04-000692RP Gold Coast School Of Construction, Inc., And Douglas L. Gamester vs. Department Of Business And Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board
 Status: Closed
DOAH Final Order on Wednesday, June 30, 2004.


View Dockets  
Summary: Petitioner had standing to challenge net-worth rule as applicable to trades for which Petitioner offered pre-licensing courses. Petitioner proved existing and prior net-worth rules for these trades modified, enlarged, and contravened the law implemented.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8GOLD COAST SCHOOL OF )

13CONSTRUCTION, INC., AND DOUGLAS )

18L. GAMESTER, )

21)

22Petitioners, )

24)

25vs. ) Case No. 04 - 0692RP

32)

33DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND )

38PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, )

41CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING )

45BOARD, )

47)

48Respondent. )

50)

51FINAL ORDER

53Robert E. Meale, Administrative Law Judge of the Division

62of Administrative Hearings, conducted the final hearing in

70Tallahassee, Florida, on April 5, 2 004.

77APPEARANCES

78For Petitioners: Timothy P. Atkinson

83Segundo J. Fernandez

86Oertel, Fernandez, Cole & Bryant, P.A.

92Post Office Box 1110

96Tallahassee, Florida 32302

99For Respondent: Diane L. Guillemette

104Lee Ann Gustafson

107Office of the Attorney General

112The Capitol, Suite PL - 01

118Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 1050

123STATEMENT O F THE ISSUES

128The issues are whether the existing and proposed provisions

137of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 15.005, as identified

147in the next paragraph, are invalid exercises of delegated

156legislative authority.

158PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

160By Petition for Administrative Determination of the

167Invalidity of an Existing Rule and Proposed Rule filed

176February 27, 2004, Petitioners challenged existing Florida

183Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 15.005(3)(a) and changes to this

193rule proposed by Respondent on February 6, 2004, in Florida

203Administrative Weekly , Volume 30, Number 6. Florida

210Administrative Code Rule 60G4 - 15.005(3)(a) imposes net - worth

220requirements upon persons seeking certification as contractors.

227As amended, Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 15.003(3) (a)

237would raise the net - worth requirements imposed on general and

248building contractors from $20,000 each to $80,000 and $40,000,

260respectively, and would raise the net - worth requirements imposed

270on other contractors by lesser amounts.

276The petition allege s that Petitioner Gold Coast School of

286Construction, Inc., is a school for individuals seeking to

295become certified or registered contractors. The petition

302alleges that the proposed increases in net worth will adversely

312affect Gold Coast's substantial inte rests by reducing the

321student pool due to the reduced number of students who will be

333able to meet the increased net - worth requirements.

342The petition alleges that Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester

350has applied to Respondent for his general contractor's

358certifi cate. The petition alleges that Mr. Gamester has already

368passed the required examination and is substantially affected by

377the proposed rule because he will be unable to meet the

388increased net - worth requirements.

393The petition alleges that the existing and proposed rule

402provisions are invalid because Respondent has exceeded its grant

411of rulemaking authority; the existing and proposed rule

419provisions enlarge, modify, or contravene the specific

426provisions of law implemented; and the proposed rule is

435arbitrary or capricious. (At the hearing, Petitioners withdrew

443their allegations that the existing and proposed rule provisions

452impose regulatory costs that could be reduced by the adoption of

463less costly alternatives that would accomplish substantially the

471statut ory objectives.)

474The petition also requests reasonable costs and attorneys'

482fees, pursuant to Section 120.595(2), Florida Statutes.

489At the hearing, Petitioners called four witnesses and

497offered into evidence four exhibits: Petitioners Exhibits 1 - 4.

507R espondent called two witnesses and offered into evidence no

517exhibits. All exhibits were admitted.

522The court reporter filed the transcript on April 20, 2004.

532The parties filed their proposed final orders on April 30, 2004.

543FINDINGS OF FACT

5461. Petition er Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.

555(Gold Coast), engages in the business of offering courses to

565individuals who seek to become certified or registered

573contractors in Florida. Gold Coast offers prelicensing courses

581for prospective general contracto rs, building contractors,

588residential contractors, Class A air conditioning contractors,

595Class B air conditioning contractors, Class C air conditioning

604contractors, and roofing contractors. Enrollment in these

611classes ranges from 200 - 600 students annually .

