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RUBY L. BYRD, D/B/A JOY'S FAMILY LIVING BOARDING HOME vs. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, 88-003036 (1988)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 88-003036 Latest Update: Nov. 30, 1988

Findings Of Fact Petitioner owns and operates an ACLF in Tampa, Florida, and has been continuously licensed by the Respondent as an ACLF since at least 1984. The Administrator, President and major stockholder of Petitioner is Ruby Byrd. On or about October 9, 1987, Petitioner applied for license renewal, and the Respondent requested additional information by letter dated October 15, 1987. According to Respondent's witness, John C. Morton, the Petitioner's license expired on December 25, 1987. However, the Department sent letters purporting to deny Petitioner's renewal on March 28 and May 12, 1988, which both state that Petitioner's license expired on March 25, 1988. This discrepancy between the testimony offered by Respondent and the Respondent's letters of denial is unexplained, and no finding can therefore be made as to when the Petitioner's most recent license did, in fact, expire. ACLF licenses are issued for a period of one year, and must be renewed annually. The sole specific reason for renewal denial set forth in the Respondent's March 28, 1988, letter is the Petitioner's "failure to provide proof of business liability insurance and proof of surety bond coverage." The Respondent's May 12, 1988, letter specifically deleted this reason as a basis for renewal denial, and superseded the previous letter by setting forth three reasons for denial. First, it is alleged that Ruby Byrd was arrested for grand theft from a former resident of the ACLF and was awaiting trial. Second, it is alleged that the facility lacks the financial ability to operate. Third, it is alleged that the facility has committed multiple and repeated violations as evidence by surveys and follow-up visits from 1985 through 1987. The only witness called as a representative of Respondent testified that he did not make a recommendation regarding Petitioner's license renewal application. The parties have stipulated that Ruby Byrd was found not guilty of the charge of grand theft. Competent substantial evidence was not presented to support the charge that Petitioner lacked the financial ability to operate. This ACLF has been in operation since at least 1984, and the evidence did not show the facility's failure to meet any of its financial obligations. Evidence produced by the Respondent was unclear in its distinction between Ruby Byrd, individually, and the corporate Petitioner in this case. The parties stipulated that representatives of the Respondent found what they believed to be violations which are enumerated in survey deficiency reports prepared in 1985 through 1987. The evidence establishes that all deficiencies noted in reports prepared in 1987 had been either corrected, administratively deleted, or the time for corrective action had not arrived by the time of hearing. Survey reports prepared prior to 1987 predominately indicate corrective action taken prior to 1987. In any event, these reports which precede the license year for which renewal is at issue in this case, are irrelevant, as is a report of a survey conducted subsequent to the Respondent's May 12, 1988 letter. The Petitioner operated under a conditional license issued by Respondent from March 26, 1988 until September 25, 1988. There is no evidence that Respondent issued any conditional license or otherwise responded to Petitioner's renewal application for the period between December 25, 1987 and March 26, 1988, assuming testimony at hearing is correct and this license expired on December 25, 1987. Similarly, there is no evidence that the Respondent has issued a conditional license, or otherwise responded to the Petitioner's renewal request for the period of September 25, 1988 until the date of hearing, which period of time would be relevant regardless whether the Petitioner's license expired in December, 1987, or March, 1988. According to the Respondent's witness, Petitioner's facility does not present any danger to the public health, safety and welfare. The Respondent does proceed against licensed ACLFs, and seek to administratively suspend or revoke their licenses during a period of licensure.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing, it is recommended that the Respondent issue a Final Order approving the Petitioner's application for renewal of its ACLF license at issue in this case. DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 30th day of November, 1988. DONALD D. CONN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 30th day of November, 1988. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER, CASE NO. 88-3036 Rulings on Petitioner's Proposed Findings of Fact: 1-2 Adopted and Rejected in part in Finding of Fact 3. Adopted and Rejected in part in Findings of Fact 2 and 7. Adopted in Finding of Fact 4. Rejected as unnecessary. Adopted in part in Finding of Fact 6, but otherwise Rejected as unnecessary. Adopted in Finding of Fact 5. Rejected as a conclusion of law and not a finding of fact. Rulings on the Respondent's Proposed Findings of Fact: Adopted in Finding of Fact 1. Rejected in Finding of Fact 2 Adopted in part in Finding of Fact 2. 4-5 Rejected as irrelevant since the Respondent has the burden of proof in this case as discussed in the conclusions of law. 6-9 Rejected in Finding of Fact 6, and otherwise as irrelevant. Rejected as irrelevant and as not supported by competent substantial evidence. Rejected in Finding of Fact 5. COPIES FURNISHED: William Park, Esquire 8001 North Dale Mabry Building 601, Suite B Tampa, Florida 33614 Edward Haman, Esquire Office of Licensure and Certification 7827 North Dale Mabry Tampa, Florida 33614 Sam Power, Clerk 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 Gregory Coler, Secretary 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 John Miller, General Counsel 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 =================================================================

