: Nov. 15, 2024
FILED
SEP 30 2011
Docketed by SS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JEFF ATWATER
STATE OF FLORIDA
IN THE MATTER OF:
CASE NO.: 120127-11-AG
KRISTIN R. HOPKINS
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
TO: KRISTIN R. HOPKINS
12063 Gladiola Street
Punta Gorda, Florida 33955
You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, license I.D. #E114255, are hereby notified that 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,, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, are
currently licensed in this state as a customer service representative (4-40).
2. At all times material to the dates and occurrences referred to herein, you were
licensed in this state as a customer service representative. At all times material to the dates and
occurrences referred to herein, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, were an employee of Insurance
Depot of Charlotte County, an incorporated insurance agency doing business in Charlotte
County, Florida.
Filed October 24, 2011 3:37 PM Division of Administrative Hearings
3. Pursuant to Chapter 626, Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Financial
Services (“Department”) has jurisdiction over your insurance licenses and appointments.
4. At all time material to the dates and occurrences specified herein, the
International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF) transacted insurance or operated as an insurance
company in Florida.
5. At no time material to the dates and occurrences herein did International Water
Safety Foundation ([WSF) posses certificates of authority from the Department or the Office of
Insurance Regulation to engage in the business of insurance or to operate as an insurance
company in Florida.
6. International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF) is not subject to any exception to
the licensure requirement of the Florida Insurance Code in order to lawfully engage in the
business of insurance or to operate as an insurance company in Florida,
7. On October 15, 2003, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued an
Immediate Final Order, 70640-03-CO, against International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF)
ordering the company to immediately cease and desist from acting or holding itself out to be an
insurer in this state, and cease and desist from transacting any new or renewal insurance business
in this state, and from collecting any premiums from Florida insureds.
8. At all times material to the dates and occurrences herein, you, KRISTIN R.
HOPKINS, did directly or indirectly represent or aid International Water Safety Foundation
(IWSF) as indicated in the numbered counts below, to unlawfully transact insurance in the State
of Florida by the direct solicitation and sale of insurance to Florida insurance consumers.
COUNT I
9. The above general allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein
by reference.
10. On or about April 17, 2007, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, as a licensed customer
service representative, solicited M.C.U. of N. Ft. Myers, Florida to purchase a Marine insurance
policy issued by International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF).
11. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, received from M.C.U. approximately $1,740
annually for calendar years 2007, 2008, and 2009 as the annual premium payment on the boat
insurance policy.
12. At the time of your solicitation and sale of the International Water Safety
Foundation (IWSF) policy to M.C.U., and at all times thereafter, International Water Safety
Foundation (WSF) was not authorized to transact insurance in Florida, and was not subject to
any exception to the licensure requirement. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, were clearly aware of
or should have been aware of this fact, but failed to disclose this fact to the insured.
13. Based upon misrepresentations made by you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, M.C.U.
entered into the insurance policies with the International Water Safety Foundation (WSF).
14. As a result, M.C.U. failed to receive the requested insurance and has suffered a
financial loss.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, have violated or 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 appointments:
(a) Section 624.11(1), Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation for any person
to transact in this state, or relative to a subject of insurance resident, located, or to be performed
in this state, without complying with the applicable provisions of this Code;
(b) Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation to
demonstrate a lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the business of insurance;
(c) Section 626.611(8), Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation to
demonstrate a lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and technical competence to engage in the
transactions authorized by the license or appointment;
(d) Section 626.621(2), Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation of any
provision of this Code or any law applicable to the business of insurance in the course of dealing
under the licensure or appointment;
(e) Section 626.621(6), Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation 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 IX of this chapter, or having
otherwise shown himself or herself to be a source of injury or loss to the public;
(f) Section 626,9541(1)(a)1, Florida Statutes which provides that it is a violation to
knowingly make, issue, circulate, or causing to be made, issued, or circulated any estimate,
illustration, circular, statement, sales presentation, omission, or comparison which misrepresents
the benefits, advantages, terms or conditions of any insurance policy;
(g) Section 626.901(1), Florida Statutes which provides that no person shall, from offices
or by personnel or facilities located in this state... directly or indirectly act as an agent for, or
otherwise represent or aid on behalf of another, any insurer not being authorized to transact such
business in this state.