6202. For the trades in which Gold Coast offers prelicensing

630courses, Gold Coast is substantially affected by the proposed

639rule, which would substantially raise the net - worth requirements

649imposed on prospective contractors, reduce the number of persons

658who could qualify for certification, and reduce the number of

668persons who would enroll in Gold Coast's prelicensing courses.

6773. Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester (Gamester) has passed

685the Construction Industry Licensing Board (Respondent)

691examination for ce rtification as a general contractor. After he

701filed his rule challenge, Respondent granted him a general

710contractor's certificate and approved his qualification of a

718business entity. Gamester is not substantially affected by the

727rule or proposed changes to the rule. Although Gamester may, in

738the future, attempt to obtain other contracting certificates in

747other trades, any finding of such plans at present would be

758based entirely on speculation.

7624. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 15.005 provides:

7716 1G4 - 15.005 Requirements for Certification

778and Registration.

780In order that the Board may carry out its

789statutory duty to investigate the financial

795responsibility, credit, and business

799reputation of a new applicant for

805certification or registration or a ch ange of

813status of a certification or registration,

819an applicant shall be required to forward

826the following to the Department for a review

834by the Board:

837(1) A credit report from any nationally

844recognized credit agency as defined in

850subsections 61G4 - 12. 011(13) and (14), F.A.C.

858(2) A financial statement, not older than

86512 months, which shall contain information

871indicating the current assets, current

876liabilities, total assets, total

880liabilities, and total net worth, and which

887shall report all material financial changes

893occurring between the date of the financial

900statement and the date of the application.

907(3) As a prerequisite to issuance of a

915certificate, an applicant shall, in addition

921to the submissions required in subsections

927(1) and (2) above, submit competent,

933substantial evidence to the Florida

938Construction Industry Licensing Board

942demonstrating the following:

945(a) Net worth as listed below for the

953following categories of contractors:

9571. General Contractor, $20,000;

9622. B uilding Contractor, $20,000;

9683. Residential Contractor, $20,000;

9734. Sheet Metal Contractor, $10,000;

9795. Roofing Contractor, $10,000;

9846. Class A Air Conditioning

989Contractor, $10,000;

9927. Class B Air Conditioning

997Contra ctor, $10,000;

10018. Class C Air Conditioning

1006Contractor, $10,000;

10099. Mechanical Contractor, $10,000;

101410. Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor,

1018$10,000;

102011. Residential Pool/Spa Contractor,

1024$10,000;

102612. Swimming Pool/Spa Serv icing

1031Contractor, $2,500;

103413. Plumbing Contractor, $10,000;

103914. Underground Utility and

1043Excavation Contractor, $10,000;

104715. Solar Contractor, $10,000;

105216. Residential Solar Water Heating

1057Specialty Contractor, $2,500;

106117. Specialty Structure Contractor,

1065$10,000;

106718. Pollutant Storage System

1071Specialty Contractor, $10,000;

107519. Gypsum Drywall Specialty

1079Contractor, $2,500;

108220. Gas Line Specialty Contractor,

1087$10,000; or

109021. Glass and Glazing Specialty

1095Contractor, $10,000.

1098(b) Possession of either a letter of

1105credit or a compliance bond established to

1112reimburse the appropriate parties for

1117diversion of funds, abandonment, and all

1123other statutory violations, said instruments

1128to be issued i n the same license

1136classification to dollar ratio listed in

1142paragraph (a), above. The aforementioned

1147instruments are not to be construed as

1154performance bonds.

1156(c) Net worth shall be defined to

1163require a showing for all contractor

1169licensure categori es that the applicant has

1176a minimum of 50 percent (%) of the amount in

1186cash.

1187(d) Cash shall be defined to include

1194a line of credit.

11985. On February 6, 2004, Respondent published in the

1207Florida Administrative Weekly , Volume 30, Number 6, proposed

1215changes to Florida Administrative Code 61G4 - 15.005(3)(a), so

1224that the new net - worth requirements would be as follows (new

1236language is underlined and old language is stricken):

1244(a) Net worth as listed below for the

1252following categories of contractors:

12561. General Contractor, $ 80,000

126220,000 ;

12642. Building Contractor, $ 40,000

127020,000 ;

12723. Residential Contractor, $20,000;

12774. Sheet Metal Contractor, $ 20,000

128410,000 ;

12865. Roofing Contractor, $ 20,000

129210,000 ;

12946. Class A Air Conditioning

1299Contractor, $ 20,000 10,000 ;

