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DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE vs. ROBERT WILLIAM SNYDER, 75-001425 (1975)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 75-001425 Latest Update: Sep. 16, 1976

The Issue Whether or not the Respondent, Robert William Snyder, obtained his registration as a real estate salesman with the Florida Real Estate Commission by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment, in violation of subsection 475.25(2), Florida Statutes, and operated as a real estate salesman without being a holder of a valid current registration certificate at the time of operating as such, in violation of subsection 475.42(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and for these violations whether the real estate license of Robert William Snyder should be suspended and/or revoked. Whether or not the Respondent, Robert William Snyder, has been guilty of fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, false promises, false pretenses, dishonest dealings, trick, scheme or device, or breach of trust in a business transaction as stated in the Information in violation of subsection 475.25(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and for these violations the real estate license of Robert William Snyder should be suspended for such a violation.

Findings Of Fact On February 9, 1972, the Respondent made application to be registered as a real estate salesman in the State of Florida. (See Petitioner's Exhibit no. 1). The Respondent was subsequently registered a real estate salesman in the State of Florida, and was so registered on March 11, 1975, when he was given a notice of the Information in this cause, as indicated by Petitioner's Exhibit no. 2. On the date of the hearing in this cause, Respondent was still registered as a real estate salesman with the State of Florida. It would appear that the initial registration certificate became effective on June 1972. When responding to Paragraph 18(a) and 18(b) of the application for registration, which is Petitioner's Exhibit no. 1, the Respondent answered those questions in the negative. The statement of questions 18(a) and 18(b) in the application were as follows: "18(a) Have you in this state operated, attempted to operate, or held yourself out as being entitled to operate, as a real estate broker, within one year next prior to the filing of this applica- tion? 18(b) Have you in this state operated, attempted to operate, or held yourself out as being entitled to operate, as a real estate salesman, within one year next prior to the filing of this application, without being the holder of a valid current registration certificate authorizing you to do so?" Prior to the answers to the questions in the form as stated above, discussions of a purchase of real estate in the State Florida had been entered into between the Respondent and his mother, Eleanor C. Russell. The first of these conversations had occurred while returning to the northeastern United States from a vacation trip to Florida. The exact location of that initial discussion is not known; however, the conversation took place in the Fall of 1971. During 1971 Mrs. Russell lived with the Respondent and his wife for a period of six to eight weeks. During that time frame Mrs. Russell entered into a contract for construction, with the Lake Placid Construction Company, Inc.. The terms of this contract are found in Petitioner's Exhibit no. 8. The date of the contract was November 27, 1971. The contract indicated that Lot 2, Block 153, in Unit 12 Placid Lakes, Highland County, Florida, was the contemplated real estate site upon which a duplex home was to be built. The contract was signed by Mrs. Russell and witnessed by Betty Jane Snyder, the Respondent's wife. The contract was subject to financing being obtained. Respondent appeared in the contract as Robert Snyder, a Connecticut broker. The purchase that was considered was a joint venture between the Respondent and his mother, Eleanor C. Russell. The contract was signed by Mrs. Russell because of certain tax advantages, according to the Respondent, and also because the Respondent was not financially able to get a mortgage in his name solely. When an application for mortgage money was applied for in the name of Eleanor C. Russell, this request was turned down. It was turned down based upon the age of the applicant and the Respondent was required to be a co-signer with his mother for the mortgage commitment to go through. On February 29, 1972, the Respondent signed an agreement for deed on the same parcel of land as shown in the contract which is Petitioner's Exhibit no. 1. The terms of the agreement for deed are found in Respondent's Exhibit no. 1. This agreement for deed was supported by a cash down payment from the Respondent, and was signed solely by the Respondent. Eleanor C. Russell had put up money in the amount of $14,000.00 for the purchase of the real estate indicated in the contract of November 27, 1971. The amounts of the checks can be found as part of the attachment to Petitioner's Exhibit no. 3. The purchase of the property was to be effectuated with $14,000 to be paid by Eleanor C. Russell to William Snyder, to be given to the Lake Placid Holding Company, and by funds which the Respondent expected to derive from the sale of the property which he was going to purchase with his mother. The funds were commissions for the sale of the lot according to the contract with the Lake Placid Holding Company, which is Petitioner's Exhibit 9, and also, funds as a commission for the sale of the building itself, which is in accordance with the contract, Petitioner's Exhibit no. 9. The contract was never consummated due to a disagreement between the Respondent and his mother. The $14,000 which the mother had paid to the Respondent has never been reimbursed to the mother and a judgment has been rendered in favor of Eleanor C. Russell, in the amount of $14,000.00. (See Petitioner's Exhibit no. 6). The formal negotiations for the sale of the contract for the benefit of the Respondent and his mother, Eleanor C. Russell, occurred in the State of Florida, as it pertains to the contract which she signed, Petitioner's Exhibit The contracts with the bank for financing, and the agreement for deed, Respondent's Exhibit no. 8, signed by the Respondent were in Florida. On the subject of the commissions which the Respondent intended to claim, he intended to claim those commissions as a Connecticut broker, although the sale would have occurred in Florida. The rationale for claiming the commissions, was that the Respondent was entitled to those commissions for the sale of the property to himself, in the same fashion that he would be entitled to the commissions for sales of property to a client in the State of Connecticut, acting as a Connecticut real estate broker. An indication of the Respondent's perception of his status is supported by the words "Connecticut Broker," found on the aforementioned checks signed by Eleanor C. Russell, the contract signed by Mrs. Russell and the agreement for deed signed by the Respondent. The money which was given to the Respondent by his mother as a part of the purchase of the real estate and home, has been spent by the Respondent for debts and for furniture, none of these items for the benefit of the mother, Eleanor C. Russell.