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs THOMAS I. DAVIS, JR., 94-004258 (1994)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Jul. 29, 1994 Number: 94-004258 Latest Update: Jul. 08, 1996

The Issue The central issue in this case is whether Respondent's yacht and ship salesman's license should be disciplined for the reasons set forth in the notice of intent to revoke license dated June 14, 1994.

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency charged with the responsibility to regulate persons pursuant to Chapter 326, Florida Statutes. On April 30, 1993, the Department received an application for a yacht and ship broker or salesman license (the application) submitted by Respondent, Thomas I. Davis, Jr. The application provided, in pertinent part: LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Have you now or have you ever been licensed or certified in any other profession such as real estate, insurance, or securities in Florida or any other state? Yes No If you answered yes, please describe: Profession License # First Obtained Status of License (a)Has any license, certification, registration or permit to practice any regulated profession or occupation been revoked, annulled or suspended in this or any other state, or is any proceeding now pending? Yes No (b) Have you ever resigned or withdrawn from, or surrendered any license, registration or permit to practice any regulated profession, occupation or vocation which such charges were pending? Yes No If your answer to questions (a) or (b) is Yes, attach a complete, signed statement giving the name and address of the officer, board, commission, court or governmental agency or department before whom the matter was, or is now, pending and give the nature of the charges and relate the facts. In response to the application questions identified above, Respondent entered the following answers: "No" as to questions 11, 12(a), and 12(b). As a result of the foregoing, Respondent was issued a yacht and ship salesman's license on May 10, 1993. Thereafter, the Department learned that Respondent had been censured by the NASD. In a decision entered by that body accepting Respondent's offer of settlement, Respondent was given a censure, a fine of $20,000.00, and a suspension in all capacities from association with any member for a period of two (2) years with the requirement that at the conclusion of such suspension that he requalify by examination for any and all licenses with the Association. The censure also provided a specific payment plan for the $20,000 fine which was assessed. To date, Respondent has not complied with that provision of the settlement. From 1973 through 1991, Respondent was registered with several different firms pursuant to Chapter 517, Florida Statutes. Additionally, Respondent has been licensed to sell securities in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, and New York. Respondent has also been licensed in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Respondent has been a licensed stock broker with the Securities and Exchange Commission since 1971. Respondent answered questions 11 and 12 (a) and (b) falsely. Respondent knew he was licensed to sell securities and knew of the sanction from the NASD at all times material to the entry of the answers. Pursuant to Rule 61B-60.003, when the Department receives an application for licensure which is in the acceptable form, it is required to issue a temporary license. Had the Respondent correctly answered questions 11 and 12 on the application, the Department would not have issued Respondent's license.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is, hereby, RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes, enter a final order dismissing Respondent's challenge to the notice of intent and revoking his license. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 13th day of March, 1995, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JOYOUS D. PARRISH 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 13th day of March, 1995. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER, CASE NO. 94-4258 Rulings on the proposed findings of fact submitted by the Petitioner: Paragraphs 1 through 9, 11, 13, and 15 through 17 are accepted. Paragraph 10 is rejected as repetitive. Except as to findings reached above, paragraphs 12 and 14 are rejected as irrelevant. It is found that Respondent falsely answered question 11. Rulings on the proposed findings of fact submitted by the Respondent: Respondent's proposed findings of fact are rejected as they do not comply with Rule 60Q-2.031(3), Florida Administrative Code. However, to the extent findings do not conflict with the findings of fact above, they have been accepted. Such proposed findings of fact are paragraphs: 1, 7 and 8. The remaining paragraphs are rejected as they are not supported by the record cited (none), irrelevant, argument, or contrary to the weight of the credible evidence. COPIES FURNISHED: Lynda L. Goodgame General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 E. Harper Field Senior Attorney Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 David M. Goldstein LAW OFFICE OF DAVID M. GOLDSTEIN 100 S.E. 2nd Street Suite 2750 International Place Miami, Florida 33131

