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DAVID N. WEIKER, SR. vs DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, 03-002708 (2003)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Jul. 24, 2003 Number: 03-002708 Latest Update: Jan. 20, 2004

The Issue Whether Petitioner should be licensed as a life, variable annuity and health agent by the Department of Financial Services?

Findings Of Fact Based on the oral and documentary evidence presented at the final hearing, the following findings of fact are made: Petitioner is 51 years old; has Associate of Arts degrees from Seminole Community College, Sanford, Florida, and Davenport University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; will soon acquire a bachelor of business administration degree from Belhaven College; and is applying for a doctoral program at the University of Central Florida. Petitioner holds a real estate sales associate license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. The effective date of the license is September 29, 2003; it will expire on September 30, 2005. On November 28, 2001, Petitioner applied to Respondent for a license classified as a "life and variable annuity and health insurance agent." One of the screening questions on the license application was the following: "[H]ave you ever had any professional license subjected to any of the following actions by any state agency or public authority in any jurisdiction?" In response, Petitioner circled "Yes." The screening question was then followed by the following "actions": suspension, revocation, placed on probation, administrative fine or penalty levied, cease and desist order entered. In response, Petitioner circled "suspension." On July 17, 1997, a Final Order was entered in Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate v. David Nelson Weiker, Case No. 95-85173, which reads, in part, as follows: . . . the Commission finds the Respondent guilty of violating ss 475.25(1)(c) and 475.42(1)(j), Florida Statutes, as charged in the Administrative Complaint. Therefore the Commission ORDERS that the license of David Nelson Weiker be suspended until the liens are removed. At the conclusion of the period of suspension, the Respondent is directed to contact the Records Section of the Division of Real Estate . . . to secure proper forms for reinstatement of Respondent's suspended license. The Commission further ORDERS that the Respondent pay a $1000 administrative fine and investigative costs of $768 within 30 days of the filing date of this order or the Respondent's license shall be suspended until such time as the fine and costs are paid in full. In Weiker, Case No. 95-85173, Petitioner, David N. Weiker, Sr., initially requested a formal hearing, then failed to respond to a request for admissions. As a result, he admitted being a licensed real estate salesperson who, as an employee of a builder, Mercedes Homes, Inc., filed 14 liens in a total amount of $23,301 against homes owned by Mercedes Homes, Inc., in an attempt to collect sales commissions he deemed he was owed. The administrative fine of $1,000, in Weiker, Case No. 95-85173, was paid by a check dated August 5, 1998, drawn on the account of David S. Piercefield, P.A. On August 13, 1998, an Amended Final Order was entered in Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate v. David Nelson Weiker, Case No. 96-83238 (DOAH Case No. 97-4742), which reads, in part, as follows: . . . the Commission finds the Respondent guilty of violating s.475.25(1)(b) and (c), Florida Statutes, as charged in the Administrative Complaint. The Florida Real Estate Commission therefore ORDERS that the Respondent pay a $1,000.00 administrative fine. . . . Therefore the Commission ORDERS that the Respondent be placed on probation for a period of ninety days . . . In Weiker, Case No. 96-83238 (DOAH Case No. 97-4742), the Real Estate Commission adopted the Recommended Order of the Administrative Law Judge. In that Recommended Order, the Administrative Law Judge found that "he [Weiker] furthered a scheme of misrepresentation, false promises, and dishonest dealing." The administrative fine of $1,000, in Weiker, Case No. 96-83238 (DOAH Case No. 97-4742), was paid by a SouthTrust Bank check dated October 14, 2003. The remitter was Irene L. Weiker. On several occasions, in correspondence with representatives of Respondent, and while testifying at the final hearing, Petitioner testified that his real estate license had not been suspended. He also maintained, without substantive evidence or reasonable explanation, that the two administrative fines had been paid several times or by the wrong individuals. His attempts to explain the facts and circumstances of the two administrative actions disciplining his real estate license were unreasonable and not credible.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent's decision to deny Petitioner's application for a life, variable annuity and health insurance agent license is well-founded; Petitioner's license application should be denied. DONE AND ENTERED this 22nd day of December, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S JEFF B. CLARK 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, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: R. Terry Butler, Esquire Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0399 David N. Weiker, Sr. 1506 Elfstone Court Casselberry, Florida 32707 Honorable Tom Gallagher Chief Financial Officer Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Mark Casteel, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300

Florida Laws (5) 120.57475.25475.42626.611626.831
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DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE vs RICHARD LEE HOSKINS, 00-003126PL (2000)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:St. Petersburg, Florida Aug. 01, 2000 Number: 00-003126PL Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
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DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE vs LARRY RYLAND PARKER, 00-001122 (2000)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Mar. 13, 2000 Number: 00-001122 Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
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KRISTA ROSE NAVARRO vs DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, 05-000755 (2005)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Panama City, Florida Feb. 28, 2005 Number: 05-000755 Latest Update: Jul. 18, 2005

The Issue Whether the Respondent properly denied the Petitioner's application for licensure as a Resident All Lines Insurance Adjuster for a material misstatement on her application?

Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Krista Rose Navarro, filed an application with the Respondent for licensure as a Resident Independent All Lines Insurance Adjuster (05-20) by letter dated December 30, 2004. This application was filed on line. As part of that application the Petitioner answered, "no," to the question: Have you ever been convicted, found guilty, or pled guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a felony or crime punishable by imprisonment of one (1) year or more under the law of any municipality, county, state, territory or country, whether or not adjudication was withheld or a judgment of conviction was entered? The Respondent conducted a criminal records file check that revealed that the Petitioner had entered a plea to a count of mail fraud in the Federal District Court for the Central District of California in 1986. The records of this proceeding under the seal of the records custodian of the National Archives and Records Administration were introduced as Department's Composite Exhibit 2. Based upon this information, the Respondent determined that (1) the period an applicant would have to wait to be licensed for the offense involved was 15 years, and that this had run; and (2) the Petitioner's failure to disclose the offense resulted in extending the licensure eligibility date until December 30, 2005. Based upon this latter determination, the Respondent denied the Petitioner's application for licensure. The Petitioner testified that the portion of the question that stated, "pled guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a felony or crime punishable by imprisonment of one (1) year or more under the law" was confusing to her. She took the question to require reporting an offense for which one was imprisoned for a year or more, and that she had not intentionally failed to reveal the offense. In support of this contention, the Petitioner pointed out that she was currently a licensed real estate broker and held this license for ten years, and had revealed the subject offense and plea on the application for that license. She also introduced a letter from her child's school, the Petitioner's Exhibit 2, which indicated that the Petitioner had shared the information about her plea with the principal of the school as part of the vetting of parental chaperones. The Petitioner passed that vetting process. Although the underlying facts of the offense to which the Petitioner entered the plea are not relevant to the matters under consideration, they show the Petitioner engaged in a telephone marketing ploy in which businesses and offices were called and copier products were offered for sale at current prices before an anticipated price increase. Although not stated, an impression was given that the salesperson was a representative of the supplier usually used by the office being called, and the "price hike" was not factual, but a sales gimmick. The "handling charges" and similar fees in these transactions were very high, although the products were delivered to the purchasers. Such practices are specifically prohibited today, but were not specifically proscribed at the time. The Petitioner was cooperative with authorities when arrested, and is now remorseful about her conduct at the time considering this is an embarrassing epiphany in her life; however, she has fully disclosed the facts as indicated above when she perceived it was necessary. The Petitioner has her own real estate brokerage; has never been the subject of disciplinary action by those licensing authorities; and is a long-time resident of her community. She is married, has two children, and takes part volunteering at her children's school, as indicated above.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Financial Services issue the Petitioner as a Resident Independent All Lines Insurance Adjuster. DONE AND ENTERED this 2nd day of June, 2005, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S __ STEPHEN F. DEAN 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 2nd day of June, 2005. COPIES FURNISHED: Krista Rose Navarro 111 Placido Place Panama City Beach, Florida 32413 Dana M. Wiehle, Esquire Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333 Honorable Tom Gallagher Chief Financial Officer Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Carlos G. Muniz, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300

Florida Laws (2) 120.569626.611
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MARCELLA M. MIKA vs DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, DIVISION OF WORKERS` COMPENSATION, 96-002573 (1996)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Sarasota, Florida May 28, 1996 Number: 96-002573 Latest Update: Jan. 20, 1998

