Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that all charges against respondent be DISMISSED. DONE and ENTERED this 16th day of January, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER Hearing Officer Department of Administration Division of Administrative Hearings Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 904/488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of January, 1984. COPIES FURNISHED William W. Tharpe, Jr., Esquire Department of Insurance Larson Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Dock Blanchard, Esquire Post Office Box 24 Ocala, Florida 32678 The Honorable Bill Gunter Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32301 =================================================================
The Issue The issue in this case is whether disciplinary action should be taken against Respondent's contractor's license based upon the alleged violations of Sections 489.129(1)(h) and (m), Florida Statutes, set forth in the Administrative Complaint.
Findings Of Fact Based upon the oral and documentary evidence adduced at the hearing and the entire record in this proceeding, the following findings of fact are made. At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Respondent was licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (the "Board") as a certified general contractor having been issued License No. CG C024612. Respondent has been a licensed contractor since 1983. On May 3, 1991, the Board filed a Final Order in Board Case Nos. 89-009986 and 89-013330 imposing a reprimand against Respondent. The Final Order was issued as part of the settlement of an amended administrative complaint filed against Respondent by Petitioner regarding certain unrelated transactions. Respondent was the qualifying agent for Willie William Construction Company, Inc. until October 1985. At that time, as a result of a corporate name change, Respondent became the qualified agent for Ashar Construction Company. On February 21, 1985, the Unsafe Structures Board of the Building and Zoning Department for Dade County advised Ruby Delancy that a hearing would be conducted on March 12, 1985 to determine whether a one story framed residence that Mrs. Delancy owned at 1005 NW 58th Street in Miami (the "House" or the "Property") should be demolished. The Notice indicated that the structure was "open, vacant, vandalized, filled with combustible materials; posing a serious fire hazard. Structure is a danger to human life and public welfare." The Notice estimated the present value of the building at $16,080 and the estimated cost of repairs at $51,120. The County's records indicate that a Notice of Violation regarding the Property had been issued to the owner on October 31, 1984. Facing imminent demolition of the House, Mrs. Delancy began to investigate possible ways to get the House repaired. She filed an application with the City of Miami for a low income, low interest loan that was funded through Federal HUD Community Development Funds. Her efforts to obtain funding to repair the House, delayed the proceedings that had been initiated to demolish the structure. In September of 1985, the City approved Mrs. Delancy for a grant of $10,000 and loan of $20,000 to repair the House. Mrs. Delancy has no other funds to pay for repairs to the Property other than the $30,000 she was obtaining through the City Program. Under the City's program, Mrs. Delancy was responsible for selecting a contractor. Mrs. Delancy contacted Respondent, who inspected the Property and prepared a construction estimate which was submitted to the City. Respondent entered into a contract (the "Contract") dated September 20, 1985 with Mrs. Delancy for home improvement work on the House. The total contract price was $29,870, which was to be paid in two installments: $10,835 on or before December 31, 1985 and a final payment of $19,035 on or before March 3, 1986. The evidence established that Respondent was initially reluctant to enter into the Contract and at least two other contractors refused to undertake the work given the limited funds available. However, Respondent agreed to take the job because of Mrs. Delancy's insistence and because of Respondent's sympathy for Mrs. Delancy's desperate situation in view of the imminent demolition of the House. The evidence also established that Mrs. Delancy requested Respondent to undertake additional work and/or services that were beyond the scope of the Contract. Among the extra items undertaken by Respondent was replacement of the floor in the family room. Additional expenses were also incurred because of unanticipated problems encountered during the renovation. For example one side of the house gave way during the renovation work. Upon investigation, it was discovered that there was no footing. Respondent was required to shore up that side of the House. In addition, the electrician was unable to get a meter because there was an outstanding electric bill for the Property. Respondent paid the old bill in order to get the meter connected. Similarly, she paid the gas company to get the stove hooked up. It does not appear Respondent received any additional compensation for the extra work. Except for $345 that Respondent paid for utilities on behalf of Mrs. Delancy, the evidence at the hearing was insufficient to place a dollar value on these extra services and expenses. The first installment under the Contract of $10,835 was paid to Respondent on or about December 31, 1985. In approximately January of 1986, Mrs. Delancy's son, Gerald Delancy, who had been living out of the state, returned to Miami and became involved in overseeing the construction on behalf of his mother. Gerald Delancy was not pleased with the quality of the construction and a great deal of tension developed between Gerald Delancy and Respondent. The final payment request form was submitted on February 20, 1986. Mrs. Delancy signed a document (the "Certificate of Completeness") indicating that the work was completed and the final payment was made to Respondent by the City on March 3, 1986. Gerald Delancy was present when his mother signed the Certificate of Completeness. She signed this