98-003521 Division Of Real Estate vs. Judy K. Palmer
 Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Thursday, December 17, 1998.


View Dockets  
Summary: Respondent told seller deposit was being returned to buyer but told buyer deposit was being forfeited to seller. Some escrow charges didn`t apply because transactions didn`t involve real estate.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND )

13PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION )

17OF REAL ESTATE, )

21)

22Petitioner, )

24)

25vs. ) Case No. 98-3521

30)

31JUDY K. PALMER, )

35)

36Respondent. )

38___________________________________)

39)

40DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND )

45PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION )

49OF REAL ESTATE, )

53)

54Petitioner, )

56)

57vs. ) Case No. 98-3522

62)

63JUDY K. PALMER and ERA SOLUTIONS )

70IN REAL ESTATE, INC., )

75)

76Respondents. )

78___________________________________)

79RECOMMENDED ORDER

81On October 13, 1998, a formal administrative hearing was

90held in these cases in Lakeland, Florida, before J. Lawrence

100Johnston, Administrative Law Judge, Division of Administrative

107Hearings.

108APPEARANCES

109For Petitioner: Steven W. Johnson, Senior Attorney

116Department of Business and

120Professional Regulation

122Division of Real Estate

126Suite N-308A

128400 West Robinson Street

132Orlando, Florida 32801

135For Respondent: Judy K. Palmer

140Post Office Box 24734

144Lakeland, Florida 33802

147STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES

151The issues in these cases are whether the Florida Real

161Estate Commission should discipline Judy K. Palmer (Palmer) and

170her real estate brokerage, ERA Solutions in Real Estate, Inc.

180(ERA Solutions in Real Estate), for alleged violations of Chapter

190475, Florida Statutes (1997).

194PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

196On May 20, 1998, the Florida Department of Business and

206Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate (the Petitioner

214or Division) filed an Administrative Complaint against Palmer,

222FDBPR Case Nos. 97-84801 and 97-85465. On July 13, 1998, the

233Petitioner filed an Administrative Complaint against Palmer and

241ERA Solutions in Real Estate, FDBPR Case Nos. 97-80764, 98-80700,

251and 97-82812. Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real Estate requested

261formal administrative proceedings, and the cases were referred to

270the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), where they first

279were given DOAH Case Nos. 98-3521 and 98-3522 and then were

290consolidated. Final hearing was scheduled for October 13, 1998.

299At final hearing, the Petitioner called eleven witnesses and

308had Petitioner's Exhibits 1 through 12 admitted in evidence.

317Palmer testified on behalf of herself and ERA Solutions in Real

328Estate. The Petitioner ordered the preparation of a transcript

337of the final hearing, and the parties were given ten days from

349the filing of the transcript to file proposed recommended orders.

359The transcript was filed on November 12, 1998. Only the

369Petitioner filed a Proposed Recommended Order.

375FINDINGS OF FACT

3781. The charges alleged violations arising out of four

387factual settings. At all times material to the charges, the

397Respondent, Judy K. Palmer (Palmer), was a licensed Florida real

407estate broker under license number 0574496.

4132. Palmer was the qualifying broker for Palmer Realty of

423Central Florida, Inc. (Palmer Realty), from January 1996 until

432Palmer Realty was deactivated. Although the evidence is not

441clear, it appears that Palmer Realty was deactivated in June

4511996. Palmer claims that she did not intend to deactivate Palmer

462Realty in June 1996 but only had her office inquire as to

474deactivation procedures.

4763. In late 1996 (Palmer testified to late 1997, but she

487must have misspoken), Palmer entered into negotiations to

495purchase an ERA franchise. Complications arose, and the

503transaction was not completed until March 1997. Although it is

513alleged in the Administrative Complaint against Palmer that

521Palmer applied for licensure of the Respondent, ERA Solutions in

531Real Estate, Inc. (ERA Solutions in Real Estate), in March 1997,

542it appears from the evidence that Palmer actually applied on

552June 13, 1997. The application was approved, and it appears from

563the evidence that Palmer became the qualifying broker for ERA

573Solutions in Real Estate effective on June 13, 1997.

