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DAVID J. GIBBY vs DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, 03-000219 (2003)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Jan. 24, 2003 Number: 03-000219 Latest Update: Jul. 17, 2003

The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for a waiver of his 1996 conviction for cruelty to animals in order to receive a pari- mutuel wagering occupational license.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is an applicant for a pari-mutual wagering occupational license who wishes to be licensed as a greyhound owner in Florida. Respondent is the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutual Wagering, an executive agency of the State of Florida created by Section 20.165(2)(f), Florida Statutes. Petitioner's application, filed June 27, 2002, candidly disclosed a previous felony conviction of cruelty to animals. On or about June 20, 1996, Petitioner was, in fact, found guilty of a third degree felony (cruelty to animals: refusing medical care to a greyhound) under Section 828.12(2), Florida Statutes, by a jury in the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County in Case No. 96-30581CFAES. He was 26 years old at the time. Petitioner's conviction for cruelty to animals arose from the death of a greyhound puppy named "He's My Denny." The puppy was in Petitioner's care at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. "He's My Denny" was bred and raised to be a racing greyhound. As a result of his aforementioned felony conviction, Petitioner served 57 days in the Volusia County Jail and the balance of five years via out-of-state probation. Petitioner entered into a Consent Order with the Division, whereby he was declared to be ineligible for any pari- mutuel occupational license under Section 550.105, Florida Statutes, for three years. On July 1, 2002, after his three-year suspension had run, Petitioner requested a waiver of his conviction of cruelty to animals, for the purpose of re-licensure. Stephen Toner, an Investigator for the Division, interviewed Petitioner on August 5, 2002, regarding his request for a waiver. During the interview, Mr. Toner completed a waiver interview form. Each page, with the exception of the last page of the form which contained Mr. Toner's comments, was initialed and dated by Petitioner. In commenting upon the interview and its form at hearing, Petitioner expressed concern that Mr. Toner had misunderstood him during the interview when he said something to the effect of "If I had known there would be this much trouble with such serious consequences, I would have just put the dog down." I accept that Petitioner meant, by this, or similar language, that he would have humanely euthanized "He's My Denny," rather than allowing the beast to suffer. However, this information is largely irrelevant. Petitioner received the Division's letter of license denial on September 20, 2002. The National Greyhound Association will not permit Petitioner to register a greyhound for racing purposes in any state unless the State of Florida will re-license him. Therefore, Petitioner is effectively precluded from his chosen line of work throughout the United States, by Florida's denial of his occupational license application. After being denied re-licensure by the Division, Petitioner received a Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights, dated October 25, 2002. The Certificate states, in pertinent part: "grants [Petitioner] restoration of civil rights, except the specific authority to possess or own a firearm for any and all felony convictions in the State of Florida." Petitioner testified, without refutation, that, except for his cruelty to animals conviction, he has had no other trouble with the law except that when he was 19 years old, he was caught driving without a license and represented himself to police as his older brother, who did have a driver's license. At hearing, Petitioner did not list, or elaborate on, any signs of good moral character or rehabilitation since his 1996 Florida conviction for cruelty to animals.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby recommended that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering enter a Final Order denying Petitioner's application for a pari-mutuel occupational license. DONE AND ENTERED this 15th day of May, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. ELLA JANE P. DAVIS 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 15th day of May, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: David J. Gibby 6278 Stanleyville Drive Rural Hill, North Carolina 27045 Joseph M. Helton, Jr., Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 60 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 David J. Roberts, Director Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Hardy L. Roberts, III, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

Florida Laws (6) 120.5720.165550.105550.2415828.12849.25
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD vs ROBERT MENSCHING, 02-004820PL (2002)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Myers, Florida Dec. 16, 2002 Number: 02-004820PL Latest Update: Jul. 15, 2004

The Issue Did Respondent violate Section 489.129(1)(h), Florida Statutes, and, if so, what discipline should be imposed?