The Issue The issues presented to the Administrative Law Judge for resolution in this case were: Whether it is necessary for Petitioner, Marcella Mika, to go to law school to return to suitable gainful employment. Whether the provisions of Section 440.491, Florida Statutes (1995), apply to Petitioner. Whether the provisions of Florida Administrative Code Rules Chapter 38F-55 apply to Petitioner. Whether Respondent is required to reimburse Petitioner for tuition and the reasonable costs of board and lodging for Petitioner's attendance at Stetson University College of Law.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner's Injury and Recovery On January 24, 1991, Petitioner sustained a compensable injury within the course and scope of her employment with her employer, Community Dialysis Center. Petitioner was diagnosed as sustaining acetabular fracture of the left hip with residual sciatic neuropathy and cervical injury as a result of tripping and falling over a telephone cord. On or about January 7, 1993, Petitioner reached maximum medical improvement with the following physical capabilities: Petitioner can work full-time. Petitioner can drive an automobile with an automatic transmission. Petitioner can drive 30 minutes to an hour at one time and a total of 2-3 hours in a work day. Petitioner can walk 5-10 minutes at one time and a total of 1-2 hours in a work day. Petitioner can stand 5-10 minutes at one time and a total of 1-2 hours in a work day. Petitioner can sit 2-3 hours at one time and a total of 6-8 hours in a work day. Petitioner can lift/carry/push/pull up to twenty pounds (20 lbs.) occasionally up to 1/3 of a work day. Petitioner cannot lift/carry/push/pull more than twenty pounds (20 lbs.). Petitioner can bend frequently for 1/3 to 2/3 of a work day. Petitioner can twist frequently for 1/3 to 2/3 of a work day. Petitioner cannot stoop or squat. Petitioner can kneel occasionally up to 1/3 of a work day. Petitioner cannot crawl. Petitioner cannot climb stairs or ladders. Petitioner can reach above her shoulder constantly for 2/3 or more of the work day. Petitioner can reach across a desk/counter constantly for 2/3 or more of the work day. Petitioner can reach below her waist constantly for 2/3 or more of the work day. Petitioner can grasp/finger with her left and right hand constantly for 2/3 or more of the work day. Petitioner can operate foot controls frequently and up to 1/3 to 2/3 of a work day. Petitioner's Education and Employment History Petitioner has earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing from Northern Virginia Community College awarded on or about June 9, 1973. From 1973 until her work-related accident on January 24, 1991, Petitioner worked as a registered nurse. Petitioner earned approximately $782.65 weekly and received fringe benefits valued at approximately $41.65 weekly. From 1981 through 1985, Petitioner was employed with Woodbridge Manassas Dialysis Center as a Systems Manager/Charge Nurse. From September 1987 until June 1989, Petitioner was employed as a utilization review specialist with Florida Employers Insurance Service Company earning approximately $23,000 to $27,000 per year. Following her accident, Petitioner returned to work with the Community Dialysis Center at her convenience for 5-6 hours per week earning fourteen dollars ($14.00) per hour from April 15, 1992, until January 31, 1994. At that time, the Community Dialysis Center closed and ceased doing business in Petitioner's area of residence. From September 1994 until May 1996, while pursuing a bachelor of arts degree at the University of South Florida (USF), the Petitioner was employed in a USF work study position, seven to ten hours per week, earning five dollars ($5.00) per hour. Petitioner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida awarded in May 1996. Petitioner's Request for Screening On or about February 7, 1995, the District "M," Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims, Judge Joe Willis, entered an Order approving the Petitioner's settlement with her employer, Community Dialysis, and the carrier, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Petitioner settled her benefits with Liberty Mutual for $75,000, purportedly pursuant to Section 440.491(6)(b), Florida Statutes (1995). Paragraph 8 of the settlement agreement specifically provided: "The Employee shall also retain the right to apply to the Division of Workers' Compensation for appropriate training and education under Section 440.491(6)(a), Florida Statutes " On or about December 21, 1995, Petitioner submitted a request for screening on form DWC-23 to the Respondent. The Respondent conducted a screening and concluded that Petitioner has transferable skills and therefore it was not necessary to refer Petitioner