Recommendation It is recommended that the real estate registration certificate of Robert William Snyder, the Respondent, to be a real estate salesman in the State of Florida be revoked. DONE and ENTERED this 7th day of June, 1976, in Tallahassee, Florida. CHARLES C. ADAMS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Richard J. R. Parkinson, Esquire Associate Counsel Florida Real Estate Commission 2699 Lee Road Winter Park, Florida 32789 Robert William Snyder 2078 Sunset Point Road, Apt. 82 Woodlake Condominiums Clearwater, Florida 33515

Florida Laws (2) 475.25475.42
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DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE vs. ARTHUR ABRAMOWITZ, 77-000152 (1977)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 77-000152 Latest Update: Aug. 24, 1992

Findings Of Fact During times material to the allegations of the administrative complaints filed herein, the Respondents were registered real estate salesmen in the employ of Theodore Dorwin, a registered real estate broker, and at all times material herein, Darwin was the active firm member broker for Intermart, Inc. Raymond Lewis, a salesman employed by Dorwin during the period December, 1975 through mid February, 1976, as a real estate salesman, was initially employed by Florida Landowners Service Bureau. During mid February, 1976, he testified that the name Florida Landowners Service Bureau was changed to Intermart, Inc., and that approximately during this period, he left the employ of Intermart, Inc. He testified that the offices were situated on northwest 79th Street, which consisted of a large room containing six cubicles where salesmen manned the telephones in the cubicles during the hours of approximately 6:00PM through 10:30PM during week days and during the early afternoon and evening hours on weekends. Salesmen were given lead cards which were apparently compiled from the county tax rolls from which a list was given containing out of state landowners. Employees, based on a "pitch" card called out of state land owners to determine their interest in selling their property. He described the procedure as a "front" when an out of state landowner was called to determine interest in selling their land. The "close" procedure was a method whereby those property owners who had displayed some interest in selling their properties were mailed a packet of materials which, among other things, contained a listing agreement. Salespersons were compensated approximately $100 to $125 for each listing secured by an executed listing agreement which in most instances represented approximately one third of the listing fee. During the course of a normal day, salesmen would contact approximately thirty landowners and they would be given estimates of the prospective selling price of their land based on the location of the property and the length of time that the owner had held it. The testimony of Lewis, which is representative of that given by later witnesses including Jeffrey Barker, August Graser, David Cotton and Henry Halar (all salesmen employed by Dorwin) reveals that property owners were called to determine their interest and if interest was noted, follow-up calls would be made after a packet of materials was sent to interested landowners. After a listing arrangement was obtained, salesmen were compensated by payment of an amount representing approximately one-third of the listing fee. In the case of a listing fee obtained by two or more salespersons, the fee (commission) was divided according to the number of salespersons instrumental in obtaining the listing. Each salesman who testified indicated that they made no guarantee that a sale would be consummated within a definite period nor were they familiar, in any particulars, with the brokerage efforts to sell the properties of owners who listed their property with Intermart. Theodore Dorwin, the active firm member broker for Intermart, Inc., was subpoenaed and testified that he had no copies of the records which were subpoenaed showing the operations of Intermart, Inc. In this regard, Raymond Lewis also testified that he had no corporate records respecting Intermart. Both witnesses testified that all corporate records of Intermart had