Findings Of Fact Upon consideration of the oral and documentary evidence adduced at the hearing, the following relevant findings of fact are made: The Department is the agency of the State of Florida vested with statutory authority to regulate the practice of contracting under Chapters 455 and 489, Florida Statutes. Respondent is a licensed certified residential contractor in the State of Florida. Respondent's license number, as certified by Julie Odom, Department's Alternate Records Custodian, is CRC 20166. However, the Administrative Complaint alleges the license number to be CR C020166. Respondent's licensure status is "Delinquent, Active." On May 18, 1989, the Department entered a Final Order in DOAH Case No. 88-3308 wherein Respondent was found guilty of violating Section 489.129(1)(h),(j),(k), and (m), Florida Statutes. On September 27, 2000, the City of Cape Coral, Florida, Contractor's Regulatory Board (Board) entered into a Settlement Agreement (Agreement) with Respondent, in regard to a complaint, Case No. 00-01, wherein Respondent was charged with violating the following Sections of the City of Cape Coral Code of Ordinances: 6-10.1:, To make misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of his contracting profession; 6-10.8: Diversion of funds or property received for prosecution or completion of a specified construction project or operation when as a result of the diversion, the contractor is or will be unable to fulfill the terms of his obligation or contract; 6-10.10: Failing in any material respect to comply with the provisions of the Code; 6-10.11: Abandoning of a construction project in which the contractor is engaged or under contract as a contractor. A project is to be considered abandoned after 90 days if the contractor terminates the project without notification to the prospective owner and the City and without just cause; and 6-10.13: Being found guilty of fraud or deceit or of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of contracting. The Agreement provided that Respondent was pleading No Contest to the charges that he violated the aforementioned sections of the City of Cape Coral's Code of Ordinances and that Respondent's plea did not act as an admission of guilt as to the above mentioned charges. The Agreement provided for Respondent's permit pulling privileges to be revoked for a period of 90 days starting August 23, 2000. By an Order dated December 29, 2000, the Board, after hearing and discussing the charges made against Respondent, voted to accept and approve the Agreement. By this Agreement, Respondent's contracting license was disciplined by the City of Cape Coral. The total investigative and prosecution costs to the Department, excluding costs associated with any attorney's time, is $967.09.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, and a review of Chapter 61G4-17, Disciplinary Guidelines, Florida Administrative Code, with consideration for the repeat violation of Section 489.129(1)(h), Florida Statutes, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department enter a final order finding Respondent, Robert Mensching guilty of violating Subsection 489.129(1)(h), Florida Statutes, and for such violation: (a) impose an administrative fine in the amount of $5,000.00; (b) assess costs in the amount of $967.09; and (c) revoke Respondent's Certified Residential Contractor's License. DONE AND ENTERED this 21st day of March, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM R. CAVE 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 21st day of March, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: Kimberly V. Clark, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Robert Mensching 1719 Northeast 23rd Terrace Cape Coral, Florida 33909 Robert Crabill, Executive Director Construction Industry Licensing Board Department of Business and Professional Regulations Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Hardy L. Roberts, III, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

Florida Laws (5) 120.57455.227489.1195489.127489.129
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GOODE "BUDDY" YEOMAN vs DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD, 04-002414RX (2004)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Jul. 12, 2004 Number: 04-002414RX Latest Update: Dec. 29, 2005