Florida Laws (2) 326.006559.791 Florida Administrative Code (1) 61B-60.003
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WILLIAM L. BROOKS vs SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC., 01-003013 (2001)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Jul. 25, 2001 Number: 01-003013 Latest Update: Oct. 01, 2024
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LAWRENCE BERTON KUTUN vs FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES, 94-005768RU (1994)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Oct. 14, 1994 Number: 94-005768RU Latest Update: Apr. 24, 1995

The Issue At issue in this proceeding is whether Respondent Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes, Section of General Regulation has violated Section 120.535 F.S. by adoption of a policy which meets the definition of a "rule" under Section 120.52(16) F.S., without complying with the rulemaking procedures established by Section 120.54 F.S.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner originally applied and was licensed as a yacht and ship salesman in June, 1992. To be a salesman, one must be associated with a licensed broker who prominently displays the salesman's license. On April 15, 1994, Petitioner contacted Respondent agency by telephone to discuss renewal of his salesman's license issued June 3, 1992 and due to expire under its own terms on June 3, 1994. At that time, Kathy Forrester told Petitioner that his file reflected that his license had been "cancelled" effective March 10, 1993 due to a letter received on or about March 1, 1993 from Petitioner's employing broker, Frank Stanzel. Mr. Stanzel's letter showed that he was relocating his business from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale and that he wanted his two salesmen's licenses transferred to the new location. He enclosed with his letter the two salesmen's licenses for agency action, as required by agency rules. Mr. Stanzel further reported that Petitioner had left his employ on October 19, 1992, taking his license with him, so Mr. Stanzel could not return Petitioner's license to the agency. On March 22, 1993, five months after Mr. Stanzel heard the last of Petitioner and approximately three weeks after he notified the agency of Petitioner's leaving his employ, Mr. Stanzel's broker's license expired. Under the terms of the agency rules, Mr. Stanzel was required to apply for a new license. He applied. His broker's license was not renewed retroactively, and his new license became effective August 30, 1993. For approximately five months, from March 22, 1993 to August 30, 1993, Mr. Stanzel was not a licensed Florida broker. Neither Mr. Stanzel nor the Respondent agency notified Petitioner of this fact nor did anyone notify Petitioner at that time that his salesman's license was deemed "cancelled" during the broker's lapse. After finding out for the first time on April 15, 1994 that the agency presumed his salesman's license "cancelled" by Mr. Stanzel's notification that Petitioner had taken his salesman's license and left Mr. Stanzel's employ, Petitioner and his father prevailed upon Mr. Stanzel to execute an affidavit dated May 19, 1994 to the effect that Mr. Stanzel had misunderstood, now believed Petitioner had been diligently working at yacht sales after October 19, 1992, and wanted Petitioner's salesman's license reinstated. The affidavit was submitted to the agency. Although Ms. Forrester had misgivings about the affidavit, the agency reinstated Petitioner's salesman's license effective April 29, 1994, after receiving the affidavit (TR 25-28). The reinstated license still had the original expiration date of June 3, 1994. The agency did not reinstate Petitioner's salesman's license retroactive to October 19, 1992 when Petitioner went into construction work fulltime, to the date of Mr. Stanzel's original broker's license expiration, or to the date of Mr. Stanzel's new broker's license. Petitioner accepted his salesman's license as reinstated. Petitioner did not renew his salesman's license on June 3, 1994, so it expired by its own terms. On July 21, 1994, Petitioner filed an application to be licensed as a yacht and ship broker, together with the required bond, fee, and fingerprints. On August 2, 1994, Peter Butler, Head of the Section of Yacht and Ship Brokers, wrote Petitioner a deficiency notice, explaining that the agency regarded Petitioner's salesman's license "cancelled" during the lapse of his employing broker's license. The agency has no rule which specifically states that when an employing broker's license expires, his salesmen's