13057. Class B Air Conditioning

1310Contractor, $ 20,000 10,000 ;

13168. Class C Air Conditioning

1321Contractor, $ 20,000 10,000 ;

13279. Mechanical Contractor, $ 20,000

133310,000 ;

133510. Commercial Pool/Spa Contr actor,

1340$ 20,000 10,000 ;

134511. Residential Pool/Spa Contractor,

1349$ 20,000 10,000 ;

135412. Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing

1358Contractor, $ 10,000 2,500 ;

136413. Plumbing Contractor, $ 20,000

137010,000 ;

137214. Underground Utility and

1376Excavation Contracto r, $ 20,000 10,000 ;

138415. Solar Contractor, $ 20,000

139010,000 ;

139216. Residential Solar Water Heating

1397Specialty Contractor, $ 5,000 2,500 ;

140417. Specialty Structure Contractor,

1408$ 20,000; 10,000 ;

141318. Pollutant Storage System

1417Specialty Con tractor, $ 20,000 ; 10,000 ;

142519. Gypsum Drywall Specialty

1429Contractor, $ 5,000 ; 2,500 ;

143520. Gas Line Specialty Contractor,

1440$ 20,000 10,000 ; or [sic].

14476. Section 489.105(3), Florida Statutes, divides

1453contractors into Division I and Division II. Division I

1462contractors are general, building, and residential contractors.

1469Division II contractors are all other contractors.

14767. Section 489.105(3), Florida Statutes, defines Division

1483I contractors as follows:

1487(a) "General contractor" means a contrac tor

1494whose services are unlimited as to the type

1502of work which he or she may do, who may

1512contract for any activity requiring

1517licensure under this part, and who may

1524perform any work requiring licensure under

1530this part, except as otherwise expressly

1536provided in s. 489.113.

1540(b) "Building contractor" means a

1545contractor whose services are limited to

1551construction of commercial buildings and

1556single - dwelling or multiple - dwelling

1563residential buildings, which commercial or

1568residential buildings do not exceed three

1574s tories in height, and accessory use

1581structures in connection therewith or a

1587contractor whose services are limited to

1593remodeling, repair, or improvement of any

1599size building if the services do not affect

1607the structural members of the building.

1613(c) "Reside ntial contractor" means a

1619contractor whose services are limited to

1625construction, remodeling, repair, or

1629improvement of one - family, two - family, or

1638three - family residences not exceeding two

1645habitable stories above no more than one

1652uninhabitable story and acc essory use

1658structures in connection therewith.

16628. In contrast to building and residential contractors, a

1671general contractor is unlimited in the scope of work that he or

1683she may under take, subject to Section 489.113(3), Florida

1692Statutes, which requires a contractor to subcontract out

1700electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming

1707pool, and air conditioning work, unless the contractor is

1716certified or registered in the particular trade.

17239. Building contractors may undertake work on r esidential

1732or commercial structures not more than three stories high, and

1742residential contractors may undertake work on limited

1749residential structures not more than two stories high. Although

1758Petitioners identify various small jobs that require a general

1767contractor's certificate or registration, such as the

1774construction of small communications towers, balcony repairs in

1782parking garages, and door repairs in high - rise apartments, the

1793record generally supports the finding that the scope of jobs

1803undertaken by general contractors is more extensive than the

1812scope of jobs undertaken by building contractors, and the scope

1822of jobs undertaken by building contractors is more extensive

1831than the scope of jobs undertaken by residential contractors.

184010. This case involve s one of the requirements imposed on

1851persons seeking to become certified as contractors in specific

1860trades. Certification is distinct from registration. Section

1867489.105(7) and (8), Florida Statutes, defines "certificate" as a

1876certificate of competency is sued by Respondent and a "certified

1886contractor" as a contractor who may practice anywhere in the

1896state. Section 489.105(9) and (10), Florida Statutes, defines

"1904registration" as registration with Respondent and a "registered

1912contractor" as a contractor who may practice only in the local

1923jurisdiction for which the registration is issued.

193011. Section 489.115(1), Florida Statutes, prohibits any

1937person from engaging in the practice of contracting without

1946first obtaining a certificate or registration in the app ropriate

1956trade.

