The Issue At issue is whether respondent's license as a real estate salesman should be disciplined for the alleged violations set forth in the administrative complaint. Based on the evidence, the following facts are determined:
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant thereto, respondent, Kevin P. Sheehy, held real estate salesman license number 0203610 issued by petitioner, Department of Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. The license is currently in an involuntary inactive status. On October 14, 1983, respondent was convicted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on the charges of (a) conspiracy to import marijuana and (b) importation of marijuana. For this he received a four year sentence on each count to run concurrently and a special parole term of five years. According to his counsel, he began serving his sentence on September 5, 1985 at Eglin Air Force Base. He is eligible for parole around April, 1987. Prior to his conviction, respondent was employed as a real estate salesman in a real estate firm in Tavanier, Florida. When Sheehy is released, his former broker intends to offer him a job as a salesman, assuming Sheehy holds a license, for the broker found Sheehy to be honest, trustworthy, productive, and a hard worker. This was corroborated by another person in the community. Both witnesses urged that Sheehy, who is 27 and afflicted with juvenile diabetes, be given the opportunity to pursue a livelihood when he is paroled. There is no evidence that Sheehy failed to notify the Division of Real Estate of his felony conviction within thirty days after the date of his conviction.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent be found guilty as charged in Counts VII and VIII of the administrative complaint, and that ,, his real estate salesman license be suspended for eighteen months. The remaining charge in Count XIX should be DISMISSED. DONE and ORDERED this 9th day of January, 1986, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 9th day of January, 1986.
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto, respondent, Edwin Costa held real estate salesman license number 0017520 issued by petitioner, Department of Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. Respondent currently uses his license at a real estate firm located in Ocala, Florida. On March 1, 1983, respondent was arrested on various charges relating to bookmaking. On June 27, 1984, respondent pled nolo contendere to one count of bookmaking (gambling), a third degree felony. Adjudication was withheld and Costa was placed on 18 months probation and fined $10,000. After successfully serving all conditions of his probation, and paying the fine, respondent's probation was terminated on March 25, 1985. Respondent has a number of successful business endeavors in Ocala, Florida. Despite his conviction, a cross-section of businessmen testified they would continue to do business with Costa, and had complete trust and confidence with him. His creditworthiness is still considered excellent by a local bank, and Costa has secured a substantial performance bond since his conviction. His reputation in the community is one of being a moral and honest person, and former clientele would not hesitate to use his services as a realtor.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent be found guilty as charged in the administrative complaint, and that his real estate salesman license be REVOKED. DONE and ORDERED this 27th day of January, 1986, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of January, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Susan J. Hartmann, Esquire P. O. Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802 Mr. Dennis R. Bell FCI, ECU-2 P. O. Box 2000 Lexington, Kentucky 40511 Salvatore Carpino, Esquire 130 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mr. Harold R. Huff, Director Division of Real Estate 400 West Robinson St. Orlando, Florida 32801
The Issue Whether petitioner's application for licensure as a real estate salesman should be denied because he allegedly lacks the requisite honesty, trustworthiness, truthfulness, good character, and good reputation for fair dealing.