licenses are automatically cancelled. The language employed in the deficiency notice was, "any salesman licenses held by [the employing broker] were considered cancelled (sic) for that period of time [the period while the employing broker's license was expired/lapsed] because they did not have an actively licensed broker holding their license." [Bracketed material added for clarity.] This language is the focus of this proceeding. The deficiency notice did not refer to the prior "cancellation" of Petitioner's salesman's license based on Mr. Stanzel's March 1, 1993 notice that Petitioner had left his employ effective October 19, 1992. The deficiency notice cited Section 326.004(8) F.S. [1993] which provides: Licensing.- (8) A person may not be licensed as a broker unless he has been a salesman for at least 2 consecutive years, and may not be licensed as a broker after October 1, 1990, unless he has been licensed as a salesman for at least 2 consecutive years. Bob Badger, an agency investigator, submitted a report to Mr. Butler dated September 1, 1994 expressing his opinion that even with Mr. Stanzel's after-the-fact affidavit, Petitioner's salesman's license would have been interrupted by the fact that he had no licensed broker holding his salesman's license during Mr. Stanzel's broker's license lapse of five months. He further concluded that Petitioner's salesman's license was "suspended" for a short period for not renewing his salesman's license bond. After review of the investigation report, on September 19, 1994, the agency issued its Intent to Reject Petitioner's broker's application pursuant to Rule 61B-60.002(6) F.A.C. alluding to the deficiency notice and citing Section 326.004(8) F.S., for Petitioner's failure to complete two consecutive years as a salesman. Section 326.004(14)(a) and (b) F.S. and rules enacted thereunder clearly place on the broker the responsibility of maintaining and displaying the broker's and salesmen's licenses as well as providing for a suspension of a salesman's license when a broker is no longer associated with the selling entity. Typically, salesmen turn in their licenses through the original broker for cancellation by the agency and receive new ones when they move from one broker's oversight to another's. Salesmen who are employed by one broker also switch their salesman's licenses to another active broker whenever the first broker disassociates from a yacht sales company and moves to another company, quits, retires, or lets his broker's license lapse. Due to the common dynamics of the employment situation whereby salesmen are under the active supervision of their employing broker in the company office, they usually know immediately when a broker's license is in jeopardy or the broker is not on the scene and supervising them. This knowledge is facilitated by the statutes and rules requiring that all licenses be prominently displayed in the business location. Anybody can look at anybody else's license on the office wall and tell when it is due to expire. If licensees are in compliance with the statutes and rules, no active salesman has to rely on notification from the agency with regard to the status of his own or his broker's license. In the present case, Petitioner removed himself from all contact with Mr. Stanzel as of October 19, 1992. Therefore, he did not know what was occurring in the office or with any licenses. All agency witnesses testified substantially to the effect that since they have been employed with the agency and so far as they could determine since its inception, agency personnel have relied on Sections 326.002(3), 326.004(8), 326.004(14)(a) and (b) F.S. and Rules 61B-60.005 and 61B-60.008(1)(b) and (c) F.A.C. to preclude licensing someone who has not been actively supervised by a Florida licensed employing broker for two consecutive years. More specifically, agency personnel have always applied Sections 326.004(14)(a) and (b) to place on the broker the responsibility of maintaining and displaying the broker's and salesman's licenses as well as providing for a suspension of the salesman's license when his broker is no longer associated with the sales entity. The agency has always interpreted the word "broker" as used in Chapter 326 F.S. and Chapter 61B-60 F.A.C. to mean "Florida licensed broker." See also, Section 326.002(1) and 326.004(1) F.S. and Rule 61B-60.001(1)(g) F.A.C. These interpretations are in accord with the clear language of the applicable statutes and rules. Petitioner unsuccessfully attempted to show that he had received treatment different than others similarly situated.