195712. Section 489.115(5)(b) and (6), Florida Statutes,

1964provides:

1965(b) In addition to the affidavit of

1972insurance, as a prerequisite to the initial

1979issuance of a certificate, the applicant

1985shall furnish a credit report from a

1992nationally reco gnized credit agency that

1998reflects the financial responsibility of the

2004applicant and evidence of financial

2009responsibility, credit, and business

2013reputation of either himself or herself or

2020the business organization he or she desires

2027to qualify. The board sh all adopt rules

2035defining financial responsibility based upon

2040the applicant's credit history, ability to

2046be bonded, and any history of bankruptcy or

2054assignment of receivers. Such rules shall

2060specify the financial responsibility grounds

2065on which the board m ay refuse to qualify an

2075applicant for certification.

2078* * *

2081(6) An initial applicant shall, along with

2088the application, and a certificateholder or

2094registrant shall, upon requesting a change

2100of status, submit to th e board a credit

2109report from a nationally recognized credit

2115agency that reflects the financial

2120responsibility of the applicant or

2125certificateholder or registrant. The credit

2130report required for the initial applicant

2136shall be considered the minimum evidenc e

2143necessary to satisfy the board that he or

2151she is financially responsible to be

2157certified, has the necessary credit and

2163business reputation to engage in contracting

2169in the state, and has the minimum financial

2177stability necessary to avoid the problem of

2184fi nancial mismanagement or misconduct. The

2190board shall, by rule, adopt guidelines for

2197determination of financial stability

220113. Although testimony at the hearing suggested that

"2209history of bankruptcy" meant an inability to generate

2217sufficient cash flow to pay debts owed, it is more likely that a

"2230history of bankruptcy" is a record of filing for bankruptcy.

2240Like the appointment of a receiver, the filing of a petition for

2252bankruptcy is an action that is easily detected, as opposed to

2263the inability to pay deb ts as they matured or the existence of

2276liabilities in excess of assets -- either of which, for most

2287natural persons, is difficult to determine, especially

2294historically.

229514. The "credit report" mentioned in Section

2302489.115(5)(b), Florida Statutes, and the "c redit report"

2310mentioned in Section 489.115(6), Florida Statutes, is the same

2319credit report. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 12.011(11)

2328and (12) defines the credit report as follows:

2336(11) A “credit report from a nationally

2343recognized credit agency t hat reflects the

2350financial responsibility of the applicant,

2355certificateholder or registrant”, shall for

2360the purposes of Section 489.115(6), F.S.,

2366mean a credit report that provides full,

2373accurate, current, and complete information

2378on the following items in a manner which

2386allows the Board to determine the credit

2393worthiness of the applicant:

2397(a) Payment history;

2400(b) Credit rating;

2403(c) Public filings in county, state and

2410federal courts;

2412(d) Bankruptcies, business history,

2416suits, liens, and jud gments, all on a

2424nationwide basis;

2426(e) Location of business, number of

2432years in business;

2435(f) Social security numbers, if

2440available, of all corporate officers, owners

2446and partners, and all federal employer

2452identification numbers, if available, held

2457by the applicant or any business entity that

2465he currently qualifies or is applying to

2472qualify; and

2474(g) UCC filings.

2477(12) A “nationally recognized credit

2482agency” shall mean a credit agency that:

2489(a) Obtains credit information both

2494within and out side the State of Florida;

2502(b) Validates, updates, and maintains

2507the accuracy of credit information obtained;

2513and

2514(c) Obtains credit reports from at least

2521two (2) credit bureaus.

252515. The statutory requirement of a credit report focuses

2534upon an in dividual's creditworthiness, based on his or her use

2545or abuse of credit and payment history. The closest that these

2556statutes come to specifying net worth as a criterion of

2566certification are the requirements of "financial. . .

2574responsib[ility]" and "the mi nimum financial stability necessary

2582to avoid the problem of financial mismanagement or misconduct,"

2591which is the cause of about 70 percent of all disciplinary

2602proceedings against contractors. However, these statutory

2608references guide Respondent in the aut horized use of the credit

2619report, which does not warrant the imposition of a net - worth

2631requirement. First, the credit report lacks net - worth

2640information. Second, the credit report presents a subject's

2648financial history -- most of which is of no use in esta blishing

2661the subject's present net worth.