Findings Of Fact On June 10, 1983, petitioner filed an application for licensure as a real estate salesman with the Florida Real Estate Commission. Question No. 6, on the application, reads: Have you ever been arrested for, or charged with the commission of an offense against the laws of any municipality, state or nation including traffic offenses (but not parking, speeding, inspection or traffic signal violations), without regard to whether convicted, sentenced, pardoned or paroled? If yes, state details including the outcome in full. Question #6 was answered by Petitioner as follows: Feb. 11, 1979 arrested - (hit & run & possession of cocaine) [sic] Case #79521C. In hit & run charge - (felony was dropped) In the cocaine [sic] charge 3 yrs. probation (Aug. 1, 79, Aug. 1, 82). Also (July 11, 80) went to court for loitering or prowling charge - Pleaded no contest and paid $25 court cost - Case No. 80-4630mm. On August 17, 1983, the Commission tentatively denied his application because of his criminal record disclosed by this answer to Question No. 6. His answer was truthful and correct. On February 11, 1979, he was arrested in Lake Worth, Florida, and charged with possession of cocaine and hit and run. The hit and run charge was dropped and, on August 1, 1979, he pled guilty to the charge of possession of cocaine. He was adjudged guilty and sentenced to three years of probation. On April 22, 1980, while on Probation, petitioner, was arrested in Boynton Beach, Florida, charged with loitering or prowling, and later convicted. II. Petitioner, 22, was 18 years old in 1979, when he was arrested, and convicted of possessing a small amount of cocaine. The seriousness of his loitering or prowling conviction, which occurred in the next year, is revealed by the minimal sentence he received--a $25 fine. That was his last unlawful act, and it occurred almost four years ago. During the last two years, his life and character have changed dramatically. He avoids illicit drugs; he works 60 hours a week as a salesman in a West Palm Beach furniture store; and he is the sole support for his 2 year old daughter, Keisha. Both he and his friends attribute his change in lifestyle and character to the love and responsibility he feels for Keisha, whose mother left him approximately a year ago. Two character witnesses, admittedly his friends, know petitioner to be an honest, trustworthy, and straight-forward person. They have been impressed by his willingness to accept responsibility for his young daughter and raise her almost single-handedly; by his willingness to work hard as a salesman and improve his lot. Both witnesses are reputable real estate brokers or salesmen in Florida. One has been in the real estate business for 11 years, is president of the largest realtor office in Palm Beach County, does a real estate radio talk show, and teaches and publishes articles on investing in real estate. He has known petitioner for about three years and stated, without hesitation, that he would hire petitioner if he obtains a real estate license. The other witness, licensed since 1977, has known petitioner since boyhood and believes that respondent would make a good real estate salesman. The opinions of these character witnesses are persuasive and supported by other convincing evidence. Until recently, when he began working at a West Palm Beach furniture store because of the opportunity for increased sales, he had worked at a Lake Worth furniture store for 3 and 1/2 years. He began as a delivery boy, was promoted to part-time sales, then full-time sales. He opened the store four to six days a week. For the last four years, he has been a stable, productive and, by all accounts, reliable employee. The Commission has not alleged or shown otherwise. Petitioner's completion of his application, and his candor and demeanor at hearing, provide further evidence of his character and honesty. On his application he truthfully and fully disclosed his previous arrests and convictions. At hearing, he candidly admitted his past indiscretions or unlawful acts, and expressed a sincere desire for an opportunity to become a real estate salesman: Yes, I would very much appreciate an opportunity to take the test. Like I say, my four years is a very long time. I don't know if it is for most people. It's been a long time for me. My lifestyle, you could really call it boring. Like I say, I am working sixty hours a week and taking of the business with the baby just about the rest of the time, and ninety percent of my spare time is spent with her. I am trying to prove something to you today that I already know in my heart, and that is that I would not cheat anybody and I do have a general fair and loving outlook on life. That's all. (TR.-28) Based on the above, it is concluded, as an ultimate finding, that petitioner is honest, truthful, and trustworthy, and has good character and reputation. His conduct, over four years, demonstrates that he possesses these qualities. Two licensed real estate professionals, aware of his past misdeeds, enthusiastically vouch for his good character and ask that he be given an opportunity to become a salesman. It appears likely that his licensing, should he pass the examination, will not endanger the interests of the public or real estate investors.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That petitioner be found qualified, under Section 475.17, and that, upon passing the required examination, he be licensed as a Florida real estate salesman. DONE and ENTERED this 16th day of February, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. L. CALEEN, JR. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of February, 1984.