The Issue This is a rule challenge proceeding in which the following specific issues are presented: Whether Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006 is an invalid delegation of legislative authority, and Whether application of the provisions of Section 112.011(1)(b), Florida Statutes, by the Construction Industry Licensing Board in its quasi-judicial capacity constitutes an agency statement of general applicability that requires rulemaking by the agency.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner, Goode “Buddy” Yeoman, is 64 years of age, and is an individual who has applied to the CILB for an individual certified general contracting license. Petitioner Yeoman has a prior felony conviction and his civil rights have not been restored. Petitioner Yeoman's felony conviction was imposed approximately 20 years ago in 1985 and was unrelated to the contracting practice or trade. Petitioner Yeoman was required to, and did, submit a completed form DBPR CILB 4359. Petitioner’s application was denied by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (“CILB” or “Board”), and on June 14, 2004, the CILB entered its “Notice of Intent to Deny” Petitioner Yeoman’s application for initial certified general contractor. Petitioner Yeoman has separately filed a petition for administrative proceedings regarding the CILB's denial of his initial certified general contractor license. As such, by operation of law no final agency action has to date been taken on Petitioner Yeoman's application. The license denial proceeding has been continued. This will allow the parties in that case to have the benefit of the final order in this rule challenge case. The sole basis for the denial of Petitioner Yeoman’s application was that his civil rights had not been restored. The CILB’s “Notice of Intent to Deny” stated: “You have not provided proof to the Board that your civil rights have been fully restored subsequent to a previous felony conviction as required by Section 112.011(1)(b), Florida Statutes.” The requirement that a restoration of civil rights be obtained which is expressed in the challenged existing rule and the challenged agency statement defined as a rule negatively affect Petitioner Yeoman’s substantial interests by denying him a certified general contracting license. As such, Petitioner Yeoman has standing to bring his challenge to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006(2) and the agency statement defined as a rule (Form “DBPR CILB 4359"). Intervenor Smith's felony conviction was for a drug offense in 1989 and was unrelated to the contracting business or trade. Intervenor Smith filed an application with the CILB, including form “DBPR CILB 4359.” On May 4, 2004, the CILB refused to consider his application because his civil rights have not been restored. As such, Intervenor Smith has standing to bring his challenge to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006(2), and the agency statement defined as a rule (Form "DBPR CILB 4359"). Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006 was adopted pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, on January 6, 1980, and lists and incorporates by reference DBPR/CILB/025 (Rev. 01/01) entitled “Certifications: Certification Change of Status.” This agency form is applicable to applications for certified licenses and change of status applications, and requires individuals applying for initial contracting licenses to provide proof that their civil rights have been restored if they have been convicted of a felony. The form states in the “Financial Responsibility/Background Questions” section: “NOTE: IF YOU, THE APPLICANT/LICENSEE, HAVE HAD A FELONY CONVICTION, PROOF THAT YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS HAVE BEEN RESTORED WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO LICENSURE.” Form “DBPR CILB 4359" has an effective date of March 24, 2004, but has not been adopted as a rule under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The form is available for download on the agency’s web-page as “Initial Issuance of Licensure for Certified Contractor Application Package.” Applicants for licensure as a contractor must submit form “DBPR CILB 4359" to the DBPR. Within the “DBPR CILB 4359" package is the form “DBPR CILB 4357 - Qualified Business (QB) License Application and Qualified Business Change of Status Application,” which requires an applicant previously convicted of a felony to provide proof that his/her civil rights have been restored. This form states: “IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, YOU MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF REINSTATEMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS,” and also: “Note: If you, the applicant/licensee, have had a felony conviction, proof that your civil rights have been restored will be required prior to Licensure.” Both the challenged Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006(2) and the form “DBPR CILB 4359" are generally applicable to every individual applying for a contracting license from the CILB. The CILB has previously approved applications for initial licenses, and change of status licenses, to applicants who did not have their civil rights fully restored, subject to probation until the applicant's civil rights have been restored. Neither the type of crime for which a felony conviction has been imposed, the recency of the conviction, nor the completion of any punishment, have been a factor in the CILB’s denial of applications to individuals previously convicted of a felony crime but whose civil rights have not been fully restored. The sole reason for denial is the lack of civil rights. The lack of civil rights is the standard, expressed in Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-12.006(2) and in “DBPR CILB 4359," by which the CILB has denied contractor license applications, including Petitioner Yeoman’s application, and Intervenor Smith's application, under the CILB’s interpretation of Section 112.011(1)(b), Florida Statutes. The CILB has not revoked any previously granted licenses due solely to a subsequent felony conviction and lack of civil rights of any licensee. The CILB is a collegial body composed of 18 members, 16 of whom are professionals and two of whom are consumer members. Each member is limited to two 4-year terms, and no member may serve more than two consecutive 4-year terms. If a member is appointed to fill an unexpired vacancy, the new appointee may not serve for more than 11 years. The current members of the Board, and their terms, are as follows: Elizabeth Karcher; term 01/10/02-10/31/04 Barry Kalmanson; term 11/01/02-10/31/07 c. Lee-En Chung; term 09/01/99-10/31/06 Paul Del Vecchio; term 01-10-02-10-31-05 Michelle Kane; term 01-10-02-10/31/05 f. Joan Brown; term 03/14/00-10/31/07 Michael Blankenship; term 11/01/02-10/31/06 Carl Engelmeler; term 11/01/02-10/31/06 Jacqueline Watts; term 01/10/02-10/31/04 John Smith; term 11/01/02-10/31/06 (resigned effective 11/01/04) Raymond Holloway; term 01/10/02-10/31/05 Edward Weller; term 11/21/02-10/31/06 Thomas Thornton; term 08/16/04-10/31/07 Robert Stewart; term 08/16/04-10/31/07 o. Doris Bailey; term 08/16/04-10/31/05 A quorum (51 percent) of the appointed members of the Board is necessary for the Board to conduct official business. The CILB meets 11 times each year. On November 8, 1999, the CILB denied the application of Michael A. Helish for the certification examination on the grounds that his civil rights had not been restored. This decision was per curiam affirmed in Helish v. Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 766 So. 2d 1047 (Fla. 1st DCA 2000). The CILB has previously approved applications for initial licenses, and change of status licenses, to applicants whose civil rights had not been fully restored, at times subject to probation until the applicant’s civil rights have been restored, as follows: On June 14, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Robert F. Jones, subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On May 28, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to William P. Campbell, subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On May 28, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Glenn Kasper, subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On May 28, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Danny Mitchell, subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On March 3, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Timothy Burke, subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On February 9, 2004, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Anthony Nicholas, Jr., subject to probation and the condition that his civil rights be fully restored within two years. On June 25, 2003, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Andrew Dittenber, stating: “The Board permitted licensure with conditions in this case where applicant did not have his civil rights restored, because of the number of years that have passed since the conviction and evidence that application for restoration has been made.” On June 25, 2003, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Robert W. Fleming, stating: “The Board permitted licensure with conditions in this case where applicant did not have his civil rights restored, because of the number of years that have passed since the conviction and evidence that application for restoration has been made.” On December 1, 2003, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to James D. Munroe, Jr., subject to probation until his civil rights are fully restored. On October 21, 2002, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to Daryl F. Strickland subject to probation and the condition that his civil rights be fully restored within three years. On September 4, 2001, the Respondent granted an initial contractor license to John Richard Brown, subject to probation and the condition that his civil rights be fully restored within three years. On June 24, 2004, the Respondent amended its initial order and again placed John Richard Brown’s license on probation until such time as his civil rights are restored.

