09-002541 Department Of Business And Professional Regulation vs. Brenda Carpenter, D/B/A B And P Enterprises Of Central Florida, Inc.
 Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.


View Dockets  
Summary: Both Respondents violated Sections 489.127(1)(f) and 489.531(1), Florida Statutes. Recommend a total administrative fine of $11,000 against each Respondent in addition to costs.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND )

13PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, )

16)

17Petitioner, )

19)

20vs. ) Case Nos. 09-2541

25) 09-2545

27BRENDA CARPENTER and PHILLIP HENLEY, d/b/a B AND P )

37ENTERPRISES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, )

42INC., )

44)

45)

46Respondents. )

48)

49RECOMMENDED ORDER

51A final hearing was conducted in this case on January 22,

622010, in Tallahassee, Florida, before Suzanne F. Hood,

70Administrative Law Judge with the Division of Administrative

78Hearing.

79APPEARANCES

80For Petitioner: Maura M. Bolivar, Esquire

86Department of Business and

90Professional Regulation

921940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42

98Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

101For Respondents: Brenda F. Carpenter, pro se

108Phillip J. Henley, pro se

1135209 Southwest U.S. 221

117Greenville, Florida 32331

120STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES

124The issues are as follows: (a) whether Respondents each engaged in the unlicensed practice of contracting as defined in

143Sections 489.105(3) and 489.105(6), Florida Statutes (2006), in

151violation of Section 489.127(1)(f), Florida Statutes (2006);

158(b) whether Respondents each engaged in the unlicensed practice

167of electrical contracting as defined by Sections 489.505(9) and

176489.505(12), Florida Statutes (2006), in violation of Section

184489.531(1), Florida Statutes (2006); and (c) if so, what penalty

194should be imposed.

197PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

199On or about March 3, 2009, Petitioner Department of

208Business and Professional Regulation (Petitioner) issued an

215Administrative Complaint against Respondent Brenda Carpenter,

221d/b/a B & P Enterprises of Central Florida, Inc. (Carpenter).

231The two-count complaint alleged that Carpenter had violated

239On or about March 3, 2009, Petitioner issued an

248Administrative Complaint against Respondent Phillip Henley,

254d/b/a/ B & P Enterprises of Central Florida, Inc. (Henley). The

265two-count complaint alleged that Henley had violated Sections

273489.127(1)(f) and 489.531(1), Florida Statutes (2006).

279On or about March 9, 2009, Carpenter and Henley filed

289separate requests for administrative hearings to contest the

297complaints referenced above. Petitioner referred the requests

304to the Division of Administrative Hearings on May 14, 2009.

314The Division of Administrative Hearings assigned DOAH Case

322No. 09-2541 to the case against Carpenter. DOAH Case No. 09-

3332544 was assigned to the case against Henley.

341The undersigned issued Initial Orders on May 14, 2009, in

351both cases. The parties filed unilateral responses, indicating

359that the cases against Carpenter and Henley were related. After

369reviewing the files, the undersigned issued an Order of

378Consolidation dated May 27, 2009. Herein after, Carpenter and

387Henley shall be referred to collectively as Respondents.

395A Notice of Hearing dated May 27, 2009, scheduled the

405hearing for August 7, 2009.

410On July 6, 2009, Petitioner filed an Agreed Motion for

420Continuance. On July 13, 2009, the undersigned issued an Order

430Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing for September 18,

4382009.

439On August 25, 2009, Petitioner's counsel filed a Motion for

449Continuance based on a family medical necessity. On

457September 1, 2009, Respondents filed a response in opposition to

467the motion. On September 2, 2009, the undersigned issued an

477Order Granting Continuance that required the parties to file a

487joint status report no later than October 1, 2009.

496On October 1, 2009, Petitioner filed a Unilateral Status

505Report. The status report requested that the hearing be

514rescheduled for November 13, 2009.

519On October 6, 2009, the undersigned issued a Notice of

529Telephonic Pre-hearing Conference. The notice scheduled the

536conference for October 13, 2009.