266616. In contrast to these provisions in Section

2674489.115(5)(b) and (6), Florida Statutes, Section 489.1195(1)(d),

2681Florida Statutes, expressly authorizes Respondent to adopt rules

2689imposing "net worth" and "cash” re quirements on individuals

2698seeking to qualify as financially responsible officers (FROs)

2706for construction businesses. The Legislature clearly evidenced

2713its ability to require net worth as a condition to certification

2724as an FRO, which are not involved in th is case, and obviously

2737elected not to impose as onerous a requirement upon contractors

2747themselves.

274817. Respondent determined the new net - worth requirements

2757in the proposed rule by two means. Respondent had not changed

2768the net - worth requirements for Div ision II contractors for 20

2780years, so Respondent estimated that the effects of inflation

2789justified the increases set forth in the proposed rule.

2798Respondent had raised the net - worth requirements for Division I

2809contractors from $10,000 to $20,000 in 1998. Respondent derived

2820the new net - worth requirements for general and building

2830contractors based on estimates of weekly salaries for these

2839respective contractors, not inflation.

284318. The present record contains no evidence of the rate of

2854inflation during any r elevant period of time, nor any evidence

2865of average weekly salaries paid by Division I contractors. Nor

2875does it appear that Respondent considered such data when

2884determining the new net - worth requirements in the proposed rule.

2895CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

289819. The D ivision of Administrative Hearings has

2906jurisdiction over the subject matter. §§ 120.56 and 120.569

2915Fla. Stat. (2003).

291820. Section 120.56(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides:

"2924Any person substantially affected by a rule or a proposed rule

2935may seek an adm inistrative determination of the invalidity of

2945the rule on the ground that the rule is an invalid exercise of

2958delegated legislative authority."

296121. Section 120.52(8), Florida Statutes, defines "invalid

2968exercise of delegated legislative authority" as:

2974(8) "Invalid exercise of delegated

2979legislative authority" means action which

2984goes beyond the powers, functions, and

2990duties delegated by the Legislature. A

2996proposed or existing rule is an invalid

3003exercise of delegated legislative authority

3008if any one of the f ollowing applies:

3016* * *

3019(b) The agency has exceeded its grant of

3027rulemaking authority, citation to which is

3033required by s. 120.54(3)(a)1.;

3037(c) The rule enlarges, modifies, or

3043contravenes the specific provisions of law

3049implemented, citation to which is required

3055by s. 120.54(3)(a)1.;

3058* * *

3061(e) The rule is arbitrary or capricious.

3068A rule is arbitrary if it is not supported

3077by logic or the necessary facts; a rule is

3086capricious if it is adopt ed without thought

3094or reason or is irrational[.]

3099A grant of rulemaking authority is necessary

3106but not sufficient to allow an agency to

3114adopt a rule; a specific law to be

3122implemented is also required. An agency may

3129adopt only rules that implement or inte rpret

3137the specific powers and duties granted by

3144the enabling statute. No agency shall have

3151authority to adopt a rule only because it is

3160reasonably related to the purpose of the

3167enabling legislation and is not arbitrary

3173and capricious or is within the agen cy's

3181class of powers and duties, nor shall an

3189agency have the authority to implement

3195statutory provisions setting forth general

3200legislative intent or policy. Statutory

3205language granting rulemaking authority or

3210generally describing the powers and

3215functions of an agency shall be construed to

3223extend no further than implementing or

3229interpreting the specific powers and duties

3235conferred by the same statute

324022. Section 120.56(1)(e), Florida Statutes, provides that

3247hearings in rule challenges shall be de novo , a nd the standard

3259of proof shall be a preponderance of the evidence. Section

3269120.56(2), Florida Statutes, provides that, in challenges of

3277proposed rules, the agency has the burden of proving by a

3288preponderance of the evidence that the rule is not an invalid

3299exercise of delegated legislative authority as to the objections

3308established by the challenger. Section 120.56(3)(a), Florida

3315Statutes, provides that, in challenges of existing rules, the

3324challenger has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the

3335evi dence that the rule is an invalid exercise of delegated

3346legislative authority.

334823. Subject to one limitation, Gold Coast has standing to

3358challenge the existing and proposed rule provisions. See, e.g. ,

3367Department of Professional Regulation, Board of Chiro practic v.

3376Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic , 682 So. 2d 559 (Fla.

33861st DCA 1995) (school had standing to challenge rule requiring

3396that licensure applicants show that school had certain

3404accreditation). As noted in Florida Board of Medicine v.