Findings Of Fact The Department is the agency charged with the licensing and regulation of real estate salesmen and brokers. At all times material to these proceedings, Respondent Peebles was a licensed real estate broker in Florida, having been issued license number 0396895. The last license issued was placed at 2690 52nd Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. The home address listed with the Florida Real Estate Commission was Post Office Box 40063, St. Petersburg, Florida. On April 7, 1987, the Respondent entered a plea of guilty to the crime of credit card fraud in the United States District Court Middle District of Florida, Case No. 86-215 Cr- Orl-19. The crime was a felony in that the alleged acts involved the unauthorized use of access devices (credit cards) to obtain items of value aggregating $1,000 or more in a one-year period. The case was in federal court because the offense affected interstate and foreign commerce. The crime did not involve any business dealings in which the Respondent was acting as a real estate salesman or broker. However, the crime did involve fraudulent or dishonest dealings. Upon acceptance of the Respondent's plea, the court adjudicated the Respondent guilty and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment at Maxwell Air Force Base in a minimum security federal prison. In addition, the Respondent was ordered to make restitution of $60,590.00, and pay court costs. The sentencing occurred on April 7, 1987. A timely appeal from the judgment and sentence was not taken by the Respondent. The Respondent did not notify the Department of his guilty plea and subsequent conviction within the thirty-day period required by Section 475.25(1)(p), Florida Statutes. A Motion for New Trial based upon the ground of newly discovered evidence, was filed by the Respondent in the criminal case on March 1, 1990. The United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, has not ruled on the motion. Mitigation The Respondent does not currently have the financial ability to pay any fines if that penalty were to be imposed upon him in this case. The Respondent failed to notify the Florida Real Estate Commission of his conviction because he was under extreme stress when the conviction occurred and he was incarcerated.
Recommendation Based upon the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the mitigation presented by the Respondent, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Respondent be found guilty of the allegations in Counts I through IV, which were proved at hearing. That the Respondent's real estate broker's license be revoked for seven years. DONE and ENTERED this 9th day of July, 1990, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. VERONICA E. DONNELLY Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904)488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 9th day of July, 1990. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER IN CASE NO. 90-0224 The Department's proposed findings of fact are addressed as follows: Accepted. See HO #1. Accepted. See HO #2. Accepted. See HO #2. Accepted. See HO #3, #4 and #5. Accepted. See HO #5. Rejected. See HO #9. Accepted. See HO #7. Rejected. Irrelevant. COPIES FURNISHED: James H. Gillis, Esquire DPR - Division of Real Estate 400 West Robinson Street Post Office Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802 Robert J. Peeples Post Office Box 40063 St. Petersburg, Florida 33743 Kenneth E. Easley, Esquire General Counsel Department of Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe, Suite 60 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Darlene F. Keller, Executive Director DPR - Division of Real Estate 400 West Robinson Street Post Office Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802
The Issue Should Petitioner impose discipline against the licenses held by Respondent as a real estate broker, licenses numbers 3000807, 3000808, and 300092222, and as a real estate instructor, license number 32195, for alleged violations of Section 475.25(1)(f), (n) and (p), Florida Statutes (2004)?
Findings Of Fact Facts Alleged in the Amended Administrative Complaint Uncontested by the Answer: Petitioner is a state government licensing and regulatory agency charged with the responsibility and duty to prosecute administrative complaints pursuant to the laws of the State of Florida, in particular Section 20.165 and Chapters 120, 455 and 475, Florida Statutes, and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto. Respondent is and was at all times material hereto a licensed Florida real estate broker, issued license numbers 3000807, 3000808, and 3092222, in accordance with Chapter 475 of the Florida Statutes. The last licenses issued were as a broker at AAA Realty of Florida Comm. Real Estate Properties/Investments, Inc., 132 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118, and at AAA Realty of Florida International Inc., 132 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118. Respondent is a licensed real estate instructor issued license number 32195 with AAA College of Real Estate. Additional Facts: More