98-003521
Division Of Real Estate vs.
Judy K. Palmer
Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Thursday, December 17, 1998.
Recommended Order on Thursday, December 17, 1998.
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.
- Date
- Proceedings
- Date: 02/26/1999
- Proceedings: Final Order rec`d
- Date: 02/19/1999
- Proceedings: Agency Notice of Appeal (filed via facsimile).
- 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.