Certificate against the advice of her son. At the time the document was signed, Respondent agreed in principal to complete any remaining work. The City Inspection Form which was posted on the project fails to indicate that a final inspection approval was obtained from the City. In addition, the evidence established that required roof inspections were not obtained prior to the final structural inspection. Gerald Delancy prepared a punch list of items which he felt were incomplete and submitted it to Respondent. It does not appear that this list was prepared until July of 1986. Because of the dispute between Respondent and Gerald Delancy as to what was required under the Contract, a copy of the punch list was also sent to the City. The punch list prepared by Gerald Delancy included a number of items which were beyond the scope of the Contract. For example, with respect to the plumbing, the complaints included the following: the water pressure was to low on the water line, the kitchen sink was too small, and the bathroom vanity was substandard. The Contract did not provide for a bathroom vanity. There were also complaints about ants and roaches and "missing shower rods and towel racks" even though these items were not specifically included within the Contract between Respondent and Mrs. Delancy. The City sent its estimator to the House to review the punch list items. The City's estimator felt that Respondent should provide another coat of paint and should complete some other minor repair work, but the estimator did not concur in many of Gerald Delancy's complaints. The City's rehabilitation estimator met with Respondent and Gerald Delancy at the House on July 15, 1986. At that meeting, Respondent agreed to correct certain matters and asked for one month to complete the work. On August 1, 1986, the work was not completed and Respondent requested an additional 30 days. On August 13, 1986, Respondent stated that she did not have the money to complete the work. According to the City's estimator, the cost to repair the construction deficiencies he noted would be approximately $2,500 to $3,000 as of the date of the hearing. During this period in August, Respondent did send some workers back to the house to complete some additional work. A dispute arose between those workers and Gerald Delancy. The exact nature and reasons for this dispute are not clear. Ultimately, Gerald Delancy refused to allow the workers to perform any work because he did not feel he received adequate answers to his inquiries as to the nature of the work they intended to perform. After the City refused to concur in all of his complaints, Gerald Delancy hired a building inspection company. He paid that company $534 and it rendered a report dated August 4, 1986 which detailed many other deficiencies in the construction. It is not clear whether this report was ever presented to Respondent. On or about November 3, 1986, Mrs. Delancy, at the urging of her son, filed a lawsuit against Respondent. On or about August 8, 1989, Mrs. Delancy obtained a final default judgement against Respondent in the amount of $65,000 plus costs of $102.50. Respondent claims that she was unaware of the lawsuit and the default final judgement until Petitioner's investigator questioned her about it on September 25, 1990. As of the date of the hearing in this case, Respondent has not appealed the judgement nor has she attempted to have it set aside or vacated. In addition to alleged construction defects, the default judgement included claims against Respondent for allegedly mishandling certain household goods and other property owned by Mrs. Delancy. The evidence presented in this case was confusing and inconclusive as to the nature and justification for these claims by the Delancys for property which Respondent was allegedly storing for Mrs. Delancy. Apparently, Respondent agreed to assist Mrs. Delancy by moving some of the furniture out of the house and placing it in storage during construction. The contract did not require Respondent to provide any moving or storage services and there is no evidence that Respondent was paid for this work. Some or all of the property that was moved out of the house was lost, stolen or destroyed. There is a dispute between the parties as to circumstances surrounding the loss of this property. The evidence presented in this case was insufficient to establish what happened to the property, who was responsible for it and/or how much it was worth. It does appear that the default judgement against Respondent includes a very high assessment for the property involved. However, as noted above, that judgement has not been vacated or appealed.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a Final Order be entered dismissing Count I of the Administrative Complaint, finding the Respondent guilty of having violated Section 489.129(1)(m), Florida Statutes, as alleged in Count II of the Administrative Complaint, and imposing the following disciplinary action against the Respondent: Imposition of an administrative fine of $1,000. Suspension of the Respondent's license for a period of one year, followed by two years probation under such terms as may be imposed by the Board. DONE and ENTERED this 22nd day of August, 1994, at Tallahassee, Florida. J. STEPHEN MENTON 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 22nd day of August, 1994. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER DOAH CASE NO. 93-6438 Only Petitioner submitted a proposed recommended order. The following rulings are made with respect to the proposed findings of fact submitted by Petitioner. The Petitioner's Proposed Findings of Fact Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 1. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 2. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 7 and 8. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 4, 11, and 12. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 3 through 9. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 10. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 14 through 18. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 18. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 16 through 18. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 17. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 20. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 20. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 20. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 20. Rejected as unnecessary. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 21 and 22. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 21. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 22. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 21 and 22. Subordinate to Findings of Fact 21 and 22. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 1. COPIES FURNISHED: Theodore R. Gay, Esquire Dept. of Bus. and Prof. Reg. 401 NW 2nd Ave., Ste N-607 Miami, FL 33128 Agnes Sangster 9925 NW 25th Ave. Miami, FL 33147 Jack McRay Acting General Counsel Dept. of Bus. and Prof. Reg. 1940 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0792 Richard Hickok, Exec. Dir. Construction Industry Licensing 7960 Arlington Expressway, Ste 300 Jacksonville, FL 32211-7467
Findings Of Fact The factual allegations contained in the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment issued on April 1, 2011, and the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued on April 19, 2011, which are fully incorporated herein by reference, are hereby adopted as the Department’s Findings of Fact in this case.
Conclusions THIS PROCEEDING came on for final agency action and Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida, or his designee, having considered the record in this case, including the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment, and the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, and being otherwise fully advised in the premises, hereby finds that: 1. On April 1, 2011, the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation (hereinafter “Department”) issued a Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment in Division of Workers’ Compensation Case No. 11-110-1A to LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC. The Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment included a Notice of Rights wherein LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC was advised that any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment must be filed within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment in accordance with Section 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes. 2. On April 1, 2011, the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment was personally served on LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC. A copy of the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by reference. 3. On April 19, 2011, the Department issued an Amended Order of Penalty Assessment in Division of Workers’ Compensation Case No. 11-110-1A to LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC. The Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a total penalty of $12,985.36 against LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC. 4. On April 29, 2011, the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment was. personally served on LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC. A copy of the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit B” and incorporated herein by reference. 5. LYNDA AGUAYO, DBA, LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC., A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION AND LA FRAMING CONTRACTOR, INC failed to answer the Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment and the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment or request a proceeding in accordance with Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact 12. The factual allegations contained in the Order of Penalty Assessment issued on February 1, 2010, the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued on March 18, 2010, the 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued on September 28, 2010, and the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued on December 28, 2010, attached as “Exhibit A”, “Exhibit B”, “Exhibit D“, and “Exhibit F”, respectively, and fully incorporated herein by reference, are hereby adopted as the Department’s Findings of Fact in this case.
Conclusions THIS PROCEEDING came on for final agency action and Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida, or his designee, having considered the record in this case, including the request for administrative hearing received from Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc., the Order of Penalty Assessment, the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, the 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, and the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, and being otherwise fully advised in the premises, hereby finds that: 1. On February 1, 2010, the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation (hereinafter “Department”), issued an Order of Penalty Assessment in Division of Workers’ Compensation Case No. 09-360-D3-OPA to Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a total penalty of $26,455.55 against Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. for its failure to secure workers’ compensation for its employees as required by Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. The Order of Penalty Assessment included a Notice of Rights wherein Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. was advised that any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the Order of Penalty Assessment must be filed within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the Order of Penalty Assessment in accordance with Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and must conform to Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. 2. On February 4, 2010, the Order of Penalty Assessment was served on Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. by certified mail. A copy of the Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by reference. 