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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs MAD DOG MARKETING GROUP, INC., 13-003217 (2013)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tangerine, Florida Aug. 22, 2013 Number: 13-003217 Latest Update: Mar. 19, 2015

The Issue The issue is whether the Stop-Work Order and the Third Amended Order of Penalty Assessment entered by Petitioner on July 25, 2013, and August 13, 2013, respectively, should be upheld.

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the requirement of section 440.107(3), Florida Statutes, that employers in Florida secure the payment of workers' compensation for their employees. Respondent, Mad Dog Marketing Group, Inc., is a corporation organized under chapter 607, Florida Statutes, and was registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, throughout the period of July 26, 2010, to July 25, 2013. At all times relevant to this proceeding, Respondent was engaged in the operation of a hardware store business with three locations in Florida. On July 25, 2013, based upon an anonymous referral, Tracey Gilbert, the Department's compliance investigator, commenced a workers' compensation compliance investigation of Respondent by visiting the job site, an appliance parts store at 730 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida, and interviewing Sharon Belcher. According to Ms. Gilbert, Ms. Belcher informed her that she had 11 employees at the time of the site visit and that she did not have workers' compensation coverage for them. Ms. Belcher showed Ms. Gilbert an application for workers' compensation insurance and said she had not taken action with it since the company wanted a $10,000 premium. She also showed Ms. Gilbert some OSHA and workplace posters, but not the typical "broken arm poster" that describes workers' compensation coverage for a place of business. Ms. Belcher then gave Ms. Gilbert a list of Respondent's 11 current employees. On her laptop computer, Ms. Gilbert consulted the Department's Coverage and Compliance Automated System (CCAS) database to determine whether Respondent had secured workers' compensation coverage or an exemption from the requirements for coverage for its employees. CCAS is the database Ms. Gilbert routinely consults during the course of her investigations. She determined from CCAS that Respondent neither had workers' compensation coverage for her employees nor had received an exemption from such coverage from the Department. Ms. Belcher's recollection of her meeting with Ms. Gilbert differs from Ms. Gilbert's. Ms. Belcher recalled that she had applied for insurance with ADP on July 11, 2013, received the "broken arm poster," and believed she was covered at the time Ms. Belcher conducted her investigation. She offered an exhibit showing photographs of posters (but not the "broken arm poster") on the office bulletin board. She also offered an exhibit she testified was the UPS label from the tube containing the "broken arm poster." No photograph of the "broken arm poster" was produced as an exhibit. Ms. Gilbert did not contact ADP to verify whether Respondent had coverage on the date of her site visit to the Brandon store. Ms. Gilbert issued a Stop-Work Order to Respondent and a concurrent Request for Production of Business Records for Penalty Assessment Calculation at 11:20 a.m. on July 25, 2013. Ms. Belcher first submitted an application for workers' compensation coverage on July 11, 2013, but coverage was not bound on that date. Ms. Belcher submitted the paperwork to bind her insurance coverage on the afternoon of July 25, 2013, according to Mark Cristillo, an employee of ADP Insurance. Mr. Cristillo testified that he had made several attempts during the month of July 2013 to obtain the signed documents from Ms. Belcher, including an attempt as late as July 23, 2013, at 11:45 a.m. Ms. Belcher told Mr. Cristillo at that time that she had not reviewed the quote package. At 11:20 a.m., the time Ms. Gilbert's issued the Stop-Work Order on July 25, 2013, Ms. Belcher had not bound her insurance coverage. When she submitted the payment with the signed documents to ADP later that afternoon, the coverage was bound effective 12:01 a.m. on July 25, 2013. The records produced by Ms. Belcher were given to Chad Mason, one of the Department's penalty auditors, to calculate the penalty. He reviewed the records and determined the amount of gross payroll paid to Respondent's employees during the three- year penalty period preceding the investigation during which Respondent was not in compliance with the workers' compensation coverage requirements. Using Respondent's bi-weekly payroll chart, Respondent's Florida Department of Revenue UCT-6 reports, and the classification codes for each employee, Mr. Mason calculated a Third Amended Order of Penalty Assessment of $42,251.43, based upon what Respondent would have paid in workers' compensation premiums had it been in compliance with Florida's Workers' Compensation Law. The order was issued on October 24, 2013. Mr. Mason determined that the appropriate codes for Respondent's employees were 8010 and 8810, which are hardware store employees and general clerical employees, respectively. These codes were derived from the Scopes Manual, which lists all of the various jobs that may be performed in the context of workers' compensation. The manual is produced by NCCI, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc., the nation's most authoritative data collecting and disseminating organization for workers' compensation. The parties stipulated prior to hearing that all of the individuals listed on the penalty worksheet of the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment were "employees" in the state of Florida of Respondent during the periods of non-compliance listed on the penalty worksheets. However, Respondent claimed that some of the employees were out-of-state and not subject to Florida law. Ms. Belcher testified that, as of July 25, 2013, three of its employees, Fred Hasselman, Douglas Strickland, and Josh Hyers, were employees of the Tennessee store and not subject to a Florida penalty. Mr. Hyers was a Florida employee prior to July 1, according to Ms. Belcher. However, all three of the employees were listed on the Florida Department of Revenue's UCT-6 form for the time period of the non-compliance. The UCT-6 form lists those employees who are subject to Florida's Unemployment Compensation Law. Mr. Mason reasonably relied upon the UCT-6 filings for the relevant time period to calculate Respondent's gross payroll in Florida. No evidence was produced to show them listed as Tennessee employees on that state's comparable tax form or any official document from outside Florida. The logical assumption is that they are Florida employees under the law. Accepting all the employees disclosed by Respondent as Florida employees led Mr. Mason to make his calculations of the penalty assessment using the appropriate codes from the Scopes Manual for hardware store and general clerical workers, 8010 and 8810. All the named employees on the Third Amended Order of Penalty Assessment were paid by Respondent in the amounts indicated on the penalty worksheet that accompanies that assessment during the penalty period of July 26, 2010, through July 25, 2013. Even though small discrepancies came up at the hearing regarding the classifications of some of Respondent's employees, the parties had stipulated to the accuracy of the classifications of those employees so those numbers will be accepted for purposes of this decision. Based upon the testimony at the hearing and the pre-hearing stipulations of the parties, the penalty assessment in the amount of $42,251.43 is accurate. Mr. Mason correctly applied the methodology for determining the amount of coverage required, determining that the appropriate premium for the three- year period would have been $28,167.50. When multiplied by the factor used to calculate the penalty, 1.5 times the premium, the total amount due is $42,251.43. The Department has proven by clear and convincing evidence that at the time the Stop-Work Order was issued and served on Respondent on the morning of July 25, 2013, Respondent had not secured workers' compensation coverage for its employees as required by chapter 440. On two occasions, August 2 and August 21, 2013, Ms. Gilbert returned to Respondent's Brandon location after the Stop-Work Order had been issued. The first was to serve the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment and the second was to serve the Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment. On both occasions, the business was open in violation of the Stop-Work Order. A business under a Stop-Work Order may elect to enter into a payment plan after a ten percent down payment to keep the business open while a challenge to DOAH is under way. Respondent had not entered into such a plan. Therefore, the Department seeks $1,000 penalty for each of the days Ms. Gilbert visited the Brandon store and saw it open for business. This total additional penalty of $2,000 could have been greater had the Department further investigated whether the business remained open on other days after the Stop-Work Order had been imposed.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department issue a final order upholding the Stop-Work Order and Third Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, and assess a penalty in the amount of $42,251.43. It is further RECOMMENDED that the Department fine Respondent an additional $1,000 per day for the two days Respondent did not comply with the Stop-Work Order, resulting in a total penalty of $44,251.43. DONE AND ENTERED this 20th day of December, 2013, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S ROBERT S. COHEN Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of December, 2013. COPIES FURNISHED: Trevor S. Suter, Esquire Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Kristian Eiler Dunn, Esquire Dickens and Dunn, P.L. 517 East College Avenue Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Julie Jones, CP, FRP, Agency Clerk Division of Legal Services Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390