COUNT II
15. The above general allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein
by reference.
16. On or about March 17, 2008, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, as a licensed
customer service representative, solicited T.D, of Pt. Charlotte to purchase a boat owners
insurance policy issued by International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF).
17. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, received from T.D. $2,450.00 as the initial
premium payment on the policy.
18. At the time of your solicitation and sale of the International Water Safety
Foundation (IWSF) policy to T.D., and at all times thereafter, International Water Safety (IWSF)
was not authorized to transact insurance in Florida, and was not subject to any exception to the
licensure requirement. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, were clearly aware of or should have been
aware of this fact, but failed to disclose this fact to T.D.
19. Based upon the misrepresentations and misstatements made by you, KRISTIN R.
HOPKINS, T.D. unknowingly entered into an insurance policy with an unauthorized insurer,
International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF). T.D. would not have purchased the policy but
for the false and material misstatements.
20. T.D. failed to receive the requested insurance, and as result, she has incurred a
financial loss,
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, have violated or 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 appointments: Sections 624.11(1); 626.611(7); 626.611(8); 626.621(2);
626,621(6); 626.9541(1)(a)1; and 626.901(1), Florida Statutes as more particularly alleged in
Count I above.
COUNT III
21. The above general allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein
by reference.
22. On or about April 26, 2008, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, as a licensed customer
service representative, solicited G.F. of Punta Gorda, Florida to purchase a boat owners
insurance policy issued by International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF).
23. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, received from G.F. $1,825.00 as the initial
premium payment on the policy.
24. At the time of your solicitation and sale of the International Water Safety
Foundation ([WSF) policy to G.F., and at all times thereafter, International Water Safety (IWSF)
was not authorized to transact insurance in Florida, and was not subject to any exception to the
licensure requirement. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, were clearly aware of or should have been
aware of this fact, but failed to disclose this fact to G.F.
25. Based upon misrepresentations made by you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, G.F.
entered into an insurance policy with an unauthorized insurer International Water Safety (IWSF).
26. G.F. failed to receive the requested insurance and as a result, he has incurred a
financial loss.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, have violated or 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 appointments: Sections 624.11(1); 626.611(7); 626.611(8); 626.621(2);
626.621(6); 626.9541(1)(a)1; and 626.901(1), Florida Statutes as more particularly alléged in
Count I above.
COUNT IV
27. The above general allegations are hereby realleged and fully incorporated herein
by reference.
28. On or about July 18, 2007, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, as a licensed customer
service representative, solicited D.G. of Pt. Charlotte, Florida to purchase a boat owners
insurance policy issued by International Water Safety Foundation (IWSF).
29, You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, received from D.G. $1,840.00 as the initial
premium payment on the policy.
30. At the time of your solicitation and sale of the International Water Safety
Foundation ([WSF) policy to D.G., and at all times thereafter, International Water Safety (WSF)
was not authorized to transact insurance in Florida, and was not subject to any exception to the
licensure requirement. You, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, were clearly aware of or should have been
aware of this fact, but failed to disclose this fact to D.G.
31. | Based upon misrepresentations made by you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, D.G.
entered into an insurance policy with an unauthorized insurer, International Water Safety
(WSF).
32. D.G. failed to receive the requested insurance and as a result, he has incurred a
financial loss.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, have violated or 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 appointments: Sections 624.11(1); 626.611(7); 626.611(8); 626.621(2);
626.621(6); 626.9541(1)(a)1; and 626.901(1), Florida Statutes as more particularly alleged in
Count I above. .