specifically concerning licenses issued to Respondent as a real estate broker, from January 1, 2005 through March 13, 2006, Respondent was a broker doing business as AAA Realty of Florida License No. BK3000807, a brokerage sole proprietorship located at 132 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118. From January 1, 2005 to March 13, 2006, Respondent was a broker, License No. BK3092222, affiliated with AAA Realty of Florida International, Inc., License No. CQ0000000, a brokerage corporation located at 132 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118. License No. BK3000808 expired March 31, 2004. In State of Florida vs. Fadel Fawzi Elbadramany, in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Volusia County, Division 41, Case No. 2001-36519CFAES, the defendant, Respondent here, was tried and found guilty by a jury of grand theft of over $20,000, an offense recognized in Subsections 812.014(1) and (2) (b), Florida Statutes. On February 11, 2005, an order of judgment was entered by Circuit Judge R. Michael Hutcheson adjudicating the defendant in that cause, Respondent, in the present case, guilty of grand theft. On that same date an order of sentence was entered against the defendant/Respondent, by which he was committed to the Department of Corrections to be imprisoned for a term of 15 years, with credit for 105 days of time served while incarcerated before the imposition of this sentence. By separate order the defendant/Respondent was required to pay certain charges, costs and fees. That order was entered on February 11, 2005. In Fadel Elbadramany, Appellant, vs. State of Florida, Appellee, in the District Court of Appeal of the State of Florida, Fifth District, July term 2006, Case No. 5D05-754 decision filed August 8, 2006, the court entered a per curium affirmance. On September 27, 2006, that court ordered "that appellant's motion for rehearing, rehearing En Banc and request to issue a written opinion filed August 22, 2006 and Appellant's Supplemental to Request to Issue a Written Opinion, filed September 18, 2006 are denied." Respondent is presently confined in Washington Correctional Institution where the final hearing was held. He is inmate number V21541. His tentative release date from his imprisonment is October 26, 2019. His confinement is in relation to the grand theft offense.
Recommendation Based upon the consideration of the facts found and the conclusions of law reached, it is RECOMMENDED: That a final order be entered finding Respondent in violation of Section 475.25(1)(f) and (n), Florida Statutes (2004), that Respondent did not violate Section 475.25(1)(p) Florida Statutes (2004), and revoking the real estate broker licenses and real estate instructor license held by Respondent. DONE AND ENTERED this 20th day of December, 2006, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S CHARLES C. ADAMS Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of December, 2006.
The Issue Did Frederick Anthony III, Inc., employ persons who were not licensed? Did Benjamin Foster have knowledge that these individuals were employed? Was Benjamin Foster responsible for the employment of unlicensed individuals? Was Benjamin Foster liable for Anthony John Bascone's actions as a real estate salesman? Did Benjamin Foster violate Sections 475.42(1)(c) and 475.25(1)(a), Florida Statutes?
Findings Of Fact Notice of the formal hearing was given to all parties as required by the statutes and rules. Benjamin C. Foster is a real estate broker holding License No. 0151634 issued by the Board of Real Estate. Frederick Anthony III, Inc. (FA III), is a Florida corporate real estate broker holding License No. 0215470 issued by the Board. Foster was the active firm member of the corporation. Donald McDonald and Delores McDonald were employed by FA III. While so employed, both of these persons engaged in the sale of real estate. Neither Delores McDonald nor Donald McDonald were licensed at the times in question. Foster agreed to be the active firm member for FA III because Anthony John Bascone and Frederick Hall, a real estate salesman, wanted to start a brokerage firm. Bascone and Hall had business connections with whom Foster wanted to affiliate, and Foster concluded that his function as active firm member with FA III would lead to business opportunities for FA III and for Foster's other real estate business. Bascone and Hall were corporate officers of FA III and managed the day-to-day activities of the office. They hired Donald and Delores McDonald as salespersons. Foster never met Delores McDonald and did not employ her. Foster met with Donald McDonald, Delores McDonald's husband, who said he was selling real estate at that time. Foster sent Donald McDonald to Bascone and Hall to be interviewed. Under Foster's agreement with Bascone and Hall, they would make the initial hiring determinations for their sales personnel and Foster would process the personnel as salespersons affiliated with the company. According to Foster's agreement with Bascone, Bascone would not engage in real estate sales until after he was license. Bascone was seeking a brokerage license, and it was their intent that Bascone would become the active firm member. The allegations involving Bascone's acting as a real estate professional were based on a transaction which was undisclosed to Hall or Foster until after the fact. This transaction involved the payment of a commission directly to Bascone by the seller which was unreported to Foster or Hall. Foster did not exercise close supervision over the activities of FA III.