541After the telephone conference, the undersigned issued an

549Order Rescheduling Hearing. The Order scheduled the hearing for

558November 20, 2009.

561On November 3, 2009, Respondents filed an unopposed Motion

570for Continuance. On November 4, 2009, the undersigned issued an

580Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing for

587January 11, 2010.

590On November 13, 2009, Petitioner filed an Agreed Motion for

600Continuance. On November 16, 2009, the undersigned issued an

609Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing for

616January 22, 2009.

619On December 11, 2009, Petitioner filed an Amended Motion to

629Compel. Respondents did not file a response in opposition to

639the motion. On December 18, 2009, the undersigned issued an

649Order Granting Motion to Compel.

654During the hearing, Petitioner presented the testimony of

662three witnesses. Petitioner offered eight exhibits that were

670admitted into evidence.

673Henley testified on behalf of Respondents. Respondents did

681not present any other witnesses or offer any exhibits for

691admission into the record as evidence.

697The Transcript was filed on February 3, 2010. Petitioner

706filed its Proposed Recommended Order on February 15, 2009. As

716of the date that this Recommended Order was issued, Respondents

726had not filed proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

737Except where otherwise indicated, all references

743hereinafter are to Florida Statutes (2006).

749FINDINGS OF FACT

7521. At all times material here, Respondents were married

761and doing business together as "B and P Enterprises of Central

772Florida, Inc." The "B and P" stands for Brenda and Phillip.

783Respondents are not and never have been licensed to engage in

794contracting or electrical contracting in Florida.

8002. In March 2006, Carla Adams had recently purchased her

810first home and sought to refinance it. The lender required an

821inspection of the home. The lender also required that any work

832on the home be performed by a licensed person or entity.

8433. In March 2006, an inspector employed by Pillar to Post,

854Inc., conducted an inspection of Ms. Adams' home. The

863inspection report, dated March 10, 2006, listed a number of

873areas that needed work and made recommendations for correction

882of those problems.

8854. In July 2006, Ms. Adams saw an advertisement in a

896newspaper for the sale of a used car. Ms. Adams and Revacey

908Davis went to Respondents' property with the objective of

917purchasing a used vehicle.

9215. While on the property, Ms. Adams and Rev. Davis entered

932the Respondents' home. Because both women admired the home,

941Respondents gave them a tour. During the tour, Respondents

950stated that Henley had performed the work himself.

9586. While in Respondents' home, Ms. Adams and Rev. Davis

968told Respondents that Ms. Adams needed work done on her home.

979Ms. Adams also told Respondents that her lender required that

989the work be done by a licensee.

9967. Henley, both upon his own volition and after being

1006asked, told Ms. Adams and Rev. Davis that he was a licensed

1018contractor. Henley removed a picture-ID card from his wallet

1027and stated this was his license to practice contracting.

1036Respondent Carpenter condoned this statement.

10418. Ms. Adams showed Respondents the March 10, 2006,

1050inspection report. Henley assured Ms. Adams that he could do

1060everything on the report that needed to be done.

10699. Henley further stated that his license was issued by

1079Carpenter affirmatively agreed with this statement.

108510. Henley warned Ms. Adams that she should never have

1095work done by anyone that was not licensed or certified and that

1107she could check licensure status with DBPR. Respondent

1115Carpenter affirmed this warning.

111911. Before speaking with Respondents, Ms. Adams and

1127Rev. Davis had never heard of DBPR. It was only due to Henley’s

1140reference to DBPR that Ms. Adams knew she could contact

1150Petitioner regarding the issues in this case.

115712. Respondents advised Ms. Adams that they were willing

1166to go to Ms. Adams’ home and give her an estimate of what they

1180would charge to perform the needed work. Ms. Adams and

1190Rev. Davis left Respondents' property expecting to see

1198Respondents in the near future.