been subpoenaed and were in the custody of the Attorney General for more than one year. Dorwin refused to give any testimony respecting the operational workings of Intermart, Inc., based on fifth amendment self incrimination grounds. The Commission's counsel took the position during the course of the hearing that Mr. Dorwin had waived any and all fifth amendment rights or privileges by virtue of having personally testified in a similar matter before the Florida Real Estate Commission in a proceeding undertaken to revoke or suspend his license as a real estate broker. Having voluntarily taken the stand in that proceeding, the Commission concludes that he is not now entitled to any fifth amendment protections. As evidence of Mr. Dorwin's having voluntarily taken the stand in the prior proceeding, excerpts of the testimony from that proceeding was introduced into evidence. (See FREC Exhibit number 8). Having considered the legal authorities and the arguments of counsel, the undersigned is of the opinion that testimony given by a party in a separate proceeding to which the Respondents were not party to and of which the Respondents had no notice of cannot serve in lieu of evidence on which findings of fact can be based to substantiate allegations pending in the instant case. To do so, would possibly leave open the door for highly prejudicial and damaging testimony to which the Respondents here had no opportunity to rebut, cross examine or otherwise explain, all of which is inherently destructive of their basic rights, fairness and fundamental due process. The cases of Hargis v. FREC 174 So.2d 419 and Vann, 85 So.2d 133 are not deemed inapposite to the conclusion reached here. The fact that the State's Attorney General is currently conducting an investigation into the operations of Intermart makes clear that the possibility of criminal action or other sanctions exist (e.g. tax problems). For these reasons, I conclude that Dorwin's testimony in a prior proceeding, amounts to no waiver of his constitutional privilege. For these reasons, exhibit number 8 will not be considered as evidence herein. Having so concluded, the record is barren of any evidence, hearsay or otherwise, which would tend to establish in a competent and substantial manner, that the Respondents herein had engaged in conduct alleged as violative of Chapter 475.25, Florida Statutes.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is: RECOMMENDED that the administrative complaints filed herein be dismissed in their entirety. RECOMMENDED this 18th day of October, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 530 Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675

Florida Laws (2) 120.57475.25
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. COUNTY LINE SOUTH, INC., D/B/A PINECREST ESTATE, 82-001763 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-001763 Latest Update: Apr. 05, 1983

The Issue Whether respondent violated Section 498.023, Florida Statutes, by offering or disposing of an interest in subdivided lands (Pinecrest Estates) without first registering it or delivering a public offering statement to the purchasers and, if so, what penalty should be assessed or affirmative action ordered.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Division enter an order assessing a $10,000 civil penalty against respondent for its violation of Chapter 498 Florida Statutes; requiring respondent to fully disclose the adverse features of the Pinecrest Estates property to each of its prior purchasers, such disclosure to be accomplished in a manner approved by the Division; requiring respondent to offer and make full refunds to its prior purchasers who desire a refund, such refunds to be made in a manner approved by the Division and conditioned only on reconveyance of the land to the respondent or recission of the agreement for deed; and requiring respondent to record in the official records of St. Johns County, Florida, all outstanding agreements for deeds covering lots belonging to prior purchasers who, after disclosure, choose not to request refunds. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 11th day of January, 1983, 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 11th day of January, 1983.