5824. At the same time, Palmer conducted business as a

592principal and officer of a brokerage of mobile homes on leased

603property, an activity that does not require licensure as a real

614estate broker or salesperson. Initially, Palmer conducted her

622business through an entity called Affordable Lifestyle Homes,

630Inc. (Affordable Lifestyle). At approximately the time she began

639to conduct her real estate business through ERA Solutions in Real

650Estate in March 1997, Palmer began to conduct her mobile homes

661sales business through ERA Solutions, Inc. (ERA Solutions).

6695. Palmer testified without contradiction that she was not

678a broker in the mobile homes sales business. However, because

688her real estate brokerage was conducted in the same building as

699her mobile home sales business, customers sometimes confused the

708two businesses, and mobile home customers sometimes believed that

717they were doing business with the real estate brokerage and that

728Palmer also was a broker for the sale of mobile homes on leased

741property.

742The Hinkles and Conklin

7466. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer alleged

753violations arising out of the handling of a $1,000 deposit on the

766purchase of real property in Lakeland, Florida. A ctually, no

776real property was involved. It also was alleged that the deposit

787was placed in the Affordable Lifestyles escrow account.

795Actually, the money was placed into an ERA Solutions account; it

806is not clear from the evidence whether it was an escrow account.

818It also was alleged that the deposit eventually was returned to

829the buyer; actually, it eventually was returned to the seller.

8397. In early 1997, Joanne Conklin went to the offices of

850Affordable Lifestyle and Palmer Realty to list and sell a mobile

861home on leased property that had belonged to Conklin's recently

871deceased father. The evidence indicated that Conklin dealt with

880an individual named Bruce Shefler, but it did not seem to be

892clear to Conklin whether Shefler worked for Affordable Lifestyle

901or Palmer Realty, or both, or whether there was a difference

912between the two. Conklin did, however, understand that not all

922realtors sold mobile homes on leased property and that her

932choices were limited. Starting approximately March 1997, Conklin

940began to receive documentation bearing the name of ERA Solutions.

9508. Disillusioned with the services she was getting, Conklin

959complained to Palmer, who tried to satisfy Conklin by switching

969her property to another mobile home salesperson named Sandi

978Stone. Still confused as to the relationship between the realty

988and the mobile homes sales entity, Conklin appears to have

998assumed incorrectly that Shefler and Stone were realtors.

10069. On or about July 15, 1997, Don and Janet Hinkle made an

1019offer to purchase Conklin's mobile home at close to the asking

1030price, with a $1,000 deposit and a September 1, 1997, closing

1042date. Conklin considered this to be the first "major offer," and

1053she was inclined to accept. However, Conklin did not think the

1064deposit was enough to take the property off the market for the

1076September closing date.

107910. It is not clear from the evidence what happened at that

1091point. Conklin thought the closing date was being changed to

1101August 16, 1997, to allay her concerns. The face of the contract

1113itself also indicates such a change of the closing date; however,

1124it is not clear whether the change was made before or after the

1137Hinkles signed the contract, or if the change ever was presented

1148to them. Stone accepted the Hinkles' deposit by check made

1158payable to ERA Solutions and placed the money in an ERA Solutions

1170bank account. It was not clear if it was an escrow account.

118211. Shortly before August 16, 1997, Stone telephoned

1190Conklin and told her that the Hinkles' financing had been delayed

1201and that closing would have to be delayed until September 1,

12121997, after all. Conklin was upset and telephoned the Hinkles

1222directly to inform them that she would require an additional

1232deposit to hold the property off the market until September 1,

12431997. The Hinkles in turn became upset because they professed

1253not to have any knowledge of a closing prior to September 1,

12651997. They also did not like the way the transaction was

1276proceeding and decided they no longer wanted to buy Conklin's

1286mobile home.

128812. When told that the Hinkles would not close the

1298contract, Conklin asked Palmer for the $1,000 deposit. Palmer

1308told Conklin that that the property would go back on the market

1320and that the deposit would be returned to the Hinkles.