120313. In August 2006, Respondents went to Ms. Adams’ home in

1214Tallahassee, Florida. Ms. Adams told Respondents she needed

1222electrical, structural and plumbing work done as set forth in

1232the Pillar-to-Post report. Respondents then inspected the home,

1240took measurements, and made a verbal offer to perform the needed

1251contracting work.

125314. Respondents returned to Ms. Adams’ home later in

1262August 2006. At that time, Respondents presented Ms. Adams with

1272a written estimate of what they would charge to do certain

1283contracting work on her home. The proposal included, but was

1293not limited to, structural, plumbing and electrical work.

130115. Respondents' proposal stated as follows in relevant

1309part:

1310REMOVE ALL OLD FLOOR COVERING

1315Carpet

1316Padding

1317Lineoleum (sic)

1319Square Stick tile

1322Tack strip

1324All of the above, but not limited to

1332just above

13341,470 Sq. Ft. @ $1.10 Sq. Ft.

1342INSTALL NEW FLOOR COVERING

13461,470 Sq. Ft. of tile on floor

1354@ $1.75 Sq. Ft.

1358and install Durarock (sic) or hardi

1364(sic) backing board, if needed

1369KITCHEN

1370Remove wall and old 1/2 bathroom and

1377put back to finished product

1382Not including finishing drywall and

1387painting drywall

1389Remove all old plumbing and re-route

1395Electrical wires

1397HALL BATHROOM

1399Remove bathtub, and tub walls

1404Install durarock (sic) and new plumbing

1410fixtures [a]s provided by homeowner

1415Install 100 Sq. Ft. of wall tile around

1423old tub area @ $1.75 Sq. Ft. [m]aking

1431a new shower in the room

1437Build a curbing, and drypack and

1443install shower floor tile

1447Install drain and rubber pan

1452REMOVE OLD RAILING FROM FRONT PORCH

145816. The total price listed for the above referenced work

1468was $5,234.50. Ms. Adams had received other estimates for the

1479work. Therefore, Ms. Adams was pleased with the price and

1489sought assurance that it would not increase.

149617. Respondents promised Ms. Adams that the cost would not

1506increase. To further assure her, they both signed the contract

1516in her presence. During the hearing, Henley admitted that he

1526contracted with Ms. Adams to perform the labor as listed on this

1538contract.

153918. In an attempt to ascertain Henley’s skill as a

1549contractor, Ms. Adams decided to begin with the renovation of

1559the bathroom located in the entrance way to the master bedroom.

1570Ms. Adams agreed to buy the construction, plumbing, or

1579electrical materials that Henley needed to do the work.

158819. Ms. Adams works two jobs and was not always home when

1600Respondents performed the contracted work. As a result,

1608Rev. Davis, who lived nearby, was present at the home to let

1620Respondents in and observe the work.

162620. In order to enlarge the bathroom adjoining the master

1636bedroom, Henley demolished a wall between the old bathroom and a

1647walk-in closet. Henley also removed the door into the old

1657bathroom and constructed a single wall with the entrance to the

1668enlarged room through the door to the old closet.

167721. In the course of this alteration and expansion, Henley

1687damaged the adjoining wall to the living room. He subsequently

1697repaired the damage.

170022. In the enlarged bathroom, Henley removed a sink from

1710the old bathroom area and installed it in the area that had been

1723a closet. The area of the old closet had no plumbing. The

1735removal and installation of the sink required Henley to remove

1745old piping and replace it with larger pipes to increase the

1756water flow. During the hearing, Henley admitted removing the

1765sink and disconnecting the plumbing.

177023. Henley installed the custom-built shower as described

1778in the contract in Ms. Adams’ bathroom. During the hearing,

1788Henley admitted cutting a hole in the floor of Ms. Adams’

1799bathroom and installing a shower drain pan.

180624. Henley removed and replaced the toilet in Ms. Adams’

1816bathroom. Additionally, Henley, with Carpenter's help, removed

1823the old bathtub. Henley admitted removing the bathtub and

1832disconnecting the plumbing.