Florida Laws (6) 112.011120.52120.54120.56120.68455.213
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DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING vs CLAUDE D. RICHARDS, 95-006208 (1995)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Dec. 28, 1995 Number: 95-006208 Latest Update: Aug. 20, 1996

The Issue Whether Respondent, a pari-mutuel wagering occupational licensing holder, committed the offenses alleged in the Administrative Complaint and, if so, the penalty that should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Respondent held pari-mutuel wagering license number 0680747-1081. Prior to November 14, 1994, Kenneth Manness, a blacksmith who does business as Better Hooves, Inc., provided services and supplies at the request of Respondent for horses which Respondent kept and raced on the grounds of the Pompano Park Harness Track during the 1994 meet. Mr. Manness, d/b/a Better Hooves, Inc., made repeated demands for Respondent to pay the bills that had been submitted to him for these services and supplies. Respondent failed to pay this debt. This debt was for services and supplies that directly relate to racing at a pari-mutuel facility within the State of Florida. Mr. Manness, d/b/a Better Hooves, Inc., filed suit against Respondent based on this indebtedness in the County Court of Broward County, Florida where the proceeding was assigned Case Number CO-NO-94-001685. On November 14, 1994, a default judgment was entered against Respondent in the County Court proceeding. The Court found that Respondent was indebted to Mr. Manness, d/b/a Better Hooves, Inc., in the principal amount of $1,332.30 and ordered Respondent to pay that amount plus costs in the amount of $115.00, for a total of $1,437.30. Interest was to accrue at the rate of 12 percent per annum. As of the date of the formal hearing, Respondent had paid none of this indebtedness.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order that adopts the findings of fact and conclusions of law contained herein. It is further recommended that Respondent's pari-mutuel wagering occupational license be revoked. It is further recommended that Respondent be given leave to apply for licensure after he submits proof that the judgment described in this Recommended Order has been fully satisfied. DONE AND ENTERED this 30th day of July, 1996, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CLAUDE B. ARRINGTON, 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 30th day of July, 1996. COPIES FURNISHED: Thomas W. Darby, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Mr. Claude D. Richards 10 Parkwood Road Westbury, New York 11590 Royal H. Logan, Acting Director Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Lynda L. Goodgame, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

Florida Laws (2) 120.57550.105
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JOSEPH L. NACCA vs DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING, 05-003208 (2005)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Sep. 02, 2005 Number: 05-003208 Latest Update: Mar. 03, 2006

The Issue The issues are: (1) whether Petitioner is qualified for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license; and (2) whether Petitioner is entitled to waiver of his felony conviction in accordance with Chapter 550, Florida Statutes (2006).