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the Hearing Officer recommends that the license of Benjamin C. Foster be suspended for three months, and that the license of Frederick Anthony III, Inc., be revoked. DONE and ORDERED this 3rd day of March, 1982, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of March, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Xavier J. Fernandez, Esquire 2701 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 10 Post Office Box 729 Fort Myers, Florida 33902 Mr. Benjamin C. Foster 5354 Emily Drive, Southwest Fort Myers, Florida 33908 Frederick Anthony III, Inc. 3920 Orange Grove Boulevard North Fort Myers, Florida 33903 C. B. Stafford, Executive Director Board of Real Estate 400 West Robinson Street Post Office Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802 Samuel Shorstein, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony and exhibits in evidence, and the observed candor and demeanor of the witnesses, the following are found as facts: The Respondent John J. Piccione, is a licensed real estate broker, having been issued license No. DK006911. The Respondent John J. Piccione, Inc., is a corporate real estate broker, having been issued license No. CW0069127. The Respondent Theresa M. Harris, is a licensed real estate salesperson having been issued license No. FL0331486. At all times material to the issues in the Administrative Complaint, the Respondent Theresa M. Harris was a licensed salesperson with the Respondent John J. Piccione Real Estate, Inc., under the brokerage license of the Respondent John J. Piccione. Theresa M. Harris was the listing and selling salesperson in connection with a real estate transaction between Wilbur J. Hamilton, Jr., as seller, and Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, as buyers. This transaction was closed on December 16, 1980, in Ocala, Florida. The closing was held in the offices of American Mortgage Funding Corporation, and was conducted by Thomas G. Sawaya, Esquire, as Closing Attorney. Present at the closing were the seller, Mr. Hamilton, the buyers, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Respondent, Theresa M. Harris, and Charles DeMenzes, President of American Mortgage Funding Corporation. Prior to the time the Contract for Sale was executed by the seller and the buyers, the Respondent Harris was informed by a party named Mr. Alsobrook that he claimed an interest in the proceeds from the sale on the subject property. The seller acknowledged that Mr. Alsobrook was entitled to a share of the proceeds. After the contract was signed, but before closing, the Respondent Harris was contacted on two more occasions by Mr. Alsobrook concerning his interest in the proceeds of the sale. On December 15, 1980, before the closing occurred, a Civil Complaint was filed against the seller in the Circuit Court of Marion County by Mr. Alsobrook regarding Mr. Alsobrook's interest in the property and the proceeds. In connection with this lawsuit a Lis Pendens was delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on December 15, 1980, but was not filed in the Official Records Book of Marion County until December 17, 1980, in O.R. Book 1046, page 116, after the Deed from Mr. Hamilton to Mr. and Mrs. Smith had been recorded in O.R. Book 1046, page 73. On December 15, 1980, the day before, the closing, Robert Duggan, who is Mr. Alsobrook's attorney had a telephone conversation with the Respondent Harris, in which he informed her that a lawsuit had been filed concerning Mr. Alsobrook's interest in the proceeds of the sale, and that a Lis Pendens had been or was going to be filed against the property. This attorney requested that the closing be delayed until the dispute concerning the property could be resolved. On December 16, 1980, before the closing, the Respondent Harris conveyed to the Respondent Piccione, her broker, the contents of her conversation with Mr. Alsobrook's attorney. The Respondent Harris was instructed by the Respondent Piccione to attend the closing and not to mention either the call from Attorney Duggan, or the pending lawsuit, or the Lis Pendens, unless someone else brought these matters up. At no time during the closing or prior to the closing did the Respondent Harris make known to the buyers, the lender, or the closing Attorney, the facts known to her regarding the call from Attorney Duggan, the pending lawsuit, or that a Lis Pendens had been or would be filed against the property. The Respondent Piccione was aware of the fact that a Lis Pendens had been or was going to be filed against the property, but he instructed his salesperson, Respondent Harris, to withhold this information from the parties