3413Florid a Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. , 808 so. 2d 243, 251

3425(Fla. 1st DCA 2002), a party may have standing to challenge a

3437rule that does not regulate the party's profession, per se, but

3448has a "collateral financial impact on the challenger's

3456business." See al so Televisual Communications, Inc. v. Florida

3465Department of Labor and Employment Security , 667 So. 2d 372

3475(Fla. 1st DCA 1995); Department of Health and Rehabilitative

3484Services v. Alice P. , 367 So. 2d 1045 (Fla. 1st DCA 1979).

349624. The limitation to Gold Co ast's standing is that it may

3508challenge only those existing and proposed rule provisions that

3517affect its enrollment in prelicensing courses. As previously

3525noted, Gold Coast offers such courses only in the Division I

3536trades and the following Division II tr ades: Class A air

3547conditioning contractors, Class B air conditioning contractors,

3554Class C air conditioning contractors, and roofing contractors.

3562Gold Coast has argued that its enrollment would be affected in

3573its broader range of continuing education cour ses, but this

3583argument is based on the mistaken premise that Respondent

3592imposes the net - worth requirements on contractors seeking to

3602renew their certificates at the end of the two - year term.

361425. Gamester is not substantially affected by the existing

3623or pr oposed rule provisions.

362826. Gold Coast has proved that Florida Administrative Code

3637Rule 61G4 - 15.005(3)(a) enlarges, modifies, or contravenes

3645existing law. The statutes provide Respondent with no authority

3654to impose net - worth requirements on persons seeki ng contractor

3665certificates.

366627. Gold Coast has gone forward with the evidence to

3676identify its objections to the proposed Florida Administrative

3684Code Rule 61G4 - 15.005(3)(a) and its proposed new net - worth

3696requirements. Respondent has failed to prove that the proposed

3705provisions do not enlarge, modify, or contravene existing law.

3714Likewise, Respondent has failed to prove that the proposed

3723provisions are not arbitrary; the increased net worths lack

3732factual support both as to Division I and Division II

3742contr actors.

374428. Section 120.595(2), Florida Statutes, provides:

3750If the court or administrative law judge

3757declares a proposed rule or portion of a

3765proposed rule invalid pursuant to s.

3771120.56(2), a judgment or order shall be

3778rendered against the agency for r easonable

3785costs and reasonable attorney's fees, unless

3791the agency demonstrates that its actions

3797were substantially justified or special

3802circumstances exist which would make the

3808award unjust. An agency's actions are

"3814substantially justified" if there was a

3820reasonable basis in law and fact at the time

3829the actions were taken by the agency. If

3837the agency prevails in the proceedings, the

3844court or administrative law judge shall

3850award reasonable costs and reasonable

3855attorney's fees against a party if the court

3863o r administrative law judge determines that

3870a party participated in the proceedings for

3877an improper purpose as defined by paragraph

3884(1)(e). No award of attorney's fees as

3891provided by this subsection shall exceed

3897$15,000.

389929. If a proposed rule is invali dated, as here, the award

3911of attorneys' fees and costs under Section 120.595(2), Florida

3920Statutes, is mandatory, unless Respondent shows that its actions

3929were substantially justified or special circumstances exist

3936which would make the award unjust. The Ad ministrative Law Judge

3947reserves jurisdiction to conduct further proceedings pursuant to

3955Section 120.595(2), Florida Statutes. If the parties are unable

3964to negotiate an agreement concerning Gold Coast's claim for

3973attorneys' fees and costs, then Gold Coast may file a request

3984for an evidentiary hearing on this matter. However, if Gold

3994Coast fails to file such a request within 120 days of this Final

4007Order, it shall have waived its right to pursue attorneys' fees

4018and costs pursuant to Section 120.595(2), Flori da Statutes.

4027ORDER

4028It is

4030ORDERED that Gamester's rule challenge is dismissed for

4038lack of standing; Gold Coast's rule challenge is sustained and

4048Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4 - 15.005(3)(a)1, 2, 3, 5, 6,

40597, and 8 and proposed Florida Administrative Code Rule

406861G4 - 15.005(3)(a)1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are invalidated as

4081invalid exercises of delegated legislative authority; the

4088remainder of Gold Coast's rule challenge is dismissed for lack

4098of standing; and the Administrative Law Judge reserves

4106jurisdict ion over Gold Coast's request for attorneys' fees and

4116costs, pursuant to Section 120.595(2), Florida Statutes, for

4124further proceedings, as described in paragraph 27 above.

