34-8.015. Appeal of Statutory Fines: Hearings, Unusual Circumstances

(1) A person who chooses to appeal or dispute a fine imposed in accordance with Section 112.3144, F.S., shall file with the Commission a notice of appeal within 30 days of the date the notice of payment due is transmitted, setting out with specificity the unusual circumstances surrounding the failure to file by the due date. The notice of appeal may be accompanied by any documentation or evidence supporting the claim, but must be received by the Commission no later than 30 days after the date the notice of payment due is transmitted.

(2) Failure to timely file a notice of appeal as described herein shall constitute a waiver of any such entitlement. A final order of waiver shall be promptly entered by the chair of the Commission.

(3) A person who seeks a hearing before the Commission shall include in the notice of appeal a separate request for hearing. If no request for hearing is included in the notice of appeal, the Commission’s determination shall be based on the notice and any supporting information and shall be final agency action. If a separate request for hearing is included in the notice, notice of hearing shall be provided and the Commission’s determination after hearing shall be final agency action. Failure to appear in accordance with the notice of hearing shall constitute a waiver of such entitlement, and the Commission shall dispose of the case on the written record before it.

(4) “Unusual circumstances” means uncommon, rare or sudden events over which the reporting individual had no control and which directly result in the failure to act in accordance with the filing requirements. Circumstances which allow for time in which to take those steps necessary to assure compliance with the filing requirements shall be deemed not to constitute unusual circumstances.

Rulemaking Authority 112.3144, 112.322(9) FS. Law Implemented 112.3144 FS. History–New 11-7-01, Amended 10-12-15.