183525. Henley then installed a replacement Jacuzzi bathtub at

1844the location of the previously-removed bathtub in Ms. Adams’

1853bathroom. Henley had to remove the old piping and replace it

1864with larger pipes to increase the water flow for the replacement

1875Jacuzzi.

187626. The toilet, sink, and bathtub removal and the shower-

1886installation required plumbing work that made it necessary to

1895turn off the water to the home.

190227. During the course of installing the Jacuzzi bathtub,

1911Henley discovered that his work resulted in drainage problems he

1921could not correct. For the first time, he told Ms. Adams that

1933his license did not allow him to perform plumbing work. Henley

1944then told Ms. Adams that, as the contractor on the job, he could

1957subcontract the needed plumbing work.

196228. In early September 2006, Henley called Roto-Rooter as

1971a plumbing subcontractor. Roto-Rooter performed the following

1978plumbing work at Ms. Adams' home:

1984Hooked up all the basic [drain] lines and

1992the toilet in new bathroom to the m/l [main

2001line]. Also ran water lines for the new

2009sink, but found problem with shower valve.

2016It was put in wrong and will not work until

2026it's moved. Note: Everything else is

2032working at this time. Price includes parts

2039and labor. ( * * * out the tile and fix

2050shower valve, not everything is working.)

2056The Roto-Rooter invoice indicates a total cost in the amount of

2067$1,432.78 for the work performed in Ms. Adams' home.

207729. Ms. Adams and Respondents had a financial dispute

2086about which party had to pay Roto-Rooter. The dispute

2095ultimately led to a falling out regarding the completion of the

2106contracted work .

210930. Ms. Adams’ bathroom currently is inoperable because

2117the toilet and Jacuzzi bathtub do not work. There is raw sewage

2129underneath her home. In order to repair her bathroom, Ms. Adams

2140received an estimate of approximately $5,000.00.

214731. Ms. Adams’ decision to begin with the renovation of

2157her bathroom also involved ascertaining Henley’s skills as an

2166electrical contractor. Based on his assurances that he could do

2176the work, Ms. Adams allowed Henley to remove and relocate

2186electrical light fixtures and switches in the bathroom, closet,

2195and hallway. During the course of this work, Henley left hot

2206wires exposed.

220832. On or about September 14, 2006, Carpenter came to

2218Ms. Adams’ home and presented an invoice for $1,200.00 for the

2230contracted work that had been performed pursuant to the initial

2240contract. The invoice was on the letter head of “Brenda &

2251Phillip, Phillip Henley, Inc." It stated as follows in relevant

2261part:

2262Remodel Master Bathroom

2265Take out all fixtures-sink, cabinet, cast

2271iron tub, toilet and replace with new

2278Jacucci (sic) tub, new sink and cabinet, new

2286shower and put back old toilet. Take out

2294old tile on walls and drywall, take out two

2303closets to enlarge bathroom. Re-wire and

2309re-plumb all fixtures and installed durarock

2315(sic) on floor, walls and wet areas and

2323installed blueboard on balance of walls.

2329Built a custom shower and installed custom

2336tile design on walls and floor.

2342Cost: $1,900.00

2345Less cash

2347advances: 8/9 $100

23508/16 $300

23528/22 $300

2354$700 - 700.00

2357$1,200.00

2359Plus:

2360Materials

2361& receipts: 8/11 $ 81.19

23668/17 23.67

23688/19 26.84

23708/24 108.51

2372$240.21 $240.21

2374Balance Due: $1,440.00

2378Other labor -240.00

2381$1,200.00

2383The invoice was signed by Henley and Carpenter and included the

2394following statement: "Thank you for doing business with Brenda

2403& Phillip!" The invoice stated that the check should be payable

2414to Carpenter.

241633. Excluding costs associated with an attorney's time,

2424Petitioner has expended $554 in total cost relative to the

2434investigation and prosecution of DOAH Case No. 09-2541 against

2443Carpenter and $1,005.67 in total cost relative to the

2453investigation and prosecution of DOAH Case No. 09-2545 against

2462Henley.