3. On March 18, 2010, the Department issued an Amended Order of Penalty Assessment to Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a total penalty of $12,368.81 against Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The Amended Order of Penalty Assessment included a Notice of Rights wherein Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. was advised that any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment must be filed within twenty- one (21) days of receipt of the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment in accordance with Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and must conform to Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. 4. On March 24, 2010, the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment was served on Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. by certified mail. A copy of the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit B” and incorporated herein by reference. 5. On April 14, 2010, Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. filed a request for an administrative hearing (“Petition”) with the Department, which was forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings and assigned DOAH Case No. 10-6375. A copy of the Petition is attached hereto as “Exhibit C”. 6. On September 28, 2010, the Department issued a 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment to Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a total penalty of $10,169.99 against Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. 7. On September 29, 2010, the Department filed a Motion to Amend Order of Penalty Assessment with the attached 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment with the Division of Administrative Hearings in DOAH Case No. 10-6375. On December 23, 2010, Administrative Law Judge B. J. Staros entered an Order granting the Department’s Motion to Amend. A copy of the 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit D” and incorporated herein by reference. 8. On December 28, 2010, the Department issued a 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment to Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a total penalty of $10,037.97 against Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. 9. On December 28, 2010, after receiving written notification from Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. that it did not wish to proceed to an administrative hearing in this matter, the Department filed a Joint Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction in DOAH Case No. 10-6375. As a result, Administrative Law Judge B. J. Staros entered an Order Closing File, relinquishing Jurisdiction of this matter to the Department. A copy of the Order Closing File is attached hereto as “Exhibit E”, 10. OnJanuary 13, 2011, the Department and Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. entered into a Settlement Agreement wherein Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. agreed to pay the Department the penalty assessed in the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment in the amount of $10,037.97. 11. On January 27, 2011, the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment was served by certified mail on Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. The 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment included a Notice of Rights wherein Wine Warehouse of St. Petersburg, Inc. was advised that any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment must be filed within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment in accordance with Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and must conform to Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. A copy of the 3rd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment is attached hereto as “Exhibit F” and incorporated herein by reference.
Conclusions THIS MATTER came before the Construction Industry Licensing Board (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 420.57(2), Florida Statutes, on April 10, 2008, in Indialantic, Florida, for consideration of the Administrative Complaint (attached hereto as Exhibit A), in the above styled case. Petitioner has filed a Motion for Final Order. Petitioner was represented by Jeff Kelly, Esquire. Respondent was present. Upon consideration, the Board FINDS: 1. The Petitioner’s Motion is granted. 2. The material facts are not in dispute. 3. The allegations of fact set forth in the Administrative Complaint are approved, adopted, and incorporated herein by reference as the Board's Findings of Fact. 4. The conclusions of law alleged and set forth in the Administrative Complaint are approved, adopted, and incorporated herein by reference as the conclusions of law of (A) Respondent is required to appear before the Probation Committee of the Board at such times as directed by the Board Office, approximately every six (6) months. Respondent's first probationary appearance requires a full day attendance at the Board meeting. In connection with each probation appearance, Respondent shall answer questions under oath. In addition, Respondent shall provide such other information or documentation as is requested by either the Petitioner, Department, the Board or the Probation Committee. Respondent shall forward said documentation to the Board:at least - 30 days in advance of the probation appearance or as otherwise directed. for 4 -(B) The burden shall be solely upon’ Respondent to remember the requirement for - said appearance and to take the necessary steps in advance of said appearance to contact the Board office and ascertain the specific time, date, and place of said appearance. Respondent shall not rely on notice of said appearance from the Board or the Department. (C) Should Respondent violate any condition of the probation, it shall be considered a violation of Section 489.129(1)(i), Florida Statutes, and shall result in further disciplinary action by the Board. (D) Should the Respondent fail to make a satisfactory appearance as determined by the Board, the term of the probationary period shall automatically be extended by six (6) months. If there occurs a second such failure then the term of probationary period will be extended an additional