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE vs. ED RICH, 81-001916 (1981)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 81-001916 Latest Update: Oct. 04, 1982

Findings Of Fact The Respondent, Ed Rich, is a registered real estate salesman, holding license number 0073256. The Petitioner, State of Florida, Department of Professional Regulation, Board of Real Estate is an agency of the State of Florida, having as its duty the regulation of matters pertaining to real estate brokers and salesmen within the state, including regulation of their licensure status. From approximately April 16, 1977, through November 17, 1977, the Respondent participated in a scheme to sell parcels of undeveloped land in Cochran County, Texas. The land was owned by Agriland, Inc. The Respondent acted as a salesman for a "sub-broker" by the name of Irwin Kane and Wintex Realty Corporation, all of Miami, Florida. That entity, with Broker Kane, was involved in the advertising, promotion and sales of these five acre parcels of unimproved west Texas land. The Respondent participated in the scheme by making long distance phone calls to prospective purchasers, attempting to induce them to buy these parcels of land. In this telephone sales campaign, the Respondent used a script prepared for him by Irwin Kane, his broker and employer. That script extolled the virtues of the subject unimproved property in an arid region of Texas, representing, for instance, that the land was possessed of an ideal climate, abundant water supply and rich soil conditions and was ideal agricultural acreage. The land was represented to be "a few miles west" of Lubbock, Texas, when in fact it was 72 miles from Lubbock, Texas, in a region characterized by sand dunes, weeds, poor soil, shifting sand and high winds. It was also represented that in addition to favorable agricultural and climatic conditions, that "the existence of oil in Cochran County should lead to a strong growth pattern and that oil companies were interested in the area surrounding the property." The charges in the Administrative Complaint concern alleged preparation of various written literature containing the subject misrepresentations and the communication by the Respondent of these misrepresentations through placement in the mail. The Respondent, by an indictment filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, was charged with use of the United States mails in a scheme to defraud in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1341 and 1342, as well as the use of wire communication in a scheme to defraud in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343. There is no allegation in the Administrative Complaint herein concerning the commission of any crime involving the use of wire communication in a scheme to defraud. The Administrative Complaint only concerns fraudulent use of the mail. The charges against the Respondent concerning Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1341 and 1342 involving the use of the mails to defraud were dropped, the Respondent ultimately pled nolo contendere on November 17, 1978, to the charge involving a wire communication scheme to defraud in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343, was found guilty, with imposition of a sentence of imprisonment being suspended, with the Respondent placed on probation for three years. The Respondent's testimony was not contradicted and establishes that he had no part in the preparation of any written materials or script which he used in making the telephone conversations representing the above described attributes of the property he was attempting to sell on behalf of his broker. The written "script" which he read from or consulted as he was communicating with prospective purchasers was prepared by his broker or others. The Respondent established that he had no knowledge of the truthfulness or falsity of the representations concerning soil, water, the alleged advantageous location or the interest of oil companies in the adjoining parcels of property. The Respondent did not, however, inquire regarding the truthfulness or veracity of the statements in the script he was ordered to follow in making the telephone calls. The Respondent's uncontradicted testimony establishes that he had no part, however, in preparing any written materials, literature, brochures or written communications of any kind, nor in transmitting such through the mails in an attempt to defraud the prospective purchasers of the land. He made no representations by verbal communication which he knew to be false when he made them. The Respondent has never been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings by the petitioner in the past.