Florida Laws (9) 120.569120.57120.68440.02440.05440.10440.107440.3857.105 Florida Administrative Code (1) 28-106.2015
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs WILLIAM F. FURR, 06-003639 (2006)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Jacksonville, Florida Sep. 21, 2006 Number: 06-003639 Latest Update: May 29, 2007

The Issue Whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers' Compensation's (Department's) Stop Work Order and Second Amended Penalty Assessment and if so, what penalty should be imposed?

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency charged with enforcement of the laws related to workers' compensation pursuant to Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. On August 15, 2006, Katina Johnson, a workers' compensation compliance investigator for the Division, observed two men painting the exterior of a home at 318 First Street, in Jacksonville. The two men were identified as William Furr and his son, Corey Furr. Upon inquiry, Mr. Furr stated that he held a lifetime exemption from workers' compensation requirements. He provided to Ms. Johnson a copy of his exemption card, which was issued April 30, 1995, in the name of Arby's Painting & Decorating. The exemption card had no apparent expiration date. 4. In 1998, Sections 440.05(3) and 440.05(6), Florida Statutes, were amended, effective January 1, 1999, to limit the duration of construction workers' compensation exemptions to a period of two years. Express language in the amended statute provided that previously held "lifetime exemptions" from workers' compensation requirements would expire on the last day of the birth month of the exemption holder in the year 1999. Ms. Johnson researched Respondent's status on the Department's Compliance and Coverage System (CCAS) database that contains all workers compensation insurance policy information from the carrier to an insured, and determined that Respondent did not have a State of Florida workers' compensation insurance policy. The CCAS database indicated that Respondent previously held an exemption as a partner for Arby's Painting and Decorating, and that the exemption expired December 31, 1999. Ms. Johnson also checked the National Council on Compensation Insurance ("NCCI") database which confirmed that Respondent did not have a current workers' compensation insurance policy in the State of Florida. After conferring with her supervisor, Ms. Johnson issued a Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment to Respondent on August 15, 2006. She also made a request for business records for the purpose of calculating a penalty for lack of coverage. Respondent submitted a written payroll record for his son, Corey Furr, along with a summary of what Respondent had earned on various jobs he performed from 2004 through 2006 and a Miscellaneous Income Tax Form 1099 for himself. On August 30, 2006, he also provided to the Department a copy of his occupational license with the City of Jacksonville. Based on the financial records supplied by Respondent, Ms. Johnson calculated a penalty for a single day, August 15, 2006, for Corey Furr. She calculated a penalty from January 1, 2005, through August 15, 2006, for William Furr. Ms. Johnson assigned a class code to the type of work performed by Respondent using the SCOPES Manual, multiplied the class code's assigned approved manual rate with the payroll per one hundred dollars, and then multiplied the result by 1.5. The Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a penalty of $5,296.37. A Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment was issued November 1, 2006, with a penalty of $5,592.95. This Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment was issued because Ms. Johnson used the incorrect period of violation for Respondent when she initially calculated the penalty. On August 25, 2006, Respondent entered into a Payment Agreement Schedule for periodic payment of the penalty, and was issued an Order of Conditional Release from Stop-Work Order by the Department. Respondent paid ten percent of the assessed penalty, provided proof of compliance with Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, by forming a new company and securing workers' compensation exemptions for both himself and his son, Corey Furr, and agreed to pay the remaining penalty in sixty equal monthly payments. Respondent claims that he was not aware of the change in the law and continued to operate under the belief that his "lifetime exemption" remained valid. Although under no statutory obligation to do so, the Department sent a form letter to persons on record as holding exemptions to inform them of the change in the law and the process to be followed to obtain a new exemption.

Recommendation Upon consideration of the facts found and conclusions of law reached, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Division of Workers' Compensation enter a Final Order affirming the Stop Work Order issued August 15, 2006, and the Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued to Respondent on November 1, 2006. DONE AND ENTERED this 23rd day of February, 2007, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S LISA SHEARER NELSON 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 23rd day of February, 2007.