133013. When the Hinkles asked for the $1,000 deposit, Palmer

1341told them that the deposit would be paid to Conklin and that the

1354Hinkles might also have to pay for the mobile home. Based on

1366this advice, the Hinkles felt that they were at the mercy of

1378Conklin as to the return of the deposit.

138614. Palmer did not report to the Florida Department of

1396Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate

1404(the Division), that the demands had been made for the return of

1416the deposit.

141815. The Hinkles complained to the Division that their

1427deposit had not been returned. During the investigation of the

1437Hinkles' complaint, Palmer returned the deposit to them on

1446December 11, 1997. Conklin did not object to the return of the

1458deposit but would have objected to Palmer, ERA Solutions in Real

1469Estate, ERA Solutions or Affordable Lifestyle keeping it.

1477The Snow Contract

148016. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer alleged

1487that Palmer continued to conduct business as Palmer Real Estate

1497after it was deactivated by entering into a listing contract with

1508the Snows between November 1996 and March 1997. But the

1518Administrative Complaint alleged in two places that deactivation

1526occurred on June 20, 1997. Palmer Real Estate actually appears

1536to have been deactivated in June 1996, perhaps accidentally. See

1546Finding 2, supra .

155017. Palmer and Palmer Real Estate performed the Snow

1559listing contract without any problems and to the satisfaction of

1569the Snows.

1571The Karolishyn Contract

157418. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer alleged

1581that Palmer conducted business as ERA Solutions in Real Estate

1591before it was licensed.

159519. On or about March 13, 1997, Palmer, on behalf of ERA

1607Solutions in Real Estate, entered into a listing contract with

1617Beatrice Karolishyn.

161920. Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real Estate performed the

1629Karolishyn listing contract without any problems and to the

1638satisfaction of Karolishyn.

1641Alleged Misappropriation of Escrow Funds

164621. In addition to the allegations against Palmer arising

1655out of the Conklin/ Hinkles transactions, the Administrative

1663Complaint against Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real Estate alleged

1673specific as well as wholesale misappropriation of escrow funds.

168222. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA

1690Solutions in Real Estate alleged that, on or about December 31,

17011997, Donald J. (Jack) Miller, a salesperson employed by the

1711Respondents, accepted a $100 deposit from Geneva McCoy on the

1721purchase of a mobile home on leased property. It further alleged

1732that, prior to closing, the Respondents converted the $100 to

1742their own use and that the sellers were unable to fund the

1754purchase of tags and title.

175923. The evidence was that, after the McCoy deposit, the

1769sale of Palmer's ERA franchise to another broker was initiated,

1779and there was confusion as to whom McCoy was supposed to write

1791her check for the balance of the purchase. In addition, McCoy

1802wanted title to the mobile home to be taken in the names of both

1816her and her son; title was delayed while information required by

1827the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was obtained

1837from her son. There was no evidence that the $100 deposit had

1849anything to do with the delay in obtaining title to the mobile

1861home.

186224. On or about February 4, 1998, Palmer's ERA franchise

1872was transferred to another broker. Miller was permitted to, and

1882chose to, join the successor franchisee. At the McCoy closing,

1892Miller discovered that McCoy was $100 short because the deposit

1902had not been made available for the closing. Miller paid the

1913$100 out of his own pocket.

191925. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA

1927Solutions in Real Estate also alleged that, on or about

1937February 10, 1998, Miller accepted a $1,000 deposit from Maxine

1948Reed on the purchase of real property from Barbara L. McCarty.

1959In fact, as reflected in the sales contract and deposit check

1970attached to the Administrative Complaint, and confirmed by the

1979evidence presented at the hearing, the deposit was accepted on or

1990about January 17, 1998.

199426. When the McCarty/Reed transaction closed on

2001February 20, 1998, Mille r participated in the closing in his new

2013capacity as salesperson for the successor broker. As with the

2023McCoy deal, the deposit was not made available for the closing.

2034In order to proceed with the closing, Miller had to charge back

2046the $1,000 against the broker's sales commission.