4132DONE AND ORDERED this 30th day of June, 2004, in

4142Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

4146ROBERT E. MEALE

4149Administrative Law Judge

4152Division of Administrative Hearings

4156The DeSoto Building

41591230 Apalachee Parkway

4162Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 3060

4167(850) 488 - 9675 SUNCOM 278 - 9675

4175Fax Filing (850) 921 - 6847

4181www.do ah.state.fl.us

4183Filed with the Clerk of the

4189Division of Administrative Hearings

4193this 30th day of June, 2004.

4199COPIES FURNISHED :

4202Tim Vaccaro, Director

4205Construction Industry Licensing Board

4209Northwood Centre

42111940 North Monroe Street

4215Tallahassee, Florida 32 399 - 0792

4221Leon Biegalski, General Counsel

4225Department of Business and

4229Professional Regulation

42311940 North Monroe Street

4235Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 2202

4240Timothy P. Atkinson, Esquire

4244Oertel, Hoffman, Fernandez & Cole, P.A.

4250Post Office Box 1110

4254Tallahassee, Florida 32302 - 1110

4259Diane L. Guillemette

4262Office of the Attorney General

4267The Capitol, Plaza Level 01

4272Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 1050

4277James E. Cunningham, President

4281Mid Florida Utilities & Transportation

4286Contractors Association, Inc.

4289231 West Bay Aven ue

4294Longwood, Florida 32750 - 4125

4299John K. Moyant, President

4303Contractors Exam School, Inc.

43076750 Pembroke Road

4310Hollywood, Florida 33023

4313NOTICE OF RIGHT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

4319A party who is adversely affected by this final order is

4330entitled to judicial revi ew. Review proceedings are governed by

4340the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. Such proceedings are

4349commenced by filing one copy of a Notice of Appeal with the

4361agency clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings and a

4371second copy, accompanied by fi ling fees prescribed by law, with

4382the District Court of Appeal, First District, or with the

4392District Court of Appeal in the appellate district where the

4402party resides. The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30

4413days of rendition of the order to be revie wed.