Florida Laws (8) 120.569120.57296.37440.02440.05440.10440.107440.38 Florida Administrative Code (1) 69L-6.021
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs DONALD STEVEN PAUL, D/B/A D.P. PAINTING OF LAKELAND, 17-006823 (2017)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lakeland, Florida Dec. 18, 2017 Number: 17-006823 Latest Update: Aug. 10, 2018

The Issue Whether Respondent violated the provisions of chapter 440, Florida Statutes (2017), by failing to secure the payment of workers’ compensation coverage as alleged in the Stop-Work Order and Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment and, if so, what penalty is appropriate.1/

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency responsible for the enforcement of the workers’ compensation insurance coverage requirements established in chapter 440. On September 14, 2017, Investigator Murvin conducted a random workers’ compensation compliance check at a residential construction site at 8256 Lake James Drive in Lakeland, Florida. During the course of the compliance check, Investigator Murvin observed two individuals--Donald Steven Paul, Jr. and Dean Wayne Paul--painting the home. It is undisputed that Respondent had been subcontracted to perform painting services at this site; and that these two individuals were, at the time of Investigator Murvin’s visit, employed by Respondent. After speaking to Donald and Dean Paul, Investigator Murvin used the Department’s database to verify that Respondent did not have workers’ compensation insurance coverage, nor did Donald or Dean Paul have an exemption from the coverage requirements. Donald Paul admitted to Investigator Murvin at the hearing that he did not have workers’ compensation coverage for himself or Dean Paul. Donald Paul explained that he believed that his incorporation with the state and securing of liability insurance provided compliance of all insurance requirements. Based on the information provided by Dean and Donald Paul, and from the database, Investigator Murvin issued a SWO to Respondent on the same day as the site visit. A Request for Production of Business Records was also issued to Respondent. In response to the request for documentation, Respondent provided bank statements that indicated the business began in August 1, 2016. The bank statements also established that there was money being deposited and being paid out, but there was no indication what the money was for or how it was allocated. In other words, there was no way to discern whether the money paid out of the bank account was for employee salaries or other business expenses. In support of its Second Amended Order of Penalty Assessment, the Department prepared a penalty calculation worksheet showing a total penalty owed of $2,090.14. At the hearing, Respondent did not challenge the accuracy or method of calculating the assessed penalty, but only asserted that it believed it had the appropriate coverage and that the penalty was “too high.” Based on the evidence, it is clear Respondent provides construction services and has at least one employee; therefore, it was required to secure workers’ compensation insurance. The Department established by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent failed to secure the payment of workers’ compensation as required by chapter 440. The Department has established through the records submitted and testimony of Auditor Murcia, the appropriate penalty for Respondent’s failure to obtain workers’ compensation coverage is $2,090.14 for the audit period of August 1, 2016, to August 14, 2017.

Recommendation Based on the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation, enter a final order finding that Respondent, Donald Steven Paul d/b/a/ D. P. Painting of Lakeland, violated the provisions of chapter 440 by failing to secure the payment of workers’ compensation and assessing against Respondent a penalty in the amount of $2,090.14. DONE AND ENTERED this 20th day of April, 2018, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S HETAL DESAI Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of April, 2018.

Florida Laws (8) 120.569120.57440.02440.10440.107440.38440.39865.09
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DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE vs BEVERLY JEAN PHILLIPS, 01-003127PL (2001)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Aug. 10, 2001 Number: 01-003127PL Latest Update: Oct. 03, 2024
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs THAT'S RIGHT ENTERPRISES, LLC, 12-001564 (2012)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Daytona Beach, Florida Apr. 30, 2012 Number: 12-001564 Latest Update: Oct. 05, 2012