205427. The evidence was that, after agreeing to sell her ERA

2065franchise to another broker, Palmer attempted to renege and

2074rescind the sale. She took the position that, at the time of the

2087agreement, she was not thinking clearly because she was on

2097medication for continuing emotional difficulties from the sudden

2105and tragic death of her daughter in a car accident in 1994.

2117Palmer sought to rescind the sale and viewed the transaction as a

2129hostile takeover against her will.

213428. The evidence did not prove why the McCoy and Reed down

2146payments were not available for their closings. The money

2155apparently remained in the ERA Solutions in Real Estate escrow

2165account. On or about March 18, 1998, after both the sale of the

2178ERA franchise and the closings, Palmer withdrew all funds from

2188her ERA brokerage accounts (including the ERA Solutions in Real

2198Estate and ERA Solutions escrow accounts) and closed the

2207accounts. She used the funds in the account for her own

2218purposes. These funds included the McCoy and Reed deposits.

222729. It was Palmer's position that the successor broker was

2237responsible for making the funds available for the closings and

2247that the money in the ERA brokerage accounts rightfully belonged

2257to her. There was no evidence as to the terms of the sale of the

2272ERA franchises or the contemplated handling of the escrow funds.

2282There also was no evidence that either Miller or the successor

2293broker made a claim to the funds.

230030. There also were general allegations in the

2308Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real

2317Estate that the Respondents wrote payroll checks out of the ERA

2328Solutions in Real Estate escrow account at Barnett Bank between

2338August 1997 and January 1998. However, those allegations were

2347not proven.

234931. There also were general allegations in the

2357Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real

2366Estate that the Respondents "obtained deposits and

2373misappropriated the deposits by improperly disbursing them to the

2382operating account at Barnett Bank and/or by directly converting

2391them to the use of the Respondent Judy K. Palmer." The only

2403evidence of such a direct conversion of escrow funds was that

2414Palmer once wrote a $200 to $400 check out of the escrow account

2427for a personal health insurance premium. However, another broker

2436brought this to Palmer's attention, and Palmer replaced the

2445money, saying she accidentally had picked up the wrong check

2455book. The evidence was that this occurred in December 1996,

2465before Palmer began operating as ERA Solutions in Real Estate.

247532. There also were general allegations in the

2483Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real

2492Estate that the Respondents "converted approximately $14,200 in

2501trust funds to the Respondents' general account and/or to

2510Respondent Judy K. Palmer's own use." As reflected in the bank

2521statement attached to the Administrative Complaint, the evidence

2529proved that $14,200 was transferred out of the ERA Solutions in

2541Real Estate escrow account during July 1997, but the evidence did

2552not prove who transferred the funds, where the funds were

2562transferred, or what they were used for.

256933. The Administrative Complaint against Palmer and ERA

2577Solutions in Real Estate also alleged that, on or about

2587January 28, 1998, First Union Bank froze all of the Respondents'

2598accounts, including escrow accounts, because of checks (including

2606payroll checks) returned by reason of insufficient funds. The

2615evidence proved that there was not much activity in the escrow

2626account but that there was a substantial problem with deposits in

2637the general accounts and that they were overdrawn by almost

2647$6,500 at the end of January 1998. There also was evidence that,

2660as before, vendors were not being paid and were dunning the

2671brokerage for payment and that checks on the general account were

2682bouncing, including payroll checks.

2686CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

268934. The burden is on the Division to proved its charges by

2701clear and convincing evidence. Ferris v. Turlington , 510 So. 2d

2711292 (Fla. 1987). Moreover, the Division legally cannot find

2720licensees guilty of violations not charged, making it important

2729that administrative complaints be accurate and complete. See

2737Ghani v. Dept. of Health , 714 So. 2d 1113 (Fla. 1st DCA 1998);

2750Sternberg v. Dept. of Prof. Reg., Bd. of Med. Exam'rs , 465 So. 2d

27631324 (Fla. 1st DCA 1985).