year. Should the Board determine a third failure of the Respondent to make a satisfactory appearance, the stay of suspension of the Respondent's license to practice contracting shall be lifted and the license shall remain in suspended status unless and until a further stay is granted by the Board. (E) Should Respondent's license to practice contracting be suspended or otherwise placed on inactive status, the probation period shall be tolled during the period of the suspension or inactivity and shall resume running at the time the suspension is stayed or Respondent reactivates the license and Respondent shall serve the time remaining on the term of probation. . (F) To ensure successful completion of probation, Respondent's license to practice contracting shall be suspended for the period of probation, with the suspension stayed for the period of:probation. ‘The time-of the suspension and ‘the stay shall run concurrently” ~~ --with the period of probation. If Respondent-successfully completes probation, the’ »- - suspension shall terminate.’ If Respondent fails to comply with the requirements set forth in the Final Order imposed in this ‘case, or fails to make satisfactory appearances as determined by the Board, the stay shall be lifted. Once the stay is lifted, the license shall remain in suspended status unless and until a further stay is granted by the Board. 5. In addition, Respondent shall complete seven (7) additional credit hours of continuing education which must be related specifically to Chapter 489 and related rules, within this renewal period. The seven (7) hours ordered shail be in addition to the continuing education required by Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C. Proof of the seven (7) additional hours must be supplied directly to Executive Director of the Construction Industry Licensing Board at 1940 N. Monroe Street MS# N14, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1039. Failure to provide such proof direct to the Executive Director will result in a violation of this Order. 6. Achangein licensure status, including the suspension, revocation, voluntary relinquishment, or involuntary relinquishment of license does not relieve Respondent of the obligation to pay any fines, costs, interest or restitution imposed in this Order. This Final Order shall become effective upon filing with the Clerk of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. DONE AND ORDERED this O; day of oe , 2008. RAYMOND R. HOLLOWAY, Chair Construction Industry Licensing Board
The Issue At issue in this proceeding is whether Respondent committed the offenses set forth in the Amended Administrative Complaint and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact The licensee At all times material hereto, Respondent, Jill Sousa Barker, was licensed by Petitioner, Department of Insurance (Department), as a general lines agent. Such licensure dates to May 10, 1993, and, but for the pending action, Respondent has suffered no other complaint or disciplinary action. The violations On February 11, 1997, an Information was filed in the Circuit Court, Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Lee County, Florida, Case No. 97-0058CF, charging Respondent with two counts of trafficking in cocaine (28 grams or more), contrary to Section 893.135(1)(b), Florida Statutes, and one count of sale or delivery of cocaine, contrary to Section 893.13(1)(a), Florida Statutes. Specifically, the Information alleged that: Count 1 [Respondent] did unlawfully and knowingly sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance, to-wit: 28 grams or more of cocaine or of any mixture containing cocaine, on or about November 7, 1996 Count 2 [Respondent] did unlawfully and knowingly have in her actual or constructive possession, a controlled substance, to-wit: 28 grams or more of cocaine or of any mixture containing cocaine, on or about January 8, 1997 Count 3 [Respondent] did unlawfully sell or deliver a controlled substance, to-wit: cocaine, on or about December 18, 1996 The offenses alleged in Counts 1 and 2 constituted the commission of a felony of the first degree, and the offense alleged in Count 3 constituted the commission of a felony of the second degree. On September 3, 1997, Respondent entered a plea of nolo contendere to Count 3, as charged, and a plea of nolo contendere to the lesser included offense (Counts 1 and 2) of sale and delivery of cocaine (contrary to Section 893.13(1)(a), Florida Statutes), a second degree felony.1 The court entered an order withholding adjudication of guilt on each count, placed Respondent on probation for a period of four years under the supervision of the Department of Corrections (with early termination after two years if in compliance with all terms and conditions imposed), and assessed a fine and costs totaling $561. Respondent successfully completed her probation within one year, and was granted early termination by the court on June 15, 1998. At no time did Respondent inform the Department in writing of having pled nolo contendere to the aforesaid felonies.2 Aggravating and mitigating factors Here, the seriousness of Respondent's criminal acts cannot be gainsaid, nor may they be casually dismissed (as counsel suggests in Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order at page 2) as "part of a sting operation and as such . . . a 'victimless' act." Rather, Respondent acted as a middleman on three occasions, purchased cocaine (up to one ounce) for a dealer (a "person involved in the regular purchase and sale of . . . cocaine") who she believed was otherwise unable to acquire the product, and for which service she was paid a fee ($300 to $500 for the one ounce transaction). That the cocaine was not sold or further distributed, since the dealer was (unbeknownst to Respondent) operating under cover as an informant for the police department, does not render the crime less offensive. Notwithstanding, Respondent has suffered and paid a criminal penalty for her conduct and has demonstrated, based on objective evidence of right conduct, that she is truly remorseful for her actions and that she is worthy of holding a position of trust and