The Issue Whether Petitioner properly issued a Stop-Work Order and Penalty Assessment against Respondent for failing to obtain workers' compensation insurance that meets the requirements of chapter 440, Florida Statutes.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Florida Workers' Compensation Law, chapter 440, Florida Statutes, including those provisions that require employers to secure and maintain payment of workers? compensation insurance for their employees who may suffer work- related injuries. Respondent is an active Florida limited liability company, having been organized in 2006. Howard?s Famous Restaurant is a diner-style restaurant located at 488 South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach, Florida. It seats approximately 60 customers at a time, and is open for breakfast and lunch. In 2006, Edward Kraher and Thomas Baldwin jointly purchased Howard?s Famous Restaurant. They were equal partners. Mr. Baldwin generally handled the business aspects of the restaurant, while Mr. Kraher was responsible for the food. At the time the restaurant was purchased, Mr. Baldwin organized That?s Right Enterprises, LLC, to hold title to the restaurant and conduct the business of the restaurant. Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Kraher were both identified as managing members of the company.1/ On June 27, 2007, a 2007 Limited Liability Company Annual Report for That?s Right Enterprises, LLC, was filed with the Secretary of State. The Annual Report bore the signature of Mr. Kraher, and contained a strike-through of the letter that caused the misspelling of Mr. Kraher?s name. Mr. Kraher testified that the signature on the report appeared to be his, but he had no recollection of having seen the document, or of having signed it. He suggested that Mr. Baldwin may have forged his signature, but offered no explanation of why he might have done so. Although Mr. Kraher could not recall having signed the annual report, and may have had little understanding of its significance, the evidence supports a finding that Mr. Kraher did, in fact, sign the annual report for That?s Right Enterprises, LLC, as a managing member of the business entity. From March 9, 2009, through March of 2011, Mr. Kraher and Mr. Baldwin received salaries as officers, rather than employees, of That?s Right Enterprises, LLC. Their pay was substantially equivalent during that period. The paychecks were issued by the company?s accountant. Mr. Kraher denied having specific knowledge that he was receiving a salary as an officer of That?s Right Enterprises, LLC. Since Mr. Baldwin left the company, Mr. Kraher has continued to use the same accountant, and has continued to receive his salary as an officer of That?s Right Enterprises, LLC. On March 24, 2011, after having bought out Mr. Baldwin?s interest in the company by paying certain company- related debt owed by Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Kraher filed an annual report for That?s Right Enterprises, LLC. In the annual report, which was prepared and filed at his request, Mr. Kraher assumed control as the sole member and registered agent of the company. Mr. Baldwin was removed as a managing member and registered agent, and other changes were made consistent therewith. Mr. Kraher denied any understanding of the significance of his operating as the same corporate entity, but rather thought he was “buying a new LLC.” On March 8, 2012, Petitioner's investigator, Carolyn Martin, conducted an inspection of Howard?s Famous Restaurant. Ms. Martin introduced herself to one of the waitresses working at the restaurant. The waitress called Mr. Kraher from the kitchen to speak with Ms. Martin. Mr. Kraher identified himself as the owner of the restaurant for the past six years. Ms. Martin asked Mr. Kraher for evidence that Respondent?s employees were covered by workers? compensation insurance. Mr. Kraher retrieved a folder containing the restaurant?s insurance policies and information. Ms. Martin reviewed the folder, and determined that Respondent did not have workers? compensation insurance. Mr. Kraher, who was very cooperative with Ms. Martin throughout the inspection, was genuinely surprised that the restaurant employees were not covered by workers? compensation insurance. He had taken out “a million-dollar insurance policy” that he thought covered everything he needed to have. While Ms. Martin was at the restaurant, Mr. Kraher called his insurance agent who, after reviewing his file, confirmed that Respondent did not have workers? compensation insurance. Mr. Kraher immediately asked his agent to bind a policy, and paid his first six-month premium using a business credit card. A copy of the policy was quickly faxed by the agent to Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin took the names of Respondent?s employees, which included two kitchen staff and four wait staff. Some of the employees worked in excess of 30 hours per week, while others worked part-time. Ms. Martin went to her vehicle and completed a Field Interview Worksheet. Ms. Martin reviewed the Coverage and Compliance Automated System (CCAS), which is the statewide database for workers? compensation information, to confirm Respondent?s status in the workers? compensation system. Using the CCAS, Ms. Martin confirmed that Respondent had no workers? compensation coverage on file for any employee of the company. She also accessed the Florida Division of Corporations website to ascertain Respondent?s corporate status. After having gathered the information necessary to determine Respondent?s status, Ms. Martin contacted her supervisor and received authorization to issue a consolidated Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment. The Stop-Work Order required Respondent to cease all business operations statewide. The Order of Penalty Assessment assessed a penalty, pursuant to section 440.107(7)(d), equal to 1.5 times the amount the employer would have paid in premium when applying the approved manual rates to the employer's payroll for the preceding three-year period. The consolidated order was hand- delivered to Mr. Kraher on behalf of Respondent at 11:00 a.m. on March 8, 2012. At the time she delivered the consolidated Stop-Work Order and Order of Penalty Assessment, Ms. Martin also hand- delivered a Request for Production of Business Records for Penalty Assessment Calculation. The Request required that Respondent produce business records for the preceding three-year period, from March 9, 2009, through March 8, 2012. Respondent was given five days in which to provide the records. On or about March 12, 2012, Mr. Kraher produced three boxes of business records to Ms. Martin. Those records were forwarded by Ms. Martin, and placed in the queue for review by the penalty auditor. The records were reviewed by Petitioner?s penalty auditor, Lynne Murcia, and were found to be insufficient to establish the actual compensation paid to Respondent?s employees for the preceding three year period. Therefore, pursuant to section 440.107(7)(e), salaries were imputed for each of the six employees based on the statewide average weekly wage. Ms. Murcia used the “Scopes Manual” published by the National Council on Compensation Insurance to ascertain the classification of Respondent?s business, based upon the nature of the goods and services it provided. Class code 9082, titled “Restaurant NOC,” is described as “the „traditional? restaurant that provides wait service.” Ms. Murcia correctly determined that Howard?s Famous Restaurant fell within class code 9082. The salaries of Respondent?s six employees, as employees of a class code 9082 restaurant, were imputed as though they worked full-time for the full three-year period from March 9, 2009, to March 8, 2012, pursuant to section 440.107(7)(e). The total imputed gross payroll amounted to $1,130,921.64. The penalty for Respondent?s failure to maintain workers? compensation insurance for its employees is calculated as 1.5 times the amount Respondent would have paid in premium for the preceding three-year period. The National Council on Compensation Insurance periodically issues a schedule of workers? compensation rates per $100 in salary, which varies based on the Scopes Manual classification of the business. The workers? compensation insurance premium was calculated by multiplying one percent of the imputed gross payroll ($11,309.21) by the approved manual rate for each quarter (which varied from $2.20 to $2.65, depending on the quarterly rate), which resulted in a calculated premium of $26,562.06. The penalty was determined by multiplying the calculated premium by 1.5, resulting in the final penalty of $39,843.18. On March 28, 2012, Petitioner issued an Amended Order of Penalty Assessment assessing a monetary penalty amount of $39,843.18 against Respondent. Respondent subsequently provided Petitioner with additional payroll records regarding the six employees. The records had been in the possession of Respondent?s accountant. The records, which included Respondent?s bank statements and payroll records for the six employees, were determined to be adequate to calculate the actual employee salaries for the preceding three-year period. Ms. Murcia revised her penalty worksheet to reflect that payroll was now based on records, rather than being imputed.2/ Respondent?s total payroll for the three-year period in question was determined to be $154,079.82. Applying the same formula as that applied to determine the penalty amount reflected in the Amended Penalty Assessment, the premium was calculated to have been $3,624.33, with a resulting penalty of $5,436.64. On April 24, 2012, Petitioner issued a 2nd Amended Order of Penalty Assessment reducing Respondent's penalty from $39,843.18 to $5,436.64.

Recommendation Based on the findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers? Compensation, enter a final order assessing a penalty of $5,436.64 against Respondent, That?s Right Enterprises, LLC, for its failure to secure and maintain required workers? compensation insurance for its employees. DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of August, 2012, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S E. GARY EARLY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of August, 2012.