2768The Hinkles and Conklin

277235. The charges alleged that Palmer committed the following

2781violations in connection with the Hinkles/ Conklin transaction:

2789Count I - Failure to account or deliver

2797funds, in violation of Section 475.25(1)(d)1,

2803Florida Statutes (1997);

2806Count II - Failure to institute one of the

2815settlement procedures set forth in Section

2821475.25(1)(d)1, Florida Statutes (1997),

2825within 30 days after the last demand, in

2833violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule

283961J2-10.032(1) and therefore Section

2843475.25(1)(e), Florida Statutes (1997);

2847Count III - Culpable negligence or breach of

2855trust in any business transaction, in

2861violation of Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida

2866Statutes (1997); and

2869Count IV - Failure to maintain trust funds in

2878the real estate brokerage escrow bank account

2885or some other proper depository until

2891disbursement was properly authorized, in

2896violation of Section 475.25(1)(k), Florida

2901Statutes (1997).

290336. The evidence is clear that the Hinkles/ Conklin

2912transaction did not involve real estate but rather a mobile home

2923on leased property. The requirements for handling real estate

2932escrow accounts applied to the transaction. See White v. Dept.

2942of Bus. and Prof. Reg. , 715 So. 2d 1130 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998);

2955LaRossa v. Dept. Prof. Reg. , 474 So. 2d 322 (Fla. 3d DCA 1985).

296837. The evidence proved, however, that Palmer's handling of

2977the requests from both the Hinkles and Conklin for the return of

2989the deposit proved at least culpable negligence and breach of

2999trust in a business transaction, in violation of Section

3008475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes (1997). The evidence proved that

3016Palmer told the Hinkles that they had lost their deposit and told

3028Conklin that the deposit was being returned to the Hinkles.

3038Meanwhile, unbeknownst to either, Palmer kept the deposit and did

3048not return it until the Division investigated the Hinkles'

3057complaint.

3058The Snow and Karolishyn Contracts

306338. The charges alleged that Palmer committed the following

3072violations in connection with the Snow and Karolishyn contracts:

3081Count IV [sic] - Fraud, misrepresentation,

3087concealment, false promises, false pretenses,

3092dishonest dealing by trick, scheme or devise,

3099culpable negligence, or breach of trust in

3106any business transaction, in violation of

3112Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes

3116(1997); and

3118Count V [sic] - Operating as a broker under

3127the name of a corporation or as an officer or

3137manager thereof, without the corporation

3142being the holder of a valid current

3149registration in violation of Section

3154475.42(1)(k), and therefore in violation of

3160Section 475.25(1)(e), Florida Statutes

3164(1997).

316539. The evidence as to the Snow contract proved that Palmer

3176conducted business as Palmer Realty after the deactivation of

3185that license. The evidence as to the Karolishyn contract proved

3195that Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real Estate conducted business

3205as the latter entity before it was licensed. These were both

3216violations of Section 475.42(1)(k), Florida Statutes (1997).

322340. As to both the Snow and Karolishyn contracts, there was

3234evidence of confusion on the part of Palmer as to the actual date

3247of deactivation of Palmer Realty, if not also the licensure of

3258ERA Solutions in Real Estate. Palmer Realty may have been

3268deactivated accidentally, and Palmer seemed to think application

3276for licensure of ERA Solutions in Real Estate occurred in March

32871998. In any event, the evidence as to these matters did not

3299prove fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, false promises,

3305false pretenses, dishonest dealing by trick, scheme or devise,

3314culpable negligence, or breach of trust in a business

3323transaction, in violation of Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida

3330Statutes (1997).

3332Alleged Misappropriation of Escrow Funds

333741. The charges alleged that Palmer and Real Estate ERA

3347Solutions committed the following violations in connection with

3355the handling of escrow funds (other than the Hinkles/ Conklin

3365transaction):

3366Counts I, II, VII, and VIII - Fraud,

3374misrepresentation, concealment, false

3377promises, false pretenses, dishonest dealing

3382by trick, scheme or devise, culpable

3388negligence, or breach of trust in any

3395business transaction, in violation of Section

3401475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes (1997);

3405Counts III, IV, IX, and X - Failure to

3414maintain trust funds in the real estate

3421brokerage escrow bank account or some other

3428proper depository until disbursement was

3433properly authorized, in violation of Section

3439475.25(1)(k), Florida Statutes (1997); and

3444Counts V, VI, XI, and XII - Failure to

3453account or deliver funds, in violation of

3460Section 475.25(1)(d)1, Florida Statutes

3464(1997).