for a vocational evaluation, nor provide training and education, to return Petitioner to suitable gainful employment. On May 16, 1996, the Petitioner filed a Petition for Hearing. The Petition for Hearing advised that the Petitioner had been accepted by the Stetson University College of Law for the Fall 1996 semester and indicated her desire to pursue a career in law with the assistance of the Workers' Compensation Trust Fund. Petitioner's Law Studies On or about August 1996, Petitioner began to study law at the Stetson University College of Law. Petitioner is currently working towards a Juris Doctor degree. Petitioner has completed two semesters at Stetson University College of Law. The program leading to the Juris Doctor degree consists of five semesters and two summer school sessions. Tuition per semester at Stetson University College of Law is nine-thousand-one-hundred-dollars ($9,100.00), and four- thousand-six-hundred-dollars ($4,600.00) for each summer school session. Stetson University College of law is approved by the American Bar Association, the American Association of Law Schools, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Petitioner was prohibited by Stetson University College of Law from working during her first year of law school. Petitioner does not intend to work or look for employment while attending Stetson University College of Law. Petitioner's Employability and Need for Retraining Petitioner is forty-seven years old. Petitioner has transferable skills which would allow her to return to suitable gainful employment in nursing within the physical restrictions resulting from her injury. These skills derive not only from her education (Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences), but also from her work history and previous occupation as a Registered Nurse. The Petitioner does not require additional education at Stetson University College of Law to return to suitable gainful employment. There are nursing positions available within Petitioner's physical restrictions for which Petitioner is qualified. The Petitioner's vocational evaluation and vocational rehabilitation expert, Dr. David Heaston, testified that the Petitioner cannot return to the wages she was earning at the time of her accident without rehabilitation or retraining. Dr. Heaston stated that the maximum salary that the Petitioner could return to without any type of rehabilitation or retraining was approximately $28,000 to $30,000. Dr. Heaston also testified that the Petitioner would be able to work within her physical limitations and restrictions as a sole practicing attorney (or under a similar arrangement so that she could maintain could control over her work environment, conditions, and hours). Dr. Heaston testified that, after receiving a Juris Doctor degree at the Stetson University College of Law, the Petitioner would be able to earn approximately $38,000 to $40,000. But that is far from a certainty. Even assuming that a Juris Doctor from Stetson would enable the Petitioner to earn $38,000 to $40,000 in the sole practice of law, it is not clear that those dollars could be earned immediately; licensure will take a certain amount of time after graduation, and it is reasonable to believe that it would take additional time after licensure to build such a sole practice. It is not clear that the Petitioner would be able to achieve earnings as high as her earnings at the time of her accident more quickly by completing law school and starting a law career than she would by seeking employment in the nursing field at this time and working to earn promotions and raises.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Respondent, the Division of Workers' Compensation, enter a final order denying the Petitioner's request for payment of her expenses incurred in attending the Stetson University College of Law. RECOMMENDED this 23rd day of October, 1997, at Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. J. LAWRENCE JOHNSTON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 23rd day of October, 1997. COPIES FURNISHED: Christopher B. Young, Esquire Riden, Earle and Kiefner, P.A. 100 Second Avenue South Suite 400, North Tower St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Michael G. Moore, Esquire Department of Labor and Employment Security 2012 Capital Circle, Southeast Suite 307, Hartman Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2189 Douglas L. Jamerson, Secretary Department of Labor and Employment Security 303 Hartman Building 2012 Capital Circle, Southeast Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2152 Edward A. Dion, General Counsel Department of Labor and Employment Security 307 Hartman Building 2012 Capital Circle, Southeast Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2152