Recommendation Having considered the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, the evidence in the record, the candor and demeanor of the witness and the pleadings and arguments of the parties, it is, therefore RECOMMENDED: That the Administrative Complaint filed herein against Ed Rich be DISMISSED. DONE and ENTERED this 19th day of July, 1982 at Tallahassee, Florida. P. MICHAEL RUFF 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 19th day of July, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael Colodny, Esquire 626 Northeast 124 Street North Miami, Florida 33161 Mr. Ed Rich 1950 South Ocean Drive Hallandale, Florida 33009 Frederick H. Wilsen, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Samuel R. Shorstein, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 C. B. "Joe" Stafford, Executive Director Florida Real Estate Commission P.O. Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802

USC (2) 18 U. S. C. 134118 U.S.C 1343 Florida Laws (1) 475.25
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. FLORIDA CROWN CORPORATION, D/B/A PINECREST ESTATES, 82-001765 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-001765 Latest Update: Apr. 05, 1983

The Issue Whether respondent violated Section 498.023, Florida Statutes, by offering or disposing of an interest in subdivided lands (Pinecrest Estates) without first registering it or delivering a public offering statement to the purchasers and, if so, what penalty should be assessed or affirmative action ordered.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Division enter an order assessing a $10,000 civil penalty against respondent for its violation of Chapter 498 Florida Statutes; requiring respondent to fully disclose the adverse features of the Pinecrest Estates property to each of its prior purchasers, such disclosure to be accomplished in a manner approved by the Division; requiring respondent to offer and make full refunds to its prior purchasers who desire a refund, such refunds to be made in a manner approved by the Division and conditioned only on reconveyance of the land to the respondent or recission of the agreement for deed; and requiring respondent to record in the official records of St. Johns County, Florida, all outstanding agreements for deeds covering lots belonging to prior purchasers who, after disclosure, choose not to request refunds. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 11th day of January, 1983, 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 11th day of January, 1983.

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING vs. SUWANNEE RIVER ECONOMIC COUNCIL, INC., 82-000882 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-000882 Latest Update: Aug. 02, 1982

Findings Of Fact The Petitioner has alleged that the Respondent in Administering grants under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) failed to comply with the applicable rules and regulations. As a result thereof, a total of $6,503 was spent in violation of applicable rules and regulations. The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the Hearing Officer as set out in the Recommended Order are hereby accepted and adopted, except that the undersigned rejects the hearing officer's conclusion of law at paragraph two on page five of the recommended order. The undersigned concludes that according to applicable law the amount of $4,824 charged to the contract on account of the ineligible participant is not an allowable expenditure, and that Respondent is liable for the payment of that sum. It is further found that Respondent did not present adequate evidence to refute the findings of its failure to comply with applicable regulations. WHEREFORE, it is Ordered: That Respondent immediately repay $6,503 spent in violation of applicable regulations. In the event either party disagrees with this determination, an appeal can be filed with Mr. Lawrence Weatherford, Regional Administrator, United States Department of Labor, 1371 Peachtree street, N.W., Room 405, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The provisions pertaining to the appeal process, 20 C.F.R. 676.88 et. seq., are attached hereto. Dated this 27th day of, 1982 in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CHARLES R. RUSSELL, Director Division of Employment and Training COPIES FURNISHED: Frances Jackson Box 70 Live Oak, Florida 32060 Chad Motes Suite 131, Montgomery Building 2562 Executive Center Circle East Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Henry Warren Internal Audit Division of Employment and Training Atkins Building 2562 Executive Center Circle East Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Donald R. Alexander Division of Administrative Hearings 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 ================================================================= AGENCY AMENDED FINAL ORDER ================================================================= STATE OF FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING, Petitioner, vs. CASE NO. 82-882 SUWANNEE RIVER ECONOMIC COUNCIL, INC. Respondent. /

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent repay $1,654 in questioned costs under Contract No. 80ET-86-03-71-17-021. The questioned costs pertaining to Contract No. 79MP- 2U-03-44-17 should be allowed. DONE and ENTERED this 25th day of June, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER 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 June, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Chad J. Motes, Esquire Suite 131-Montgomery Building 2562 Executive Center Circle, East Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Frances Jackson Post Office Box 70 Live Oak, Florida 32060 Wallace E. Orr, Secretary Department of Labor and Employment Security 206 Berkley Building 2562 Executive Center Circle, East Tallahassee, Florida 32301 ================================================================= AGENCY FINAL ORDER ================================================================= STATE OF FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING, Petitioner, vs. CASE NO. 82-882 SUWANNEE RIVER ECONOMIC COUNCIL, INC. Respondent. /

