Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Respondent: DONALD T. RAMSAY
Judges: F. SCOTT BOYD
Agency: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Locations: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Filed: Mar. 22, 2016
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.
Latest Update: Nov. 15, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS AND MAPPERS
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND
CONSUMER SERVICES,
Petitioner,
Vv. Case No. 1410-45952
A93102
DONALD T. RAMSAY,
Respondent.
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ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
Petitioner, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“Department”), files this
Administrative Complaint before the Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers, against
Respondent, Donald T. Ramsay, and alleges:
1. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of land
surveying and mapping, pursuant to Chapter 472, Florida Statutes.
2. At all times material to this complaint, Respondent was licensed as a professional
surveyor and mapper in the State of Florida, with license number LS 5851.
3. Respondent's address of record is 2900 Calusa Street, Miami, Florida 33133-
3905.
4. A complaint was filed by Frank Culotta with the Department’s Regulatory
Investigation Section on October 28, 2014, alleging that the Respondent set the stakes for the
construction layout in the wrong locations and the survey had inaccuracies. The complainant
further alleged that the Respondent only located one of the corner stakes on the lot and set the lot
up on a 90 degree, where as it should have been set up on an 87 degree. The complainant stated
that he had to move the house form boards back 1.5 feet, pad out the west elevation one inch to
get it in compliance with the setback requirements, relocate plumbing pipes and reduce the
length of the house to make the corrections.
5. A review of Respondent’s Survey in question, using the Minimum Technical
Standards (“MTS”) in force at that time pursuant to former Florida Administrative Code Chapter
5J-17, showed the following:
a. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.051(2)(b)2., F.A.C, in that records of
measurements have not been maintained by the surveyor for this survey.
b. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.051(2)(b)3., F.A.C., in that measurement
and computation records have not been maintained by the surveyor to substantiate the survey
map and insure accuracy.
c. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)2., F.A.C., in that the street and
mailing address of the surveyor and mapper is not shown on the survey map.
d. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)5., F.A.C., in that the letters of the
note regarding lack of professional liability insurance do not appear to be %” high.
e. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)11, F.A.C., in that the abbreviations
(P), SWK, LD., F.F, SQ.FT and CL are not included in the legend.
f. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(2)(a)1, F.A.C., in that the description
listed on the map refers to “Hollywood Pines” but lists recording information for “Amended Plat
of Hollywood Pines”.
g. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(2)(a)1., F.A.C., in that the measured
distance to the “block corner” is not shown on the survey drawing and the plat distance shown is
not correct.
h. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(2)(b)3., F.A.C., in that the monument, if
any, at the “block corner” is not described.
i. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(2)(c)2., F.A.C., in that the fence along
the rear lot line is not dimensioned in relation to the boundary.
j. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(2)(d)2., F.A.C., in that the overhead line
across the lot near the rear lot line is not dimensioned in relation to the boundary.
k. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(3)(a)., F.A.C, in that there are no field
notes of vertical control for the construction layout.
1. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.052(3)(c)., F.A.C, in that there are no
benchmarks for vertical control of the construction are shown on the survey drawing and no
evidence that two benchmarks were placed onsite was provided.
m. Noncompliance with Rule 5J-17.053(5)(a)., F.A.C, in that a copy of a signed
and sealed final drawing, related calculations and field notes have not been maintained by the
surveyor for this survey.
6. Florida Administrative Code Rule5J-17.010(3) states in pertinent part:
Licensees ... shall be disciplined for failing to abide by the minimum technical
standards set out in Rule Chapter 5J-17.050 through 5J-
17.053, F.A.C.
7. §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., states in pertinent part:
The following acts shall constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions
specified in subsection (2) may be taken:
(h) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation placed upon a licensed
surveyor and mapper; violating any provision of this chapter, a rule of the board
or department...
8. §472.0351(1)(g), Fla. Stat., states in pertinent part:
The following acts shall constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions
specified in subsection (2) may be taken:
(g) Upon proof that the licensee is guilty of fraud or deceit, or of negligence,
incompetency, or misconduct, in the practice of surveying and mapping...
COUNT I
9. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.a., and 6
10. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.051(2)(b)2., F.A.C, in that records of measurements have not
been maintained by the surveyor for this survey.
COUNT I
11. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.b., and 6
12. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.051(2)(b)3., F.A.C., in that measurement and computation
records have not been maintained by the surveyor to substantiate the survey map and insure
accuracy.