Florida Laws (11) 120.569120.57120.68440.02440.05440.10440.107440.38562.06624.33843.18
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DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND TREASURER vs GUS JONES, JR., 93-002966 (1993)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Lauderdale, Florida Jun. 01, 1993 Number: 93-002966 Latest Update: May 31, 1994

The Issue Whether Respondent violated the following statutory provisions: Sections 626.561(1), 626.611(5), 626.611(7), 626.611(8), 626.611(9), 626.611(10), 626.611(13), 626.621(2), 626.621(4), 626.621(6), 626.9521, and 626.9541(1)(o)1., Florida Statutes, and if so what discipline should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Gus Jones, Jr., is currently and was at all times relevant to this proceeding a licensed insurance agent in this state doing business under the name of A. Maples Insurance Agency. In August, 1990, Jesus Escalera, who had a roofing business, came to Respondent to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Mr. Escalera's insurance was placed through the National Counsel on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) which is a pool for assigned risk insurance. Mr. Escalera's policy was with Aetna with coverage effective through October 26, 1991. On August 16, 1991, Mr. Escalera came to Respondent to renew his workers' compensation insurance. Mr. Escalera gave Respondent $409.00, which represented a down payment of one-half the premium for one year's coverage. The remainder of the premium was to be financed with Financial Industries, Inc. Aetna had withdrawn from the original risk insurance pool, therefore it was necessary to submit a new application to NCCI for placement of insurance for Mr. Escalera. Respondent sent the application to NCCI in October, 1991. Mr. Escalera's insurance was placed with United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company (USF&G) on November 13, 1991. Respondent kept a supply of blank drafts from Financial Industries, Inc. at his office. Respondent sent a Financial Industries, Inc.'s draft to NCCI for Mr. Escalera's insurance with USF&G. Financial Industries stopped payment on the draft because they had decided to discontinue financing workers' compensation insurance. Respondent attempted to finance Mr. Escalera's insurance through Premium Assignment Company (Premium). Respondent sent a premium draft to NCCI, but Premium stopped payment on the draft for Respondent's failure to send a transmittal to Premium. Mr. Escalera had called Respondent three or four times asking for his payment book so that he could make the installment payments for the insurance. Respondent advised Mr. Escalera that the payment book was in the mail. USF&G performed an audit on Mr. Escalera's payroll and determined that Mr. Escalera owed $13,724.00 for earned premiums. In January, 1992, Respondent contacted Mr. Escalera and advised him that USF&G intended to cancel the insurance effective February 16, 1992. On February 3, 1992, Mr. Escalera went to see Respondent. Respondent explained that he could not get financing for Mr. Escalera and requested Mr. Escalera to pay the balance of the premium of $817.00. Mr. Escalera paid $409.00 to Respondent and received a receipt for that amount. Respondent sent USF&G a check for $817.00. The policy was reinstated with coverage effective December 13, 1991. USF&G gave notice dated March 13, 1992 that Mr. Escalera's policy would be terminated April 13, 1992 for non-payment. By letter dated April 16, 1992, USF&G returned Respondent his check due to the second cancellation. By letters dated June 2, 1992, USF&G advised Respondent that Mr. Escalera owed a earned premium of $13,724.00. The policy was terminated effective April 13, 1993, because Mr. Escalera had failed to pay the earned premium. In April or May, 1992, Respondent placed the retuned check from USF&G in his trust account. Respondent did not advise Mr. Escalera that the premium had been returned. According to Mr. Escalera, he did not know at the time of the hearing who had the money. On February 6, 1993, Respondent called David Peters, a representative of USF&G and asked Mr. Peters what to do with the $817. Respondent let the money remain in the trust account and awaited further instruction from Mr. Peters. After Respondent received the administrative complaint, he called USF&G and spoke with Marilyn Bailey who was now handling the account on behalf of USF&G. Based on his conversation with Ms. Bailey, Respondent sent USF&G a cashier's check for $817 dated May 18, 1993.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Insurance and Treasurer issue a Final Order finding Respondent guilty of a violation of Sections 626.561(1) and 626.621(2) and that Respondent be assessed an administrative fine of $500 and be placed on probation for a period of one year subject to such terms and restrictions as the Department may apply. DONE AND ENTERED this 19th day of October, 1993, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. SUSAN B. KIRKLAND 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 19th day of October, 1993.

Florida Laws (7) 120.57626.561626.611626.621626.681626.691626.9521
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs HAROLD`S PLUMBING, INC., 08-003892 (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Bartow, Florida Aug. 11, 2008 Number: 08-003892 Latest Update: Jan. 22, 2009

The Issue The issues are whether Respondent failed to provide workers' compensation insurance for its employees, whether the "Stop-Work" Order was warranted, and, whether Petitioner correctly calculated the assessed penalty.

Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony and evidence received at the hearing, the following facts were established by clear and convincing evidence: Petitioner, Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers' Compensation, is the state agency responsible for enforcing the statutory requirement that employers secure the payment of workers' compensation for the benefit of their employees. Respondent, Harold's Plumbing, Inc., a Florida corporation, was engaged in business operations from January 23, 2005, through January 19, 2008. A Stop-Work Order was issued to Respondent on January 22, 2008, after Harold Whitfield advised Petitioner's investigator that Respondent did not have workers' compensation insurance coverage. Petitioner's Coverage and Compliance Automated System database confirmed the lack of coverage. The initial Order of Penalty Assessment was issued on January 22, 2008, and served on Respondent the next day. Based on additional documentation provided by Whitfield and a human resources out-sourcing organization, Gevity HR, which had provided some insurance coverage until it severed its business relationship with Respondent, the Order of Penalty Assessment was amended; the last amendment is dated October 13, 2008. The total penalty, $29,688.72, is accurate and reflects the result of a detailed assessment of Respondent's employee payroll records and application of the classification codes, published by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc., and incorporated into Florida law in Florida Administrative Code Rule 69L-6.021.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers' Compensation, enter a final order: Finding that Respondent, Harold's Plumbing, Inc., failed to secure the payment of workers' compensation for its employees, in violation of Subsections 440.10(1)(a) and 440.38(1), Florida Statutes; and Assessing a penalty against Respondent in the amount of $29,668.72, which is equal to 1.5 times the evaded premium based on Petitioner's records and the applicable approved manual rate and classification code. DONE AND ENTERED this 17th day of December, 2008, 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 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 17th day of December, 2008. COPIES FURNISHED: Honorable Alex Sink Chief Financial Officer Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Daniel Sumner, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0307 Kristian E. Dunn, Esquire Justin H. Faulkner, Esquire Department of Financial Services Division of Workers' Compensation 200 East Gaines Street, 6th Floor Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4229 Harold Whitfield 1125 5th Street Southwest Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Florida Laws (8) 120.569120.57440.02440.10440.107440.13440.16440.38 Florida Administrative Code (1) 69L-6.021
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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION vs GREG SHAMBLIN CONSTRUCTION, INC., 09-001575 (2009)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Mar. 26, 2009 Number: 09-001575 Latest Update: Oct. 21, 2009