Florida Laws (5) 120.52120.54120.57326.002326.004 Florida Administrative Code (5) 61B-60.00161B-60.00261B-60.00461B-60.00561B-60.008
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs TED & MARLENE STARR, 04-002641 (2004)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:St. Petersburg, Florida Jul. 26, 2004 Number: 04-002641 Latest Update: Oct. 20, 2005

The Issue The issue is whether Respondent operated two contiguous four-unit buildings as an unlicensed public lodging establishment in violation of Subsection 509.241(1), Florida Statutes (2003).

Findings Of Fact The parties stipulated to most of the facts in this case. The disputed issues of fact involve issues of whether the two four-unit buildings comprise a single complex of buildings that Respondent operates as a single entity. With this exception, the parties submitted the case to the ALJ as an issue of law. Petitioner is the state agency responsible for regulating public lodging establishments defined in Subsection 509.013(4), Florida Statutes (2003). Respondent owns and operates two four-unit buildings located, respectively, at 11220 and 11240 Third Street East, Treasure Island, Florida 33706. Petitioner inspected each building on July 2 and October 16, 2003, and found that Respondent had not licensed either building as a public lodging establishment. Respondent has never licensed either building as a public lodging establishment. The two four-unit buildings are located on contiguous lots that are not separated by a highway. However, the evidence is less than clear and convincing that the two buildings comprise a single complex of buildings within the meaning of Subsection 509.013(7), Florida Statutes (2003). The buildings are not situated on the same tract or plot of land. Each parcel of land on which a building is located is a separate lot bearing a separate street address, a separate legal description, and a separate survey. Each lot is separately titled to Respondent and his wife under a separate warranty deed acquired in separate transactions. Respondent is legally entitled to transfer each lot independently without first severing or subdividing one lot from the other. Each lot secures a separate mortgage for which the lender, in the event of default, may foreclose without foreclosing against the other lot otherwise encumbering the other lot. Respondent does not operate the two buildings under one business name within the meaning of Subsection 509.013(7), Florida Statutes (2003). Respondent does not operate the two buildings under any business name. Neither building bears a name, and Respondent does not manage the two buildings from a single rental management office. Respondent operates each building pursuant to a separate occupational license for each building. The two buildings do not comprise a public lodging establishment within the meaning of Subsection 509.013(4)(a), Florida Statutes (2003). For reasons previously stated, the evidence is less than clear and convincing that the two buildings comprise a single complex of buildings. In addition, Petitioner failed to submit any evidence that Respondent either rents to any guest for a period that is less than 30 days or advertises to the public that the eight units are regularly rented to guests. Rather, the only relevant evidence shows that Respondent rents to guests for one year or more and does not advertise the rental units in any manner. The two four-unit buildings satisfy the requirements of an express exclusion in Subsection 509.013(4)(b)3., Florida Statutes (2003). Each building is an establishment that rents four units or less. Petitioner submitted no evidence that Respondent either advertises the units for rent to guests or that Respondent regularly rents the units to transients defined in Subsections 509.013(10) and (11), Florida Statutes (2003). The only relevant evidence shows that Respondent does not advertise the units and does not rent to transients.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order finding that the two four-unit buildings do not comprise a public lodging establishment and dismissing the Administrative Complaint for lack of jurisdiction. DONE AND ENTERED this 22nd day of December, 2004, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY 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 22nd day of December, 2004. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 60 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Ted J. Starr, Esquire 8181 U.S. 19 North Pinellas Park, Florida 33781 Leon Biegalski, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 60 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Geoff Luebkemann, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