COUNT Il
13. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.c., and 6
14. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)2., F.A.C., in that the street and mailing address of
the surveyor and mapper is not shown on the survey map .
COUNT IV
15. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.d., and 6
16. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)5., F.A.C., in that the letters of the note regarding lack
of professional liability insurance do not appear to be 4” high.
COUNT V
17. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.e., and 6
18. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.051(3)(b)11, F.A.C., in that the abbreviations (P), SWK, LD.,
F.F, SQ.FT and CL are not included in the legend.
COUNT VI
18. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.f., and 6
19. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(2)(a)1, F.A.C., in that the description listed on the map
refers to “Hollywood Pines” but lists recording information for “Amended Plat of Hollywood
Pines”.
COUNT VII
20. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.g., and 6
21. Respondent violated former §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of
Florida Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(2)(a)1., F.A.C., in that the measured distance to the
“block corner” is not shown on the survey drawing and the plat distance shown is not correct.
COUNT VIII
22. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.h., and 6
23. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(2)(b)3., F.A.C., in that the monument, if any, at the “block
corner” is not described.
COUNT Ix
24. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.i., and 6
25. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(2)(c)2., F.A.C., in that the fence along the rear lot line is
not dimensioned in relation to the boundary.
COUNT X
26. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.j., and 6
27. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(2)(d)2., F.A.C., in that the overhead line across the lot near
the rear lot line is not dimensioned in relation to the boundary.
COUNT XI
28. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 4, 5.k., and 6
29. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(h), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(3)(a)., F.A.C, in that there are no field notes of vertical
control for the construction layout.
COUNT XII
30. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 5.1., and 6 -
31. | Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(g), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.052(3)(c)., F.A.C, in that there are no benchmarks for vertical
control of the construction are shown on the survey drawing and no evidence that two
benchmarks were placed onsite was provided.
COUNT XI
32. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 5.m., and 6 -
8.
33. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(g), Fla. Stat., through a violation of Florida
Administrative Code Rule 5J-17.053(5)(a)., F.A.C, in that a copy of a signed and sealed
final drawing, related calculations and field notes have not been maintained by the
surveyor for this survey.
COUNT XIV
34. Petitioner incorporates and restates the allegations in paragraphs 1 — 5, and 7.
35. Respondent violated §472.0351(1)(g), Fla. Stat., by negligently preparing the
survey dated May 6, 2014.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests an order from the Board imposing one or
more of the following penalties: imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00) for each count or separate offense, issuance of a reprimand, assessment of
costs associated with investigation and prosecution, imposition of any or all penalties delineated
within Section 472.0351(2), Florida Statutes, and/or any other relief that the Board or the
Department is authorized to impose pursuant to Chapter 472, Florida Statutes, and/or the rules
promulgated thereunder.
Signed this Oth day of Pugust , 2015.
Florida Bar No. 71823
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
2005 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
(800) 410-3775
(850) 410-3797 (telefacsimile)
Courtney.Frazier@FreshFromFlorida.com
PCP Date: Glos
PCP Members: Fusco, Cooner_ + Talbot
Certified U.S. Mail, Return Receipt # “TO\) - JODO - (AA, "TY 15- x08)
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Respondent has the right to request a hearing to be conducted in accordance with
§§120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, to be represented by counsel or other qualified
representative, to present evidence and argument, to call and cross-examine witnesses and to
have subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued on his or her behalf if a hearing is requested.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 28-106.111 provides in part that if Respondent fails to request
a hearing within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of an agency pleading, Respondent waives the
right to request a hearing on the facts alleged.
NOTICE REGARDING ASSESSMENT OF COSTS
Respondent is placed on notice that Petitioner has incurred costs related to the
investigation and prosecution of this matter. Pursuant to §472.0351(4)(a), Florida Statutes, the
Board may assess costs and attorneys fees related to the investigation and prosecution of the case
against the Respondent in addition to any other discipline imposed.
Docket for Case No: 16-001644PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 10, 2016 |
Order Closing File and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
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May 09, 2016 |
Joint Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
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May 09, 2016 |
Amended Administrative Complaint filed.
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May 09, 2016 |
Motion to Amend Administrative Complaint filed.
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Apr. 01, 2016 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Apr. 01, 2016 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for May 25, 2016; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
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Mar. 31, 2016 |
Petitioner's Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
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Mar. 22, 2016 |
Initial Order.
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Mar. 22, 2016 |
Election of Rights filed.
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Mar. 22, 2016 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Mar. 22, 2016 |
Agency referral filed.
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