WHEREFORE, you, KRISTIN R. HOPKINS, are hereby notified that the Chief
Financial Officer 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, and 626.9521, Florida Statutes, and
under the other referenced sections of the Florida Statutes as set out in this Administrative
Complaint.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
You have the right to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Department of
Financial Services (“Department”) pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes,
and Rule 28-106, 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 request. The request must be filed with the
Julie Jones, Agency Clerk, at the Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Building,
200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390. 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
ALLEGED HEREIN AND AN ORDER OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
If you request a proceeding, you must provide information that complies with the
requirements of Rule 28-106.2015, 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, address, and telephone number, and facsimile number (if any) of the
respondent (for the purpose of requesting a hearing in this matter, you are the "respondent").
(b) The name, address, telephone number, facsimile number of the attorney or
qualified representative of the respondent (if any) upon whom service of pleadings and other
papers shall be made.
(c) A statement requesting an administrative hearing identifying those material facts
that are in dispute. If there are none, the petition must so indicate.
(4) A statement of when the respondent received notice of the administrative
complaint.
(e) A statement including the file number to the administrative complaint.
If a 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.
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 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.
DATED and SIGNED this Yep day 0 2011.
ey. Gregory Thomas, Director
ma. Agent & Agency Services
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10
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
' THEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT and ELECTION OF PROCEEDING has been ished by Electronic Mail to:
Kristin R. Hopkins at jnkhopkins@yahoo.com this a ivy 2011.
MES A. BOSSART, ESQ
lepartment of Financial Services
Division of Legal Services
612 Larson Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
Tel.: (850) 413-4124
11
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
DIVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES
IN THE MATTER OF:
KRISTIN R. HOPKINS CASE NO.: 120127-11-AG
ELECTION OF PROCEEDING
I have received and have read the Administrative Complaint filed by the Florida Department of Financial Services
("Department") 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[]
3.0]
I do not dispute any of the Department’s factual allegations and I do not desire a hearing. 1 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 suspending or revoking my licenses and appointments as may be
appropriate,
I do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and I 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.
I do dispute one or more of the Department's factual allegations. I hereby request a hearing pursuant to Section
120.57(1), Florida Statutes, to be held before the Division of Administrative Hearings, I have attached to this
election form the information required by Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code, as specified in
subparagraph (c) of the Notice of Rights. Specifically, I have identified the disputed issues of material fact.
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 THE ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT. THE RESPONSE MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON THE
TWENTY-FIRST DAY AFTER YOUR RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT.
The address for filing is: Julie Jones DFS Agency Clerk, Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Building, 200
East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390.
Signature Print Name
Date: Address:
Date Administrative
Complaint Received:
If you are represented by an attorney or qualified Phone No.:
representative, please attach to this election form his
or her name, address, telephone and fax numbers Fax No.:
12
Docket for Case No: 13-000785PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 13, 2013 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding returning Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits numbered 1-5, to the agency.
|
May 06, 2013 |
Order Closing File and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
|
May 01, 2013 |
Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
May 01, 2013 |
Petitioner's Notice of Filing Proposed Exhibits filed.
|
Apr. 23, 2013 |
Order to Show Cause.
|
Apr. 22, 2013 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction Pursuant to Section 120.57(1)(i), Florida Statutes, or in the Alternative, Order to Show Cause filed.
|
Apr. 18, 2013 |
Notice of Cancellation of Deposition (of K. Hopkins) filed.
|
Apr. 16, 2013 |
Notice of Transfer.
|
Apr. 11, 2013 |
Notice of Deposition (of G. Fambrough) filed.
|
Apr. 04, 2013 |
Notice of Deposition (of K. Hopkins) filed.
|
Mar. 13, 2013 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Mar. 13, 2013 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for May 7, 2013; 9:00 a.m.; Fort Myers and Tallahassee, FL).
|
Mar. 11, 2013 |
Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Mar. 05, 2013 |
Initial Order.
|
Feb. 21, 2013 |
Petitioner's Motion to Reopen Case filed.
|
Oct. 24, 2011 |
Request for Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Oct. 24, 2011 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Oct. 24, 2011 |
Answer to Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Oct. 24, 2011 |
Agency referral filed.
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