3465Based on the findings, it is concluded that the evidence may have

3477proven improper maintenance of trust funds; but the evidence did

3487not prove either failure to account and deliver, or fraud,

3497misrepresentation, concealment, false promises, false pretenses,

3503dishonest dealing by trick, scheme or devise, culpable

3511negligence, or breach of trust in a business transaction, in

3521connection with the trust funds.

352642. As found, there was confusion as to the status of

3537Palmer and ERA Solutions in Real Estate around the time of the

3549McCoy and Reed escrow deposits. After the deposits were made,

3559Palmer's ERA franchise was sold to another broker; however,

3568Palmer sought to rescind the sale and viewed the transactions as

3579a hostile takeover against her will. After the sale of the

3590franchise, the McCoy and Reed contracts closed. Their down

3599payments were not available for the closing, but the evidence did

3610not prove why not. The money apparently remained in the ERA

3621Solutions in Real Estate escrow account. Long after the

3630closings, Palmer withdrew the funds and closed the account.

3639There was no evidence as to the terms of the sale of the ERA

3653franchise or the contemplated handling of the escrow funds.

3662There also was no evidence that either Miller or the successor

3673broker made a claim to the funds.

368043. As found, the evidence did not prove that the

3690Respondents wrote payroll checks out of the ERA Solutions in Real

3701Estate escrow account at Barnett Bank between August 1997 and

3711January 1998. The evidence also did not prove who transferred

3721the $14,200 out of the ERA Solutions in Real Estate escrow

3733account during July 1997, where the funds were transferred, or

3743what they were used for. The evidence proved that Palmer once

3754accidentally wrote a $200 to $400 check out of the escrow account

3766for a personal health insurance premium, but she replaced the

3776money when another broker brought the error to her attention.

3786(Also, this occurred in December 1996, before Palmer began

3795operating as ERA Solutions in Real Estate.)

380244. Finally, as to the chronic nonpayment of vendors and

3812substantial overdrafts in the general accounts, the evidence did

3821not prove fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, false promises,

3828false pretenses, or dishonest dealing by trick, scheme or devise.

3838However, it was proven that Palmer allowed the business and

3848finances of ERA Solutions in Real Estate to fall into complete

3859dissarray. This evidence was sufficient to prove culpable

3867negligence and breach of trust in business transactions, in

3876violation of Section 475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes (1997).

3883Penalty Guidelines

388545. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-

389224.001(3)(c), the usual penalty for violating Section

3899475.25(1)(b), Florida Statutes, by fraud, misrepresentation, or

3906dishonest dealing is revocation; for culpable negligence or

3914breach of trust, the usual penalty is in the range from an

3926administrative fine of $1,000 to a one-year suspension.

393546. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-

394224.001(3)(l), the minimum penalty for violating Section

3949475.25(1)(k), Florida Statutes, is a 90-day suspension and $1,000

3959administrative fine; the penalty can range up to revocation.

396847. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-

397524.001(3)( dd), the usual penalty for violating Section

3983475.42(1)(k), Florida Statutes, is in the range from an

3992administrative fine of $1,000 to a six-month suspension.

400148. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61J2-

400824.001(4)(a), deviation from the usual penalties is permitted if

4017there are aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Under Florida

4025Administrative Code Rule 61J2-24.001(4)(b), aggravating or

4031mitigating circumstances can include, but are not limited to:

40401. The severity of the offense.

40462. The degree of harm to the consumer or

4055public.

40563. The number of counts in the Administrative

4064Complaint.

40654. The number of times the offenses

4072previously have been committed by the

4078licensee.

40795. The disciplinary history of the licensee.

40866. The status of the licensee at the time the

4096offense was committed.