confidence. Consequently, although suspension may be mandatory for a violation of Subsection 626.611(14), Florida Statutes, as discussed infra, it will serve no useful purpose. Therefore, any suspension should be de minimus. In reaching the foregoing conclusion, it is observed that, while serious, the isolated events which gave rise to the criminal charges filed against Respondent do not fairly reflect her character. Rather, history reveals that Respondent, age 34 at the time of hearing (date of birth September 17, 1964), has been gainfully employed (at various times, in various capacities) in the insurance industry since age 18, and that she suffered a brief, abusive marriage in the late 1980s, which resulted in the birth of a son, Trent. When Trent was 10 months of age, Respondent left her abusive husband, and moved (from Miami, Florida) to North Carolina to reside with her sister. There, Respondent successfully gained licensure as a property and casualty agent, as well as a life and health agent, and was employed by State Farm. Respondent was then, and continues to be, the primary support for herself and her son, and she enjoys little or no assistance from her former husband. Respondent remained in North Carolina approximately two years, and then returned to Miami, Florida, where she was employed by the Simons and Rose Insurance Agency. Following Hurricane Andrew (August 24, 1992), and the loss of all her possessions, she moved to Fort Meyers, Florida, to reside with her brother. There, Respondent successfully completed the 240-hour course and examination to qualify for licensure in Florida, and on May 10, 1993, was licensed as a general lines agent. Following licensure, Respondent was employed by AAA Insurance for two and one-half years, and thereafter by Tim Shaw Insurance Group, Inc. Respondent was, and continues to be, a model employee, a heavy producer, and is highly regarded among those who know of her. Apart from her continued employment, and support and participation in her son's activities (school, karate, hockey, baseball, and Cub Scouts), Respondent has, since the incidents in question, also committed to regular attendance at Lighthouse Baptist Church. There she has also taught vacation bible school, and has sat as a member of the building committee, as well as the finance committee. Moreover, Respondent has continued to attend night school at Edison Community College, and expects to receive an associate degree (A.S.) in computer programming on December 10, 1999. In all, Respondent has evidenced admirable traits, including resilience, tenacity, and character, which should not be overlooked or ignored because of the isolated incident in question. Given those traits, as well as her evident remorse, there is no reason to believe Respondent would engage in any further misconduct. Moreover, Respondent is painfully aware that, absent licensure, she would lose the means to support her family, and would most likely lose her home and the opportunity to complete her college program.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be rendered which finds the Respondent guilty of violating the provisions of Subsections 626.611(14) and 626.621(8), Florida Statutes, as alleged in Count I of the Amended Administrative Complaint, and guilty of violating the provisions of Subsection 626.621(11), Florida Statutes, as alleged in Count II of the Amended Administrative Complaint. All charges that Respondent's conduct also violated the provisions of Subsections 626.611(1), (7), or (13), and 626.621(2), Florida Statutes, should be dismissed. It is further RECOMMENDED that, as a penalty for such violations, Respondent's license be suspended for one day, followed by a one-year term of probation. DONE AND ENTERED this 9th day of September, 1999, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM J. KENDRICK 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 9th day of September, 1999.
The Issue This is a license discipline proceeding in which the Petitioner seeks to take disciplinary action against the Respondent on the basis of alleged violations of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Specifically, the Respondent has been charged in a three-count Administrative Complaint with violations of paragraphs (e), (h) and (m) of Section 489.129(1), Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact Respondent is, and has been at all times material hereto, a licensed Certified General Contractor, having been issued license number CG C046109, by the State of Florida. At all times material hereto, the Respondent was the qualifying agent for Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc. On November 2, 1990, the Respondent, doing business as Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., contracted with New Life Presbyterian Church for the construction of a church at 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for the price of Two Hundred and Ninety Four Thousand dollars ($294,000.00). New Life Presbyterian Church paid Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., One Hundred and Four Thousand dollars ($104,000.00) toward the contract price. The Respondent constructed a foundation and two exterior concrete block walls with tie beams, and then abandoned the project without just cause or notice to the owner during or near March of 1991. The work performed by the Respondent amounted to approximately ten or fifteen percent of the total work to be performed under the contract. The amount of money the Respondent received from the New Life Presbyterian Church amounted to approximately thirty-five percent of the full price to be paid under the contract. On May 17, 1991, a lien in the amount of One Thousand Eighty Nine dollars and Seven cents ($1,089.07) was filed against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, the property known as New Life Presbyterian Church, for building materials furnished by Nachon Enterprises, Inc., in accordance with a contract between Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., and Nachon Enterprises, Inc. The Respondent failed to remove said lien and the New Life Presbyterian Church paid Nachon