USC (1) 20 CFR 676.88 Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs JERRY GREEN, 96-005314 (1996)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Nov. 08, 1996 Number: 96-005314 Latest Update: Jan. 27, 1999

The Issue The issue in this case is whether Respondent, Jerry Green, acted as a yacht and ship broker as defined in Section 326.022(1), Florida Statutes, without being licensed by Petitioner, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes, as alleged in a Notice to Show Cause entered September 3, 1996.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes (hereinafter referred to as the “Division”), is an agency of the State of Florida. The Division is charged with the responsibility for carrying out the provisions of Chapter 326, Florida Statutes, the Florida Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”). Respondent is Jerry Green. Mr. Green is not licensed by the Division pursuant to the Act as a yacht and ship broker. At all times relevant to this proceeding, Mr. Green was employed at Rick’s on the River (hereinafter referred to as “Rick’s”), in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Green was compensated for his employment at Rick’s by being provided room and board. During 1996 the Division received an anonymous complaint including a copy of an advertisement from a October 13, 1995 edition of a publication known as the “West Florida Boat Trader”. The advertisement indicated it was from Rick’s and included several photographs of boats purportedly for sale at Rick’s. Among other boats listed on the advertisement was the following: 1975 42’POST Full Tuna Tower, Twin Turbo Charge Detroit 671 Out of Town Owner DESPARATE to Sell, $84,500 A similar advertisement was placed in the November 3, 1995 edition of the “West Florida Boat Trader”. Although Mr. Green denied at hearing that he had placed the advertisement, he admitted in his Response to Notice to Show Cause that “between October of 1995 and May of 1996 he advertised a 1975 42’ Post named the ‘Dunn Deal’ . . . .” He also admitted in the Response “that he advertised the 42’ Post at the request of the owner, Richard Dame, who is a personal friend, for the purpose of testing whether there was a market for such a boat and to determine the approximate value of the boat.” It is, therefore, concluded that Mr. Green was responsible for the advertisement. On May 31, 1996, James Courchaine, an investigator for the Division, went to Rick’s. After arriving at Rick’s, Mr. Courchaine met Mr. Green. Mr. Green identified himself as the “dockmaster”. Mr. Courchaine asked about the 42-foot Post and Mr. Green told him that he knew all about the Post and could talk to Mr. Courchaine about it. Mr. Green told Mr. Courchaine the Post belonged to a friend and that he, Mr. Green, could sell it. Mr. Green also indicated the Post was in Key West and that he wasn’t sure if the owner would be bringing it back. Mr. Green also told Mr. Courchaine that the owner was originally asking $84,500.00 for the Post but, that since it had been on the market so long without any interest, he might take between $79,000.00 and $81,000.00 for it. Mr. Courchaine asked Mr. Green whether the amount Mr. Green quoted included Mr. Green’s commission. Mr. Green told Mr. Courchaine that “he would be taken care of.” Mr. Green wasn’t employed as the dock master at Rick’s. Mr. Green lived on the premises and looked after the property, including boats located there. In return, he received room and meals. At the time of the formal hearing Mr. Green testified that he was not employed and that his only source of funds is Social Security. He also testified, however, that he still lives at Rick’s. The evidence failed to prove that Mr. Green has any source of funds other than Social Security. The evidence failed to prove that Mr. Green offered to sell any vessel regulated under the Act except as described in this Recommended Order.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a Final Order be entered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes ordering Jerry Green to cease and desists from acting as an unlicensed broker in violation of the Act and that he pay a civil penalty in the amount of $500.00 within thirty days of the date this matter becomes final.DONE and ORDERED this 28th day of April, 1997, in Tallahassee, Florida. LARRY J. SARTIN 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 28th day of April, 1997. COPIES FURNISHED: Suzanne V. Estrella Senior Attorney Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Paul T. Marks, Esquire Post Office Box 4048 Tampa, Florida 33677 Lynda L. Goodgame General Counsel Department of Business & Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Robert H. Elizey, Jr., Director Department of Business & Professional Regulation Florida Land Sales, Condominium & Mobil Homes 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

Florida Laws (3) 326.002326.004326.006
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