Findings Of Fact Petitioner submitted an application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license as a racehorse owner on or about March 30, 2005. On his application, Petitioner accurately reported that he had been convicted on one count of Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Property and Evade Taxes, a felony. Due to Petitioner’s felony conviction, his application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license was subject to denial. Consequently, Petitioner also requested that a waiver be granted so that he could obtain the license. Petitioner's application and his request for waiver failed to include any information which would establish his rehabilitation or demonstrate that he is of good moral character. In the regular course of the Division's review of Petitioner's application and request for waiver, on or about April 11, 2005, Petitioner was interviewed by Dennis Badillo, an investigator for the Division. During the interview, Mr. Badillo completed a waiver interview form based upon the answers provided by Petitioner. Petitioner was afforded a full and fair opportunity to present information to establish his rehabilitation and to demonstrate his present good moral character, but Petitioner did not provide such information. In light of the information regarding Petitioner’s felony conviction, which is undisputed and admitted by Petitioner on his application form and at the final hearing, Petitioner does not meet the eligibility requirements for the license he seeks. At hearing, Petitioner attempted to minimize his role in the crime of which he was convicted, and expressed the view that he "doesn't have much time" to fulfill his desire to "participate in the racing industry" in Florida, inasmuch as he has passed his 70th birthday. Petitioner failed to present any testimony from friends, relatives, associates, employers, probation officers, or other individuals to establish good conduct and reputation subsequent to the date of his felony conviction. Absent such evidence, the Division has no basis upon which to conclude that Petitioner is rehabilitated or that Petitioner is of present good moral character.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Division enter a final order denying Petitioner’s application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license and his request for waiver. DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of January 2006, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S FLORENCE SNYDER RIVAS 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 31st day of January, 2006. COPIES FURNISHED: S. Thomas Peavey Hoffer Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Joseph L. Nacca 268 West Walk West Haven, Connecticut 06516 David J. Roberts, Director Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Josefina Tamayo, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

Florida Laws (3) 10.001550.0251550.105
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION vs RAUL TROCHE, 14-004052 (2014)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Daytona Beach, Florida Aug. 28, 2014 Number: 14-004052 Latest Update: Feb. 09, 2015

The Issue The issue in this case is whether Respondent violated provisions of statutes governing licensure of construction contractors and, if so, what penalties should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of construction contracting pursuant to section 20.165, and chapters 455 and 489, Part I, Florida Statutes. Unless specifically stated herein, all references to Florida Statutes will be to the 2014 version. Respondent is not licensed to practice construction contracting in the State of Florida. Neither Respondent nor his putative company, Troche’s Construction, Inc., has an active license as a construction business in this state. On or about October 31, 2012, Respondent entered into a “proposal” with Paul R. Schettino (the “Owner”) to construct a firewall across the Owner’s place of business. The proposal called for Respondent to build “an approx. 48 ft wall, to be firerocked 5/8 drywall on both sides. Studs to be 3 5/8 metal. To be built and ready for paint.” The cost of the work was to be $2,200. (One of the Department’s exhibits indicates a price of $1,650 for the work, but the actual cost is irrelevant.)

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, finding Respondent, Raul Troche, guilty of engaging in the business of construction contracting without a license. It is further recommended that the final order impose a minimal fine or, in the alternative, issue a notice of noncompliance. DONE AND ENTERED this 8th day of December, 2014, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S R. BRUCE MCKIBBEN 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 8th day of December, 2014. COPIES FURNISHED: Stephen M. Masterson, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) Raul Troche 70 Belleaire Drive Palm Coast, Florida 32137 J. Yvette Pressley, Hearing Officer Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) J. Layne Smith, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed)

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.5720.165455.228489.13489.131
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