Florida Laws (4) 120.57509.013509.032509.241
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POMPANO AUTOMOTIVE ASSOCIATES, LLC, D/B/A CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE OF NORTH BROWARD vs CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC, 12-003534 (2012)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Oct. 31, 2012 Number: 12-003534 Latest Update: Apr. 25, 2013

Conclusions This matter came before the Department for entry of a Final Order upon submission of an Order of Dismissal by Todd P. Resavage, Administrative Law Judge of the Division of Administrative Hearings, pursuant to Petitioner’s Notice Of Voluntary Dismissal, a copy of which is attached and incorporated by reference in this order. The Department hereby adopts the Order of Dismissal as its Final Order in this matter. Accordingly, it is hereby Filed April 25, 2013 8:34 AM Division of Administrative Hearings ORDERED that this case is CLOSED. DONE AND ORDERED this a3 day of April, 2013, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. Bureau of Issuance Oversight Division of Motorist Services Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A338 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Motorist Services this_Q3__ day of April, 2013. NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS Judicial review of this order may be had pursuant to section 120.68, Florida Statutes, in the District Court of Appeal for the First District, State of Florida, or in any other district court of appeal of this state in an appellate district where a party resides. In order to initiate such review, one copy of the notice of appeal must be filed with the Department and the other copy of the notice of appeal, together with the filing fee, must be filed with the court within thirty days of the filing date of this order as set out above, pursuant to Rules of Appellate Procedure. JB/wev Copies furnished: R. Craig Spickard, Esquire Kurkin Forehand Brandes, LLP 800 North Calhoun Street, Suite 1B Tallahassee, Florida 32303 cspickard @kfb-law.com Virginia Gulde, Esquire Nelson, Mullins, Riley And Scarborough, LLP 3600 Maclay Boulevard South, Suite 202 Tallahassee, Florida 32312 Virginia.gulde @nelsonmullins.com Todd P. Resavage Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 Nalini Vinayak Dealer License Administrator

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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE vs SIDNEY J. WHITE, 06-003666PL (2006)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Sep. 25, 2006 Number: 06-003666PL Latest Update: May 29, 2007

The Issue Whether Respondent acted as a broker or sales associate without being the holder of a valid and current broker or sales associate license, in violation of Subsection 475.42(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2004),1 and, therefore, in violation of Subsection 475.25(1)(e), Florida Statutes; and Whether Respondent published or caused to be published an advertisement for the sale of real properties, advertising himself to be a broker, at the time Respondent's license was in inactive status for failure to renew, in violation of Subsection 475.25(1)(c), Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-10.025.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency charged with the responsibility and duty to prosecute administrative complaints pursuant to Section 20.165 and Chapters 120, 455, and 475, Florida Statutes. Petitioner has jurisdiction over disciplinary proceedings for the Commission. Petitioner is authorized to prosecute administrative complaints against licensees within the Commission's jurisdiction. From April 18, 2002, through September 30, 2003, Respondent was an active sales associate in association with Caldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc., a brokerage corporation located at 5981 Catheridge Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34232. Respondent's Florida real estate sales associate license, number 95480, was involuntarily placed on inactive status due to non-renewal during the period October 1, 2003, through August 15, 2004. On or about February 22, 2004, Respondent published or caused to be published an advertisement for the sale of real properties with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and in that advertisement, Respondent held himself out to be a realtor in the State of Florida, associated with Caldwell Banker. From August 16, 2004, through the present, upon the late renewal of his license, Respondent is listed as an inactive sales associate.

Recommendation Based on the forgoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Real Estate Commission enter a final order finding Respondent guilty of violating Subsections 475.42(1)(a), 475.25(1)(a), and 475.25(1)(c), Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-10.025 and, therefore, Subsection 475.25(1)(c), Florida Statutes, as charged in the Administrative Complaint; suspending Respondent's license for a period of one year; fining Respondent the sum of $1,000; and requiring that Respondent pay fees pursuant to Subsection 455.227(3), Florida Statutes, for investigative costs, in the amount of $841.50. DONE AND ENTERED this 4th day of December, 2006, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL M. KILBRIDE 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 4th of December, 2006.

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.5720.165455.227475.25475.42
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