The Issue The issue is whether Respondent is liable for a penalty of $44,794.51 for the alleged failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance for two employees in violation of Chapter 440, Florida Statutes (2008).1

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency responsible for enforcing the statutory requirement that employers secure the payment of workers' compensation insurance for the benefit of their employees in accordance with Section 440.107. Respondent is a Florida corporation engaged in the construction business. Respondent utilizes a payroll service company, identified in the record as Frank Crum Leasing (Frank Crum). Frank Crum pays Respondent's employees and collects premiums for workers' compensation insurance based on payroll and employee hours that Respondent reports to Frank Crum each week. Frank Crum maintains a list of the reported employees that is updated weekly (the weekly Frank Crum list). Respondent reports payroll and employee hours to Frank Crum in arrears. On Wednesday afternoon of each week, Respondent reports payroll and employee hours to Frank Crum for the preceding Wednesday through Tuesday. Frank Crum publishes a weekly Frank Crum list each Thursday. New employees that begin work on Wednesday through Tuesday appear on the next weekly Frank Crum list. For example, new employees that began work anytime from Wednesday, February 18, 2009, through Tuesday, February 24, 2009, are reported on February 25, 2009, and appear on the weekly Frank Crum list dated February 26, 2009. New employees that began work anytime from Wednesday, February 25, 2009, through Tuesday, March 3, 2009, are reported on March 4, 2009, and appear on the weekly Frank Crum list dated March 5, 2009.2 Frank Crum collects workers' compensation insurance premiums from Respondent in arrears based on the payroll and employee hours reported each Wednesday for the previous week. The reporting of payroll and employee hours and the payment of insurance premiums in arrears has been Respondent's customary business practice for the past 13 years. On February 26, 2009, one of Petitioner's investigators conducted a random construction site visit at 6417 Grand Island Road, Apollo Beach, Florida. Four workers, who are identified by name in exhibits of record, were laying a concrete sidewalk at the site. The four workers laying the sidewalk were employees of Respondent. Two of the workers were on the weekly Frank Crum list dated February 26, 2006. The other two workers were not on the same list. The two workers who were not on the Frank Crum list dated February 26, 2006, are identified in the record as Mr. Ricardo Hurtado and Mr. Evelio Bueno. On February 26, 2009, Petitioner issued a Stop-Work Order and Penalty Assessment and requested business records from Respondent. Petitioner reviewed the business records and, on April 10, 2009, issued an Amended Order of Penalty Assessment in the amount of $44,794.51 for failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage for the two workers who were not listed on the weekly Frank Crum list dated February 26, 2009, and identified in record as Mr. Hurtado and Mr. Bueno. Respondent does not dispute the accuracy of the penalty calculation. However, Respondent does dispute that Respondent is liable for the penalty assessment. Respondent maintains that the two unlisted workers were covered by workers' compensation insurance on February 26, 2009. The two unlisted workers began their employment with Respondent on February 25, 2009. On March 4, 2009, Respondent reported the new employees to Frank Crum. Respondent paid premiums to Frank Crum for workers' compensation insurance covering the two workers for the dates of employment on February 25 and 26, 2009. The two unlisted workers were covered by workers' compensation insurance on February 25 and 26, 2009. The weekly Frank Crum lists in Petitioner's exhibits are not clear and convincing evidence of the effective date of workers' compensation insurance coverage. The testimony of Respondent's witness at the hearing was clear and convincing that the two workers were covered by workers' compensation insurance in accordance with the customary business practice of Respondent and Frank Crum for the last 16 years. The terms of the workers' compensation insurance policies would have assisted the fact-finder in resolving any evidential conflicts concerning the effective date of workers' compensation insurance coverage. However, Petitioner did not submit copies of the insurance policies and did not submit the testimony of a representative of the workers' compensation insurance company. In support of Petitioner's assertion that Mr. Hurtado and Mr. Bueno were not covered by workers' compensation insurance, Petitioner cites, in paragraph number 13 of its PRO, the testimony of the general counsel of Frank Crum. Petitioner points to the deposition testimony of the general counsel which, in relevant part, states that she did not know whether the insurance company covered the two unlisted workers. The general counsel explained that such a determination would be up to the insurance company and not the general counsel for Frank Crum. The general counsel is correct. Petitioner submitted no evidence to show that the general counsel of Frank Crum is competent to testify for the insurance company. The evidence is clear that Respondent paid insurance premiums in arrears. The evidence is less than clear that insurance coverage was not in effect before the payment of the premium.3 The pretermitted insurance policy or competent testimony from an insurance representative may have clarified the issue. However, the only testimony concerning the effective date of workers' compensation coverage for the two unlisted workers comes from Respondent's live witness. The fact-finder finds her testimony to be credible and persuasive.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner issue a final order dismissing the Stop-Work Order and Amended Order of Penalty Assessment. DONE AND ENTERED this 4th day of August, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 4th day of August, 2009.