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PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 11/02/2005
Proceedings: Letter to T. Vicarro from T. Dikko enclosing transcripts.
PDF:
Date: 07/05/2005
Proceedings: Mandate filed.
PDF:
Date: 06/16/2005
Proceedings: Opinion filed.
PDF:
Date: 06/15/2005
Proceedings: Opinion
PDF:
Date: 06/15/2005
Proceedings: Mandate
PDF:
Date: 01/07/2005
Proceedings: BY ORDER OF THE COURT: Court`s show cause order of January 4, 2005, is discharged.
PDF:
Date: 01/05/2005
Proceedings: BY ORDER OF THE COURT: within 20 days from the date of this order, Appellant shall ensure the filing of the record or show cause why this appeal should not be dismissed.
PDF:
Date: 01/04/2005
Proceedings: Index, Record, and Certificate of Record sent to the District Court of Appeal.
PDF:
Date: 12/22/2004
Proceedings: BY ORDER OF THE COURT: Motion for extension of time for service of the reply brief granted.
PDF:
Date: 12/17/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Delay in Transmitting the Record to the District Court of Appeal filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/27/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction`s Motion for Attorney`s Fees and Costs filed.
PDF:
Date: 09/28/2004
Proceedings: Statement of Service for Preparation of Record mailed to the Filing Party.
PDF:
Date: 09/28/2004
Proceedings: Index (of the Record) sent to the District Court of Appeal.
PDF:
Date: 08/09/2004
Proceedings: Certified copy of the Notice of Appeal sent to the First District Court.
PDF:
Date: 08/06/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Cross Appeal filed by T. Atkins.
PDF:
Date: 08/02/2004
Proceedings: Letter to A. Cole from J. Wheeler acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Appeal in this administrative action filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/29/2004
Proceedings: Certified Notice of Administrative Appeal sent to the First DCA (via US mail) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/29/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Administrative Appeal filed by D. Guillemette.
PDF:
Date: 06/30/2004
Proceedings: DOAH Final Order
PDF:
Date: 06/30/2004
Proceedings: Final Order (hearing held April 5, 2004). CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 05/03/2004
Proceedings: Letter to Judge Meale from S. Fernandez regarding the enclosed disk containing a Word Perfect version of the Proposed Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/03/2004
Proceedings: Motion to Deem Respondent`s Proposed Final Order as Timely filed (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 04/30/2004
Proceedings: Petitioners` Closing Argument filed.
PDF:
Date: 04/30/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner`s Proposed Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 04/30/2004
Proceedings: Proposed Final Order (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 04/27/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction`s Motion for Attorney`s Fees and Costs filed (DOAH Case No. 05-1799F established).
Date: 04/20/2004
Proceedings: Transcript (Volumes I and II) filed.
Date: 04/05/2004
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
PDF:
Date: 04/01/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Motion to Compel Production (filed via facsimile)
PDF:
Date: 04/01/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Motion for Partial Summary Final Order (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction`s Response to Respondent`s Request for Production filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester`s Response to Respondent`s Request for Production filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Response to Respondent`s Request for Admissions filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester`s Response to Respondent`s Request for Admissions filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Gold Coast Schood of Construction, Inc.`s Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum Pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.310(b)(6), (P. Vecchio) filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester`s Notice of Service of Responses to Respondent`s Second Set of Interrogatories to Petitioner filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/31/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Notice of Service of Responses to Respondent`s First Set of Interrogatories to Petitioner filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/29/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Notice of Service of Petitioner`s Second Set of Interrogatories to Respondent Construction Industry Licensing Board filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Supplemental Response to Petitioners` First Set of Interrogatories (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Resondents` First Request to Produce to Petitioner, Gold Coast School of Construction (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Resondents` First Request to Produce to Petitioner, Douglas L. Gamester (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Respondents`s First Set of Interrogatories to Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc. (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Respondents`s Second Set of Interrogatories to Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Respondents, Request for Admissions to Douglas Gamester (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/26/2004
Proceedings: Respondents, Request for Admissions to Gold Coast Construction, Inc. (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/24/2004
Proceedings: Joint Motion for Dismissal of Mid Florida Utilities & Transportation Contractors Association, Inc. (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/24/2004
Proceedings: Joint Motion for Dismissal of Contractors Exam School, Inc. (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/19/2004
Proceedings: Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum Pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.310(b)(6), (Agency Representative) filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/16/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Amended Response to Petitioners` Request for Admissions filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/16/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Amended Responses to Petitioners` First Set of Interrogatories filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/16/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gamester`s Notice of Service of Responses to Respondent`s First Set of Interrogatories filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/10/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Response to Petitioners` Request for Admissions (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/10/2004
Proceedings: Order of Consolidation. (Case No. 04-0759RP was added to the consolidated batch).
PDF:
Date: 03/10/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Responses to Petitioners` First Set of Interrogatories filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/10/2004
Proceedings: Respondents` Notice of Service of Respondent`s First Set of Interrogatories to Petitioner Douglas L. Gamester filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/09/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Non Availability filed by D. Guillemette.
PDF:
Date: 03/08/2004
Proceedings: Order of Consolidation (consolidated cases are: 04-0692RP, 04-0721RP, 04-0722RP).
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Request for Admissions to Respondent Construction Industry Licensing Board filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner Gold Coast School of Construction, Inc.`s Notice of Service of Petitioner`s First Set of Interrogatories to Respondent Construction Industry Licensing Board filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Petitioner`s First Set of Interrogatories to Respondent filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for April 5, 2004; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (filed by D. Guillemette, Esquire, via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 03/05/2004
Proceedings: Joint Motion to Continue Final Hearing filed by T. Atkinson.
PDF:
Date: 03/03/2004
Proceedings: Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
PDF:
Date: 03/03/2004
Proceedings: Notice of Hearing (hearing set for March 29, 2004; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 03/03/2004
Proceedings: Order of Assignment.
PDF:
Date: 03/02/2004
Proceedings: Rule Challenge transmittal letter to Liz Cloud from Ann Cole copying Scott Boyd and the Agency General Counsel.
PDF:
Date: 02/27/2004
Proceedings: Petition for Administrative Determination of the Invalidity of an Existing Rule and Proposed Rule filed.nnn

Case Information

Judge:
ROBERT E. MEALE
Date Filed:
02/27/2004
Date Assignment:
03/03/2004
Last Docket Entry:
11/02/2005
Location:
Tallahassee, Florida
District:
Northern
Agency:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Suffix:
RP
 

Counsels

Related Florida Statute(s) (8):