to the sales transaction at the time of closing. The closing was completed and the lender, without knowledge of the pending suit and Lis Pendens, disbursed the net proceeds of $15,728.24 to Mr. Hamilton as the seller. The closing Attorney and the lender were informed of the Lis Pendens and the pending suit by the attorney for Mr. Alsobrook the day after the closing took place. Upon being informed of the pending lawsuit, the lender contacted the seller, who agreed to return the proceeds to the lender The lawsuit was subsequently dismissed and the Lis Pendens discharged upon distribution of the net sale proceeds to Mr. Alsobrook in the amount of $6,385.19 and to Mr. Hamilton in the amount of $9,393.05. The Respondents received a commission of $1,500 which was paid $900 to Mrs. Harris and $600 to Piccione Real Estate, Inc.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Respondent, Theresa M. Harris, be found guilty of violating Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes, and that her license be suspended for one year. It is further RECOMMENDED that the Respondents, John J. Piccione and John J. Piccione Realty, Inc., be found guilty of violating Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes, and that their licenses be suspended for one year. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered on this 27 day of September, 1982. WILLIAM B. THOMAS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27 day of September, 1982.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is a state governmental licensing and regulatory agency charged with the responsibility and duty to prosecute Administrative Complaints filed pursuant to the laws of Florida, in particular, Section 20.30, Florida Statutes, Chapters 120, 455, and 475, Florida Statutes and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto. (Official recognition taken of Section 20.30, Chapters 120, 455, and 475, Florida Statutes). Respondent is now, and was at all times material hereto, a licensed real estate salesman in Florida having been issued license No. 0199126 in accordance with Chapter 475, Florida Statutes. The last license issued Respondent was as a non-active salesman with a home address of 6312 Balboa Lane, Apollo Beach, Florida 33570. During times material, Respondent was the owner and sole stockholder of Computer Real Estate Sales, Inc. During times material, Respondent was a licensed real estate salesman in association with Computer Real Estate Sales, Inc. located at 600 West Jefferson Street, Brooksville, Florida 33512. During early March, 1986, Respondent caused to be ordered a termite treatment to be performed in March, 1986 on property owned by Richard E. Atkinson (Atkinson) located at 21476 Chadfield Street in Brooksville. The subject property treated for termites was being managed by Respondent through his company, Computer Real Estate, Inc. Respondent was previously the owner of that property as well as four other rental properties that he sold to Atkinson. Respondent caused the property management account of Atkinson to be debited by the sum of $380.00 to pay for the termite treatment performed by Bray's Pest Control (Bray's). (Petitioner's Exhibit 3). Respondent failed to pay the $380.00 to Bray's for the termite treatment nor did he later credit Atkinson's property management account when he failed to pay Bray's for the termite treatment. To collect payment for the termite treatment, Bray's was forced to file a civil complaint against Respondent in county court, Hernando County. On February 25, 1987, a final judgment was entered against Respondent in the amount of $391.40 plus costs of $36.00 and interest computed at the rate of 12% from March, 1986 until paid. (Petitioner's Exhibits 4 and 5). Subsequent to entry of the judgment and despite Bray's efforts to collect the award, Respondent failed and refused to satisfy the final judgment until an initial payment was made on March 5, 1989 and the balance due was paid on July 13, 1989. Respondent's contention at hearing that he was simply stockholder and not liable for the obligations of Computer Real Estate Sales, Inc., was rejected based on a review of pleadings filed which indicated that he was sole stockholder during times material and that several contractors relied upon his representation, as owner of Computer Real Estate Services, Inc., to make payments for debts and obligations incurred by that company.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusion of law, it is RECOMMENDED: The Petitioner enter a final order imposing an administrative fine against Respondent in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Florida Real Estate Commission within 30 days of the entry of the final order herein or Respondent's real estate license shall be revoked. In the event that Respondent pays the above referred $1,000.00 fine to Petitioner within 30 days of entry of the final order herein, Respondent's real estate license No. 019916 be placed on probation for a period of (1) one year. 2/ DONE and ENTERED this 5th day of December, 1989, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of December, 1989.