40997. The degree of financial hardship incurred

4106by a licensee as a result of the imposition

4115of a fine or suspension of the license.

41238. Violation of the provision of Chapter 475,

4131Florida Statutes, where in [sic] a letter of

4139guidance as provided in s. 455.225(3),

4145Florida Statutes, previously has been issued

4151to the licensee.

415449. The facts in this case, taken as a whole, do not

4166warrant a departure from the Florida Real Estate Commission's

4175usual penalties.

4177RECOMMENDATION

4178Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of

4188Law, it is

4191RECOMMENDED that the Florida Real Estate Commission enter a

4200final order revoking the licenses of Judy K. Palmer and ERA

4211Solutions in Real Estate, Inc.

4216DONE AND ENTERED this 17th day of December, 1998, in

4226Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

4230___________________________________

4231J. LAWRENCE JOHNSTON

4234Administrative Law Judge

4237Division of Administrative Hearings

4241The DeSoto Building

42441230 Apalachee Parkway

4247Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060

4250(850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675

4254Fax Filing (850) 921-6 847

4259Filed with the Clerk of the

4265Division of Administrative Hearings

4269this 17th day of December, 1998.

4275COPIES FURNISHED:

4277Steven W. Johnson, Senior Attorney

4282Department of Business and

4286Professional Regulation

4288Division of Real Estate

4292Suite N-308A

4294400 West Robinson Street

4298Orlando, Florida 32801

4301Judy Palmer

4303Post Office Box 24734

4307Lakeland, Florida 33802

4310Lynda L. Goodgame, General Counsel

4315Department of Business and

4319Professional Regulation

43211940 North Monroe Street

4325Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

4328James Kimbler, Acting Division Director

4333Division of Real Estate

4337Department of Business and

4341Professional Regulation

4343Post Office Box 1900

4347Orlando, Florida 32802-1900

4350NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS

4356All parties have the right to submit written exceptions within 15

4367days from the date of this Recommended Order. Any exceptions to

4378this Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that will

4389issue the final order in this case.

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Proceedings
Date: 02/26/1999
Proceedings: Final Order rec`d
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Date: 02/19/1999
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 02/19/1999
Proceedings: Recommended Order
Date: 02/19/1999
Proceedings: Agency Notice of Appeal (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 12/17/1998
Proceedings: Recommended Order sent out. CASE CLOSED. Hearing held 10/13/98.
Date: 11/23/1998
Proceedings: (Petitioner) Proposed Recommended Order (filed via facsimile).
Date: 11/12/1998
Proceedings: Transcript filed.
Date: 10/19/1998
Proceedings: (Petitioner) Exhibits filed.
Date: 10/13/1998
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
Date: 10/02/1998
Proceedings: (Petitioner) Motion for Taking Deposition by Telephone (filed via facsimile).
Date: 10/01/1998
Proceedings: Amended Notice of Final Hearing (as to location only) sent out. (hearing set for 10/13/98; 10:00am; Lakeland)
Date: 09/10/1998
Proceedings: Notice of Final Hearing sent out. (hearing set for 10/13/98; 10:00am; Lakeland)
Date: 09/10/1998
Proceedings: Order Consolidating Cases sent out. (Consolidated cases are: 98-3521 & 98-3522)
Date: 08/13/1998
Proceedings: Petitioner`s Motion to Consolidate/Unilateral Compliance With Initial Order (case to be consolidated 98-3521, 98-3522) (filed via facsimile).
Date: 08/06/1998
Proceedings: Initial Order issued.
Date: 08/03/1998
Proceedings: Agency Referral letter (exhibits); Administrative Complaint; Election of Rights filed.

Case Information

Judge:
J. LAWRENCE JOHNSTON
Date Filed:
08/03/1998
Date Assignment:
08/06/1998
Last Docket Entry:
02/26/1999
Location:
Lakeland, Florida
District:
Middle
Agency:
ADOPTED IN TOTO
 

Related DOAH Cases(s) (2):

Related Florida Statute(s) (3):

Related Florida Rule(s) (2):