2463CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

246634. The Division of Administrative Hearings has

2473jurisdiction of the parties and the subject matter of this

2483proceeding pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida

2491Statutes (2009).

249335. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating

2502the practice of unlicensed construction contracting and

2509electrical contracting pursuant to Chapters 455 and 489, Florida

2518Statutes.

251936. Petitioner has the burden of proving by clear and

2529convincing evidence that Respondents violated Sections

2535489.127(1)(f) and 489.531(1)(a), Florida Statutes. See Dept. of

2543Banking and Finance v. Osborne Stern and Co. , 670 So. 2d 932

2555(Fla. 1996).

2557Count One

255937. The first issue is whether Respondents engaged in the

2569unlicensed practice of contracting. Section 489.105 Florida

2576Statutes, defines the terms contractor and contracting as

2584follows in pertinent part:

2588(3) "Contractor" means the person who

2594is qualified for, and shall only be

2601responsible for, the project contracted for

2607and means, except as exempted in this part,

2615the person who, for compensation, undertakes

2621to, submits a bid to, or does himself or

2630herself or by others construct, repair,

2636alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract

2642from, or improve any building structure,

2648including related improvements to real

2653estate, for others or for resale to others

2661. . . .

2665* * *

2668(6) "Contracting" means, except as

2673exempted in this part, engaging in business

2680as a contractor and includes, but is not

2688limited to, performance of any of the acts

2696as set forth in subsection (3) which define

2704types of contractors. The attempted sale of

2711contracting services and the negotiation or

2717bid for a contract on these services also

2725constitutes contracting. If the services

2730offered require licensure or agent

2735qualification, the offering, negotiation for

2740a bid, or attempted sale of these services

2748requires the corresponding licensure. . . .

275538. Under Section 489.113(2), Florida Statutes, "[n]o

2762person who is not certified or registered shall engage in the

2773business of contracting in this state."

277939. Section 489.127(f), Florida Statutes, as follows:

2786(1) No person shall:

2790* * *

2793(f) Engage in the business or act in

2801the capacity of a contractor or advertise

2808himself or herself or a business

2814organization as available to engage in the

2821business or act in the capacity of a

2829contractor without being duly registered or

2835certified or having a certificate of

2841authority;

284240. Section 489.13, Florida Statutes, states as follows in

2851pertinent part:

2853(1) Any person performing an activity

2859requiring licensure under this part as a

2866construction contractor is guilty of

2871unlicensed contracting if he or she does not

2879hold a valid active certificate or

2885registration authorizing him or her to

2891perform such activity, regardless of whether

2897he or she holds a local construction

2904contractor license or local certificate of

2910competency. Persons working outside the

2915geographical scope of their registration are

2921guilty of unlicensed activity for purposes

2927of this part.

2930* * *

2933(3) Notwithstanding s. 455.228, the

2938department may impose an administrative fine

2944of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person

2953guilty of unlicensed contracting. In

2958addition, the department may assess

2963reasonable investigative and legal costs for

2969prosecution of the violation against the

2975unlicensed contractor.

297741. In this case, clear and convincing evidence

2985establishes that Respondents are not licensed as contractors and

2994that they attempted to sell their services as contractors.

3003Respondents eventually negotiated and/or made a bid for their

3012contracting services for compensation. They performed work on

3020Ms. Adams' home requiring licensure, thus "contracting" and

3028acting as "contractors." Both Carpenter and Henley are guilty

3037of violating Section 489.127(1)(f), Florida Statutes.

3043Count Two

304542. The second issue is whether Respondents engaged in the

3055unlicensed practice of electrical contracting, which is

3062regulated under Part II of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.

3071Section 489.505, Florida Statutes, defines contracting,

3077contractor, and electrical contractor as follows in relevant

3085part:

3086(9) "Contracting" means, except where

3091exempted in this part, engaging in business

3098as a contractor or performing electrical . .