Florida Laws (3) 120.569120.57440.107
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ROBERT DONOVAN CONSTRUCTION INC. vs DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION, 05-001732 (2005)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Shalimar, Florida May 13, 2005 Number: 05-001732 Latest Update: Mar. 07, 2006

The Issue The issues to be resolved in this proceeding concern whether the Petitioner properly secured the payment of workers' compensation benefits for employees by securing proper workers' compensation insurance coverage, as delineated by Subsection 440.107(2), Florida Statutes (2004) and, if not, what if any penalty for such failure is warranted.

Findings Of Fact The Petitioner in this proceeding is a Florida corporation engaged in the construction industry. Its business domicile is Destin, Florida, and the job site at issue was in the town of Cinco Bayou, Florida. The Respondent is an agency of the State of Florida charged with enforcing the provisions of Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, specifically Section 440.107, Florida Statutes (2004), requiring employers to secure the payment of compensation benefits for employees in the event they have an on- the-job injury. In this proceeding the Respondent has charged that the Petitioner failed to abide by the workers' compensation insurance coverage requirements of Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, regarding two subcontractors, Scott Williams, d/b/a Vinyl Masters, LLC, (Williams) domiciled in Alburn, Alabama, and J & L Concrete a/k/a Moses Construction, Inc., (J & L) of Liliburn, Georgia. There is no dispute that the Petitioner did not have its own workers' compensation insurance policy as of February 10, 2005. The most recent policy ended July 2, 2003. The Petitioner thus did not itself secure payment of workers' compensation on behalf of Williams or J & L during the period of proposed penalty assessment, September 8, 2004 through February 10, 2005. The Petitioner was the general contractor engaged to perform construction operations at 1028 Anniston Court, Cinco Bayou, Florida (job site), on February 10, 2005, the date of the investigator's inspection visit and investigation. The Petitioner was sub-contracting certain vinyl siding work at that job site to Williams, a subcontractor. The Respondent's investigator, Ralph Taylor, conducted his investigation at the job site and observed four workers installing vinyl siding. Upon investigation he determined that the four workers were employed by Williams in this effort and identified the workers as Juan Oriz, Noe Mendieta, Jose Palma, and Jose Aboyte. Mr. Taylor's investigation revealed that Williams did not have a current workers' compensation exemption applicable to Florida law nor did he have a Florida workers' compensation insurance policy. He determined this by examination of the Respondent's data base, the Coverage and Compliance Automated System (CCAS). Williams informed Mr. Taylor, however, that he had obtained a policy of workers' compensation insurance through the Cruchfield Insurance Agency of Birmingham, Alabama. A facsimile of the declaration page from a workers' compensation insurance policy issued by Alabama Home Builders Self Insurance Fund to Vinyl Masters, LLC (Williams) was transmitted to Mr. Taylor by a representative of the Cruchfield Insurance Agency of Birmingham. Florida law requires that an employer who has employees engaged in work in Florida must obtain a Florida policy or endorsement for such employees which employs Florida class codes, rates, rules, and manuals that are in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 440 as well as the Florida Insurance Code. See § 440.10(1)(g), Fla. Stat. (2004). Florida Administrative Code Rule 69L-6.019(2) requires that in order for an employer to comply with Sections 440.10(1)(g) and 440(38)(7), Florida Statutes, any policy or endorsement used by an employer to prove the fact of workers' compensation coverage for employees engaged in Florida work must be issued by an insurer that holds a valid certificate of authority in the State of Florida. The insurance policy held by Williams did not satisfy the standard. First, the Alabama Home Builders self-insurance fund is not authorized to write insurance in Florida. Secondly, the premium was based on a rate that was less than the Florida premium rate. The policy declaration page shows that Alabama Home Builders insured Vinyl Master effective January 1, 2005, for carpentry operations under class code 5645 at a premium of $20.58 per $100 of payroll. The premium rate using Florida rates for that same class code should have been $38.40 for $100 of payroll. Thus Vinyl Masters/Williams was not in compliance with the coverage law requirements at that job site at the time of the investigation on February 10, 2005. Employers employing on job sites in Florida are required to keep business records that enable the Respondent to determine whether the employer is in compliance with the workers' compensation law. § 440.107(2), Fla. Stat. (2004). Investigator Taylor issued a request for production of business records to Williams on February 10, 2005. That same date the Respondent issued a request for production of business records to the Petitioner. Each request asked the employer to produce, for the preceding three years, documents that reflected payroll, payments to each subcontractor, and proof of insurance. Williams produced no records. The Petitioner produced no records related to employment of Williams or Vinyl Masters. When an employer fails to provide requested business records which the statutes requires it to maintain and to make available to the Respondent Agency, the Respondent is authorized to impute that employer's payroll using "the statewide average weekly wage as defined in Section 440.12(2), multiplied by l.5." § 440.107(7)(e), Fla. Stat. (2004). The statewide average weekly wage for the four quarters beginning June 30, 2004, was $651.38. The Respondent thus could have imputed payroll for the entire three-year period for which it requested business records which were not produced. The Respondent imputed payroll however, for a lesser period, January 11, through February 10, 2005. This corresponds to the one-month period that the four Williams workers had told Investigator Taylor that they had worked "in the area." The amount that the Petitioner would have paid in premium under Section 440.107(7)(e), Florida Statutes (2004), based on payroll imputed from the statewide average weekly wage of $651.38 for work under class code 5651, during the period January 11, through February 10, 2005, multiplied by the statutory multiplier factor of 1.5, yields a penalty amount of $5,629.52. In any event, Williams did not properly secure the payment of compensation for Williams or the four workers in question, named above. Under Section 440.10(1)(b), Florida Statutes, (2004), the Petitioner could became the "statutory employer" of Williams and its workers if Williams, the subcontractor, had not secured the payment of workers' compensation. The credible evidence at hearing reveals, however, that Williams has already entered into a payment agreement with the Respondent to pay the subject penalty, referenced above, concerning Williams' failure to have "Florida-complaint" workers' compensation coverage properly secured for Florida workers and Florida operations. Additionally, the testimony of Mr. Grubbs, the manager for the Petitioner (which is accepted), reveals that the four workers in question only worked three days at