Florida Laws (3) 440.49440.491440.50
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES vs DANIEL JOSEPH DOAN, 10-008291PL (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Wildwood, Florida Aug. 25, 2010 Number: 10-008291PL Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
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KAREN L. EHLERS vs FLORIDA EMPLOYERS INSURANCE SERVICE GROUP, 92-003782 (1992)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Sarasota, Florida Jun. 24, 1992 Number: 92-003782 Latest Update: Nov. 24, 1993

The Issue Whether Petitioner, Karen L. Ehlers was wrongfully terminated from her position with Respondent, Florida Employers Insurance Service Corporation because of her handicap or perceived handicap in violation of Section 760.10(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

Findings Of Fact Upon consideration of the oral and documentary evidence adduced at the hearing, the following relevant findings of fact are made: FEISCO is a Florida corporation which is in the business of providing insurance-related services to insurance companies, self-insurer funds and self- insured employers, and is an employer as that term is defined in Section 760.02(6), Florida Statutes. FEISCO has a department called Information Services (formerly known as Management Information Services) which is responsible for providing the computer information systems within FEISCO and maintaining the many applications and data bases used by other FEISCO departments. The Petitioner, Karen L. Ehlers, was employed by FEISCO from July 17, 1989, to November 15, 1990, as a computer programmer in the Information Services department. The minimum education requirement for the position of computer programmer was two years' computer science education or equivalent Micro/Mini exposure. Petitioner holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics with an emphasis in computer science. As a computer programmer, Petitioner's job duties included writing computer programs, designed by analysts, using several computer languages and working and communicating with analysts and program users to correct design problems to assure the final program fit the user's needs. At all times during her employment with FEISCO, Petitioner was supervised by Joan Zare, Production Supervisor, Information Services department. Zare was responsible for overseeing Petitioner's training during her probationary period and for all formal evaluations of Petitioner's work. John Keegan, Manager of FEISCO's Information Services department, was Zare's immediate supervisor at all times relevant to this proceeding. Keegan reviewed and approved the written evaluations of Petitioner by Zare, but did not review Petitioner's work. Keegan did not have any direct knowledge of Petitioner's competence, and did not interview either Zare or Petitioner regarding the evaluations. Jim Venza, Director of Information Services for FEISCO, was Keegan's immediate supervisor at all times relevant to this proceeding. Venza had no direct knowledge of Petitioner's work performance. Upon being hired by FEISCO, Petitioner was subject to a ninety-day probationary period. After this probationary period (July 7, 1989 to October 13, 1989), Zare gave Petitioner a positive evaluation which included ratings of "Achieves" in all performance standards. Zare viewed Petitioner's overall performance during her probationary period as satisfactory and recommended Petitioner for full employee status. In January, 1990, Petitioner received a salary adjustment upward from $20,000.00 to $20,500.00 In June, 1990, Petitioner received a congratulatory memorandum and a $50.00 bonus for successfully completing a Property and Liability Insurance course and examination. FEISCO encouraged its employees to take course work to increase their knowledge of insurance and to join Toastmasters, a group organized to help its members improve self-confidence and public speaking skills. Petitioner participated in outsider course work and Toastmasters. On July 4, 1990, Petitioner was diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition did not restrict Petitioner in her job as a computer programmer or effect her work negatively. On July 9, 1990, Petitioner advised Zare that she had chronic fatigue syndrome. On July 17, 1990, Zare gave Petitioner her first annual performance evaluation. Although Petitioner had experienced some problems with her work during the period after her probationary performance evaluation, Zare felt that her job performance in the latter part of the evaluation period indicated that Petitioner had overcome those problems. Zare rated the Petitioner as achieving at or above the standards expected of her in all areas of her job performance. In one area of work Petitioner was rated as "Exceeds". While Zare considered Petitioner as performing satisfactory at the time of her first annual performance evaluation, it was understood between Petitioner and Zare that continued improvement by the Petitioner would be necessary in order for Petitioner to maintain a satisfactory performance rating. On October 15, 1990, Keegan and Bob Burgoon, a program analyst, assigned Petitioner to the extra duty of Problem Manager. The duties of Problem Manager involved reviewing and solving problems with programs which were called in by users, and required being on-call to assist operations during off-hours. The job of Problem Manager had previously been rotated among analysts and not assigned to programmers. However, the job of Problem Manager was assigned to Petitioner because Keegan and Burgoon felt that she could handle the job. On October 16, 1990, Petitioner advised Keegan of her previously diagnosed medical condition, and presented Keegan with a written statement from her doctor recommending that Petitioner restrict herself to a forty-hour week. Petitioner advised Keegan that she still wanted to try the Problem Manager's job. However, Keegan decided not to "second guess" the doctor and removed Petitioner from the Problem Manager duties. There is insufficient evidence to establish facts to show that Keegan at any time, including the meeting with Petitioner on October 15, 1990, advised the Petitioner that her medical condition would adversely affect her job with FEISCO. Petitioner became concerned about her job after the meeting with Keegan on October 15, 1990 and discussed this matter with Frances White in personnel on October 22, 1990. Petitioner also shared these same concerns about her job with Zare on October 23, 1990. At this meeting with Zare there was no reference to Petitioner's job performance