3106. work for compensation and includes, but is

3114not limited to, performance of any of the

3122acts found in subsections (2) and (12),

3129which define the services which a contractor

3136is allowed to perform. The attempted sale

3143of contracting services and the negotiation

3149or bid for a contract on these services also

3158constitutes contracting. If the services

3163offered require licensure or agent

3168qualification, the offering, negotiation for

3173a bid, or attempted sale of these services

3181requires the corresponding licensure.

3185(10) "Contractor" means a person who

3191is qualified to engage in the business of

3199electrical . . . contracting pursuant to a

3207certificate or registration issued by the

3213department.

3214* * *

3217(12) "Electrical contractor . . .

3223means a person who conducts business in the

3231electrical trade field and who has the

3238experience, knowledge, and skill to install,

3244repair, alter, add to, or design, in

3251compliance with law, electrical wiring,

3256fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways,

3260conduit, or any part thereof, which

3266generates, transmits, transforms, or

3270utilizes electrical energy in any form,

3276including the electrical installations and

3281systems within plants and substations, all

3287in compliance with applicable plans,

3292specifications, codes, laws, and

3296regulations. The term means any person,

3302firm, or corporation that engages in the

3309business of electrical contracting under an

3315express or implied contract; or that

3321undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to

3327have the capacity to undertake, or submits a

3335bid to engage in the business of electrical

3343contracting; or that does itself or by or

3351through others engage in the business of

3358electrical contracting.

336043. Section 489.531(1), Florida Statutes, states as

3367follows:

3368(1) A person may not:

3373(a) Practice contracting unless the

3378person is certified or registered;

3383(b) Use the name or title "electrical

3390contractor" . . . or advertise himself or

3398herself or a business organization as

3404available to practice electrical . . .

3411contracting, when the person is not then the

3419holder of a valid certification or

3425registration issued pursuant to this part;

343144. Part II of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, does not

3441provide specific administrative penalties for unlicensed

3447electrical contracting. See § 489.13, Fla. Stats. Thus, the

3456authority for imposition of administrative penalties for

3463unlicensed electrical contracting is Section 455.228, Florida

3470Statutes, which states as follows in relevant part:

3478(1) When the department has probable

3484cause to believe that any person not

3491licensed by the department, or the

3497appropriate regulatory board within the

3502department, has violated any provision of

3508this chapter or any statute that relates to

3516the practice of a profession regulated by

3523the department, or any rule adopted pursuant

3530thereto, the department may . . . impose an

3539administrative penalty not to exceed $5,000

3546per incident pursuant to the provisions of

3553chapter 120 . . . .

355945. The evidence is clear and convincing that Respondents

3568are not licensed as electrical contractors. However, they

3576engaged in the business of electrical "contracting" and acted as

3586electrical "contractors" under an express or implied contract

3594with Ms. Adams. Both Respondents are guilty of violating

3603Sections 455.228 and 489.531, Florida Statutes, by undertaking,

3611offering to undertake, purporting to have the capacity to

3620undertake, and/or submitting a bid to engage in the business of

3631electrical contracting by themselves or through others.

3638Penalties

363946. Petitioner is generally authorized to impose an

3647administrative fine "not to exceed $5,000 per incident" for

3657unlicensed activity. See § 455.228(1), Fla. Stat. However,

3665with respect to unlicensed contracting under Part I of Chapter

3675489, Florida Statutes, Petitioner is authorized to impose an

3684administrative fine of "up to $10,000." See § 489.13(3), Fla.

3695Stat.

369647. At the time of the violations at issue here,

3706Petitioner had no guidelines to determine the appropriate fines

3715as required by Section 455.2273, Florida Statutes. However, as

3724of January 26, 2010, Petitioner adopted Florida Administrative

3732Code Rule 61-5.007, Disciplinary Guidelines for Unlicensed

3739Activity.

374048. The penalties set forth in the new rule cannot be

3751applied retroactively to Respondents' unlicensed activity that

3758occurred in 2006. Even so, the rule is instructive regarding

3768the circumstances that may be considered as mitigating or

3777aggravating factors.