Enterprises, Inc., to satisfy said lien. On April 19, 1991, a lien in the amount of Ten Thousand One Hundred Eighty Four dollars and Fourteen cents ($10,184.14) was filed by Southeastern Municipal Supply, a Division of Clayton Group, Inc., against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for plumbing materials furnished in accordance with a contract with Downrite Engineering. On April 19, 1991, a lien in the amount of One Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty One dollars and Thirty Six cents ($1,861.36) was filed by PreCon Products, a Division of Clayton Group, Inc., against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for plumbing materials furnished in accordance with a contract with Downrite Engineering. The Respondent failed to remove the liens filed by Southeastern Municipal Supply and PreCon Products, a Division of Clayton Group, Inc., and New Life Presbyterian Church paid both liens. Downrite Engineering was a subcontractor of Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., in the construction of the New Life Presbyterian Church, and the materials furnished to the New Life Presbyterian Church by Southeastern Municipal Supply and PreCon Products, both Divisions of Clayton Group, Inc., were furnished in accordance with Respondent's instructions. On May 17, 1991, a lien in the amount of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Four dollars and Ninety One cents ($4,794.91) was filed by Standard Concrete Corporation against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for concrete furnished in accordance with a contract between Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., and Standard Concrete Corporation. On February 1, 1991, a lien in the amount of Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine dollars and Eighty Four cents ($4,999.84) was filed by Central Concrete Supermix, Inc., against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for concrete furnished in accordance with a contract between Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., and Central Concrete Supermix, Inc. The Respondent failed to remove the lien filed by Central Concrete Supermix, Inc., and the New Life Presbyterian Church paid Four Thousand dollars ($4,000.00) in satisfaction of the lien. On February 22, 1991, a lien in the amount of Two Thousand One Hundred Twelve dollars ($2,112.00) was filed by Del Amo Plumbing, Inc., against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for plumbing materials and labor furnished in accordance with a contract between Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., and Del Amo Plumbing, Inc. The Respondent failed to remove the lien filed by Del Amo Plumbing, Inc. On April 10, 1991, a lien in the amount of Two Thousand Two Hundred and Fourteen dollars and Ninety Three cents ($2,214.93) was filed by Austin Tupler Trucking, Inc., against 7355 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33155, for trucking and related services furnished in accordance with a contract between Downrite Engineering and Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc. The Respondent failed to remove the lien filed by Austin Tupler Trucking, Inc., and the New Life Presbyterian Church paid to satisfy the lien. Downrite Engineering was a subcontractor of Florida Hi-Tech Construction, Inc., in the construction of the New Life Presbyterian Church, and the materials furnished to the New Life Presbyterian Church, by Austin Tupler Trucking, Inc., were furnished in accordance with the Respondent's instructions. New Life Presbyterian Church overpaid the Respondent by approximately Sixty Five Thousand Seven Hundred and Five dollars ($65,705.00). The New Life Presbyterian Church suffered financial harm as a result of the Respondent's activities. The Respondent obtained money draws from the New Life Presbyterian Church in a manner that did not conform to the contract requirements. The Respondent hired Joe Al Electric, Inc., to perform electrical work on the New Life Presbyterian Church. Joe Al Electric, Inc., was not a licensed entity pursuant to Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. The Respondent failed to ensure that Joe Al Electric, Inc., was an entity licensed to practice electrical contracting in the State of Florida. The Respondent assisted Joe Al Electric, Inc., in the uncertified and unregistered practice of contracting. The Respondent was previously found guilty of violations of paragraphs (k), (h), and (m) of Section 489.129(1), Florida Statutes, in a Final Order issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board on May 13, 1994, in DBPR Case No. 92-14332. As of the date on which it submitted its proposed recommended order, the Petitioner had incurred costs associated with the investigation and prosecution of this case of at least Eight Thousand Three Hundred Six dollars and Sixty Two cents ($8,306.62).
Recommendation On the basis of all the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that the Construction Industry Licensing Board issue a Final Order in this case to the following effect: Concluding that the Respondent is guilty of the violations charged in all three counts of the Administrative Complaint; and Imposing the following penalties for the violations alleged in Counts I and II of the Administrative Complaint: (a) administrative fines totaling Ten Thousand dollars ($10,000.00) (a $5,000.00 fine for each of the two counts); and (b) revocation of the Respondent's license. DONE AND ENTERED this 26th day of April 1995 in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. MICHAEL M. 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 26th day of April 1995 COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Senior Attorney Department of Business and Professional Regulation Suite 60 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0792 Mr. Gonzalo Ardavin 6120 East Territorial Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85718 Richard Hickok, Executive Director Construction Industry Licensing Board 7960 Arlington Expressway, Suite 300 Jacksonville, Florida 32211-7467 Linda Goodgame, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