by Zare. On this same day, Zare met with Venza and Keegan together and with White individually in regard to Petitioner's concerns. On October 24, 1990, Petitioner met with Zare and White. At this meeting, Zare and Petitioner discussed concerns about Petitioner's job performance. They also discussed Zare's intention to develop a detailed list of skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of the programmer position which would be used to revise the current programmer position description, and would involve a self-assessment by all programmers. The purpose of the self- assessment was to identify the areas in which the programmers felt they needed improvement. After each programmer finished their respective self-assessment, Zare reviewed the self-assessment individually with each programmer. In reviewing Petitioner's self-assessment, Zare concluded that Petitioner had overrated her abilities in several areas. After Zare concluded the review of the individual self-assessments with each programmer, Zare prepared a memorandum of her findings to all programmers. The memorandum outlined a proposed training project that was to be given in conjunction with the individual self-assessment. As with other programmers, Petitioner was assigned a series of projects to be completed as part of this training. As each part of the project was completed, Zare orally evaluated the Petitioner's performance and tested the program and reviewed the coding used by Petitioner. Errors were pointed out to Petitioner and she was given an opportunity to correct the errors. On November 14, 1990, after completion of the entire project, Zare reviewed Petitioner's work and prepared a written appraisal of Petitioner's performance on the project. The written appraisal described Petitioner's shortcomings but also included some positive criticism. Zare concluded that Petitioner's work on the project was below the expected standard. Basically, the written appraisal was contradictory to all performance evaluations previously given to Petitioner by Zare. The programmers, other than Petitioner and Chris Brady, were unable to begin work on the project due to prior work commitments before Zare was transferred to another department. After Zare was transferred this project was terminated. While Zare did verbally counsel Brady about his work, Brady did not receive a written appraisal by Zare before her transfer. Therefore, Petitioner was the only programmer to receive a written appraisal of her work on the project. On November 14, 1990 when Petitioner met with Zare to review Zare's written appraisal of her performance, the Petitioner became upset and defensive. Therefore, Zare suggested that the Petitioner review the appraisal overnight and come back the next day to discuss the appraisal. Petitioner did not return to discuss the appraisal with Zare. Petitioner's failure to return and discuss the appraisal with Zare resulted in Zare concluding that Petitioner was unwilling to accept constructive criticism of her performance. This precluded Zare from working with Petitioner to attain any progress. Therefore, Zare concluded that nothing could be accomplished in attempting to work with Petitioner in the future. Therefore, Zare recommended to Keegan and Venza that Petitioner be terminated. Although Zare considered Petitioner's work performance to be below standards, Zare would not have recommended Petitioner's termination had it not been for Petitioner's very negative reaction and her unwillingness to discuss the appraisal with Zare. Petitioner's employment with FEISCO was involuntarily terminated on November 15, 1990. Between being terminated with FEISCO and being re-employed, Petitioner lost ten weeks of pay at $418.00 per week, an annual bonus equal to one month's pay and other monetary damages in the form of lost medical benefits. Although FEISCO had several employees that suffered a medical condition during times relevant to this proceeding, there was no evidence that FEISCO discriminated against any of these employees because of their medical condition. There was insufficient evidence to establish facts to show that FEISCO discriminated against Petitioner because of her medical condition, chronic fatigue syndrome, when FEISCO terminated Petitioner on November 15, 1990.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is recommended that the Commission enter a Final Order finding that the Petitioner, Karen Ehlers, was not discharged due to her handicap or perceived handicap in violation of Section 760.10, Florida Statutes, and that the Petition For Relief be dismissed. RECOMMENDED this 26th day of May, 1993, at Tallahassee, Florida. WILLIAM R. CAVE 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 26th day of May, 1993. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER, CASE NO. 92-3782 The following constitutes my specific rulings, pursuant to Section 120.59(2), Florida Statutes, on all of the proposed findings of fact submitted by the parties in this case. Petitioner's Proposed Findings of Fact. 1. Proposed Findings of Fact 1 through 31 have been adopted in substance as modified in the Recommended Order, except where they may be subordinate, cumulative, unnecessary, irrelevant, immaterial or a restatement of testimony, with the exception of the second sentence of Proposed Finding of Fact 30 which is rejected as not being supported by competent substantial evidence in the record. Respondent's Proposed Findings of Fact. Proposed Findings of Fact 1 through 18 and 22 through 55 have been adopted in substance as modified in the Recommended Order, except where they may be subordinate, cumulative, unnecessary, irrelevant, immaterial. Proposed Findings of Fact 19 through 21 are rejected as not being supported by competent substantial evidence in the record. COPIES FURNISHED: Snowden S. Mowry, Esquire KANETSKY, MOOR & DEBOER, P. A. Post Office Box 1767 Venice, Florida 34284-1767 David J. Stefany, Esquire HOGG, ALLEN, NORTON & BLUER, P. A. S. Hyde Park Avenue, Suite 350 Tampa, Florida 33606 Sharon Moultry, Clerk Human Relations Commission John Knox Road Building F, Suite 240 Tallahasse, Florida 32303-4149 Dana Baird, General Counsel Human Relations Commission 325 John Knox Road Building F, Suite 240 Tallahassee, Florida 32303-4149

Florida Laws (4) 120.57120.68760.02760.10
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES vs NADER ANTHONY ODEH, 08-005609PL (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Nov. 07, 2008 Number: 08-005609PL Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
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