377949. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61-5.007 states as

3787following in pertinent part:

3791(8) Circumstances which may be

3796considered for the purposes of mitigation or

3803aggravation of the foregoing penalties shall

3809include the following:

3812(a) Monetary or other damage to the

3819unlicensed person's customer and/or other

3824persons, in any way associated with the

3831violation, which damage the unlicensed

3836person has not relieved as of the time the

3845penalty is to be assessed.

3850(b) The severity of the offense.

3856(c) The danger to the public.

3862(d) The number of repetitions of

3868offenses.

3869(e) The number of complaints filed

3875against the unlicensed person.

3879(f) The length of time the unlicensed

3886person has been engaging in unlicensed

3892activity.

3893(g) The actual damage, physical or

3899otherwise, to the unlicensed person's

3904customer.

3905(h) The deterrent effect of the

3911penalty imposed.

3913(i) The effect of the penalty upon the

3921unlicensed person's livelihood.

3924(j) Any efforts at rehabilitation.

3929(k) The unlicensed person's use of an

3936altered license or impersonation of a

3942licensee.

394350. In mitigation, the facts here show that there was only

3954one complaint filed against Respondents. Additionally,

3960Respondents engaged in unlicensed activity for a very short

3969period of time, from the initial meeting with Ms. Adams in July

39812006 until the financial dispute in September 2006.

398951. The aggravating factors include the following:

3996(a) Both Respondents are guilty of violating two statutes;

4005(b) Ms. Adams suffered financial harm as a result of

4015Respondents' defective work; (c) Respondents have never

4022acknowledged responsibility for their actions and have not made

4031any effort at rehabilitation or restitution; and (d) Respondents

4040used a card of some kind to impersonate a license.

405052. Petitioner should impose a fine in the amount of

4060$5,500 on each Respondent for violating Section 489.127(1)(f),

4069Florida Statutes, and a fine in the amount of $5,500 on each

4082Respondent for violating Section 489.531, Florida Statutes.

408953. In addition to the administrative fines referred to

4098above, Respondents are responsible for Petitioner's costs in

4106investigating their unlicensed activity pursuant to Section

4113455.228(3)(c), Florida Statutes, which states as follows:

4120(c) The department shall be entitled

4126to recover the costs of investigation, in

4133addition to any penalty provided according

4139to department rule as part of the penalty

4147levied pursuant to the citation.

415254. It is undisputed that Petitioner incurred a total of

4162$554 in investigative costs in the case against Carpenter, DOAH

4172Case No. 09-2541, and a total of $1,005.67 in investigative cost

4184in the case against Henley, DOAH Case No. 09-2545.

4193RECOMMENDATION

4194Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of

4204Law, it is

4207RECOMMENDED:

4208That Petitioner enter a final order finding that each

4217Respondent violated Sections 489.127(1)(f) and 489.531(1),

4223Florida Statutes, imposing a total administrative fine in the

4232amount of $11,000 against each Respondent, and assessing costs

4242in the amount of $554 against Carpenter and $1,005.67 against

4253Henley.

4254DONE AND ENTERED this 23rd day of February, 2010, in

4264Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

4268S

4269SUZANNE F. HOOD

4272Administrative Law Judge

4275Division of Administrative Hearings

4279The DeSoto Building

42821230 Apalachee Parkway

4285Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060

4288(850) 488-9675

4290Fax Filing (850) 921-6847

4294www.doah.state.fl.us

4295Filed with the Clerk of the

4301Division of Administrative Hearings

4305this 23rd day of February, 2010.

4311COPIES FURNISHED :

4314Maura M. Bolivar, Esquire

4318Department of Business and

4322Professional Regulation

43241940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42

4330Tallahassee, Florida 32399

4333Brenda Carpenter

4335Phillip Henley

43375209 Southwest U.S. 221

4341Greenville, Florida 32331

4344Amy Toman, Hearing Officer

4348Office of the General Counsel

4353Department of Business

4356and Professional Regulation

4359Northwood Centre

43611940 North Monroe Street

4365Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

4368Reginald Dixon, General Counsel

4372Department of Business

4375and Professional Regulation

4378Northwood Centre

43801940 North Monroe Street

4384Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

4387NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS

4393All parties have the right to submit written exceptions within

440315 days from the date of this Recommended Order. Any exceptions

4414to this Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that

4425will issue the Final Order in this case.