most. Moreover, their hourly wage rate was only $15.00 per hour. Therefore, although the Petitioner supplied no business records in advance to the investigator regarding the subcontractor, Williams, which might allow the Respondent to impute payroll based on average weekly wage for calculation for a penalty under the applicable statutory authority; in this de novo proceeding context, the Petitioner did supply sworn testimony and records showing the actual wage rate and time worked for these employees, thus obviating use of the average weekly wage and imputed payroll for penalty calculation. Additionally, the Petitioner showed, through the testimony of Mr. Grubbs, that indeed the Petitioner had a certificate of insurance showing, to the best of Petitioner's knowledge at the time, that Williams had secured the payment of workers' compensation through the Alabama insurance carrier, named above, in accordance with accepted industry practice. Thus the Petitioner was under a good faith, reasonable belief that this subcontractor, Williams, had secured proper payment of workers' compensation coverage at the time the Petitioner engaged Williams as a subcontractor on the job-site in question. In summary, in view of these facts the assessment of penalty to the Petitioner is incorrect. The Investigator, Mr. Taylor's, testimony itself shows that had he known that the workers only worked for three days, the penalty should only be based upon that amount of work or hours applied to the penalty calculation formula. Because Williams has undertaken and agreed to pay the penalty in question for not properly securing workers' compensation coverage, no penalty is justifiably assessed against the Petitioner. If that were done the Respondent, in effect, would be treating both Williams and the Petitioner as employers of the same employees simultaneously, for the same job and occurrence. No evidence justifying this, given the relevant statutory scheme and case law, has been adduced. Subcontractor J & L Concrete In response to the Respondent's request for business records from the Petitioner concerning subcontractor J & L Concrete, the Petitioner produced ledgers showing payments to J & L. The Petitioner contracted with J & L during the period September 8, 2004 through February 10, 2005. During that period it paid J & L $155,413.98 for labor under class code 5403. During this period of time J & L had a workers' compensation policy covering its employees issued by Auto Owners Insurance Company of Lansing, Michigan (Auto Owners). The testimony of Maureen Haxton, a senior underwriter in the workers' compensation underwriting department of Auto Owners, confirmed that a policy endorsement was issued which took effect on July 13, 2004. That endorsement listed the State of Georgia in item 3A but did not list the State of Florida in item 3A. Auto Owners later issued a policy endorsement on May 10, 2005, that added Florida to item 3A, effective on March 18, 2005. The later endorsement issued by Auto Owners was not effective on February 10, 2005, when the SWO was issued to the Petitioner. The penalty sought to be assessed against the Petitioner for work attributable to J & L, based upon Section 440.107(7)(d)1., Florida Statutes (2004), is based on remuneration paid by the Petitioner to J & L for work under class code 5403 for period September 8, 2004 through February 10, 2005. Keith Cowart is an authorized insurance agent for Auto Owners Insurance Company. His agency is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He originally issued a workers' compensation policy to J & L in July of 2002 and a current policy is in effect for J & L to and including July 2006 and was in effect during the penalty assessment period. Mr. Cowart testified that had an employee in Florida suffered an injury on or before February 10, 2005, that the employee would have received workers' compensation benefits from Auto Owners and that employees injured in Florida would have received the level of benefits required by Florida law. Cowart indicated in his testimony that there are annual audits of J & L, under their contractual arrangement, by Auto Owners, to determine how much of its payroll is attributable to work conducted in Florida for workers' compensation insurance premium purposes. The J & L payroll is audited annually and J & L is billed a premium rate based upon Florida work and payroll and premium rates for workers' compensation insurance attributable to work done by its employees in the State of Florida. J & L is thus charged a higher premium for employees working in Florida and is obligated to pay that Florida premium rate. J & L previously paid $40,000.00 in payroll for Florida workers on Florida jobs and was billed Florida premium rates for workers' compensation coverage based upon that payroll after an annual audit. It was projected for the year 2005-2006 J & L would owe premiums for at least $70,000.00 of workers' compensation payroll in Florida and had paid premiums due for workers' compensation coverage in the past for Florida job workers based upon Florida premium rates, according to Mr. Cowart. In summary, the evidence, including Mr. Cowart's sworn testimony, establishes that J & L had a workers' compensation policy coverage in effect during the period of alleged non- compliance. Mr. Cowart opined that injured Florida employees during that period of time would have received the benefits authorized by Florida law. He established that J & L was charged Florida premium rates, and pursuant to the audit being conducted in July 2005, would be charged Florida premium rates for workers, jobs performed, and payroll attributable to Florida during the period of time in question in this case. Although the endorsement issued by Auto Owners showing Florida as a listed state in "item 3A," for purposes of the rule cited below, did not take effect until after March 18, 2005, the persuasive evidence, in the form of Mr. Cowart's testimony, shows that J & L had secured workers' compensation coverage which paid Florida- mandated benefits at Florida premium rates for workers at Florida jobs at times pertinent to the SWO. Moreover, the Petitioner required the sub-contractor J & L to provide evidence of workers' compensation coverage and relied on that evidence reasonably and in good faith. It changed its position to its detriment by continuing to work on the job without securing its own appropriate coverage.

Recommendation Having considered the foregoing Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, the evidence of record, the candor and demeanor of the witnesses, and the pleadings and arguments of the parties, it is, therefore, RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by the Respondent Agency rescinding Stop Work Order number 05-0721-1A issued to the Petitioner on February 10, 2005, and the Amended Order of Penalty Assessment issued to the Petitioner on March 30, 2005. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of November, 2005, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S P. MICHAEL RUFF 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 29th day of November, 2005. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael William Mead, Esquire Post Office Drawer 1329 Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32549 David C. Hawkins, Esquire Department of Financial Services Division of Legal Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4229 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 (7) 120.569120.57440.02440.10440.107440.12440.38
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