Findings Of Fact Based upon my observation of Respondent, and his testimony during the proceeding herein, the documentary evidence received, including a prehearing stipulation executed by counsel for the parties and the entire record compiled herein, the following relevant facts 1/ are found. Respondent, Stewart Sax, is a real estate salesman who holds License No. 0347241. Respondent is presently employed by Choice Rentals and Realty Corporation, 3365 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The prosecution of this matter was initiated by Petitioner against Respondent based on an Administrative Complaint filed herein, signed August 3, 1981. On July 24, 1980, Respondent submitted an application for licensure with the Petitioner. In connection therewith, Respondent answered question No. 6 in the negative by asserting "No." That question reads in total: Have you ever been arrested for, or charged with commission of an offense against the laws of any municipality, state or nation including traffic offenses (but not parking, speeding, inspection or traffic signal violation), without regard to whether convicted, sentenced, pardoned or paroled? Respondent was first arrested on April 21, 1972, when he was charged with credit card theft in Atlanta, Georgia. At this time, he was approximately 22 years old and was a student at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Respondent pled nolo contendere to the charges and received three years probation and a $500.00 fine based upon this plea. Respondent contends that the credit card belonged to a girl friend's mother and he initially had the right to use that credit card. Respondent was next arrested on January 25, 1974, when he was arrested for credit card theft, public indecency and public drunkenness in Atlanta. The charges on the first two counts were dismissed and Respondent received a 30-day suspended sentence on the public drunkenness charge. Respondent was next arrested on July 24, 1980, in Fort Lauderdale, and was charged with grand larceny and issuing a worthless check. The worthless check charge was nolle prosequi and the grand larceny charge was reduced to petty theft, to which Respondent pled no contest. Respondent was placed on probation for six (6) months; he paid $50.00 court costs and adjudication of guilt was withheld. On July 24, 1980, Respondent was again arrested for driving while intoxicated and with an expired driver's license. No information was issued on the driving while intoxicated charge and Respondent pled no contest to the expired driver's license charge. He paid $25.00 for court costs and adjudication was withheld. Finally, Respondent was arrested on July 30, 1980, and charged with prowling in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These charges were dismissed. Respondent contends that he was under a great deal of pressure when he submitted his application for licensure and was of the opinion, based on representations of his former counsel, that he did not have to reveal these matters on applications, etc.; that these matters were dropped, and would not follow him in the future. (Prehearing Stipulation) As noted above, the matter was presented based upon a prehearing stipulation, prepared by counsel for the parties whereby Respondent admitted each of the allegations as contained in the Administrative Complaint with explanations for each allegation. Evidence presented at the hearing indicated that, except for the Public drunkenness charge, all remaining charges were either nolle prosequi, dismissed without any information being filed or adjudication was withheld and sentences were probated. Respondent has enjoyed success in his field as a real estate salesman since he has been licensed. Respondent as far as the record reveals, has not had any disciplinary charges brought against him since he has been licensed as a real estate salesman. Other professionals in the area have a high regard for Petitioner, both personally and professionally as a real estate salesman. Respondent is a highly intelligent real estate salesman who, it can be assumed, understood the application for licensure which he executed to become a real estate salesman. Based on the admissions contained in the prehearing stipulation and Respondent's testimony, his failure to truthfully answer all questions on his application, he (Respondent) violated the provisions of Chapter 475.17(1), Florida Statutes.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED: That Respondent's real estate License No. 0347241 be REVOKED. That Respondent be afforded an opportunity to reapply for a license as a real estate salesman and that pending a decision by the Board on Respondent's reapplication for licensure, the Board spend the revocation referred to in the Recommendation above. RECOMMENDED this 25th day of May, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 25th day of May, 1982.