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PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 04/26/2010
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 04/26/2010
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/15/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Exceptions filed.
PDF:
Date: 03/15/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Exceptions (filed in Case No. 09-002545).
PDF:
Date: 03/03/2010
Proceedings: Letter to Ms. Toman from B.Carpenter and P.Henley regarding rights to submit exceptions to recommended order filed.
PDF:
Date: 02/23/2010
Proceedings: Recommended Order
PDF:
Date: 02/23/2010
Proceedings: Recommended Order (hearing held January 22, 2010). CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 02/23/2010
Proceedings: Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
PDF:
Date: 02/15/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Proposed Recommended Order filed.
Date: 02/03/2010
Proceedings: Transcript of Proceedings filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/27/2010
Proceedings: Affidavit of Alexandra Missan filed.
Date: 01/22/2010
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
PDF:
Date: 01/20/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Motion for Official Recognition filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/20/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Witness List (filed in Case No. 09-002545).
PDF:
Date: 01/20/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Witness List filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/20/2010
Proceedings: Petitioner's Exhibit List (exhibits not attached) filed.
PDF:
Date: 12/18/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Motion to Compel.
PDF:
Date: 12/11/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Amended Motion to Compel (signed) filed.
PDF:
Date: 12/11/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Motion to Compel (unsigned) filed.
PDF:
Date: 11/16/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for January 22, 2010; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 11/13/2009
Proceedings: Agreed Motion for Continuance filed.
PDF:
Date: 11/04/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for January 11, 2010; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 11/04/2009
Proceedings: Respondent's Motion for Continuance filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/27/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/23/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Notice of Re-service of First Set of Interrogatories and First Request for Production of Documents filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/23/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Notice of Service of Corrected First Request for Admissions filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/23/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Corrected First Requests for Admission filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/13/2009
Proceedings: Order Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for November 20, 2009; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Date: 10/13/2009
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
PDF:
Date: 10/06/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Telephonic Pre-hearing Conference (set for October 13, 2009; 2:00 p.m.).
PDF:
Date: 10/01/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Unilateral Status Report filed.
PDF:
Date: 09/02/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance (parties to advise status by October 1, 2009).
PDF:
Date: 09/01/2009
Proceedings: Letter to Judge Hood from B. Carpenter and P. Henley regarding Respondent's Motion for Dismissal filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/26/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Motion for Continuance filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/29/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's First Requests for Admission filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/29/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Notice of Service of First Request for Admissions filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/29/2009
Proceedings: Petitioner's Notice of Service of First Set of Interrogatories and First Request for Production of Documents filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/13/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for September 18, 2009; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 07/06/2009
Proceedings: Agreed Motion for Continuance filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/27/2009
Proceedings: Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
PDF:
Date: 05/27/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 7, 2009; 10:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 05/27/2009
Proceedings: Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 09-2541 and 09-2545).
PDF:
Date: 05/26/2009
Proceedings: Unilateral Response to Initial Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/18/2009
Proceedings: (Petitioner`s) Letter response to the Initial Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2009
Proceedings: Initial Order.
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (filed by M. Bolivar).
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2009
Proceedings: Election of Rights filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2009
Proceedings: Administrative Complaint filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2009
Proceedings: Agency referral

Case Information

Judge:
SUZANNE F. HOOD
Date Filed:
05/14/2009
Date Assignment:
05/14/2009
Last Docket Entry:
04/26/2010
Location:
Tallahassee, Florida
District:
Northern
Agency:
ADOPTED EXCEPT FOR PENALTY
 

Counsels

Related DOAH Cases(s) (2):

Related Florida Statute(s) (10):

Related Florida Rule(s) (1):