Rules 69K-5.002, 69K-5.0021, and 69K-5.0022, F.A.C., are modified to update the application costs, pursuant to subsection 497.140(6), Florida Statutes (F.S.), which adds a “special unlicensed activity fee of $5.” Rule 69K-5.0022, F.A.C., is ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

69K-5.002 Application for Preneed License

69K-5.0021 Application for Preneed License Branch Office License

69K-5.0022 Applications for Transfer of a Preneed License

69K-5.0026 Preneed License Renewal

69K-5.009    Regulatory Standards for Evaluating Applications by the Board

69K-5.011    Preneed Sales Agent Renewal

69K-5.013    Procedure for Report of Identification for an Exempt Cemetery

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Rules 69K-5.002, 69K-5.0021, and 69K-5.0022, F.A.C., are modified to update the application costs, pursuant to subsection 497.140(6), Florida Statutes (F.S.), which adds a “special unlicensed activity fee of $5.” Rule 69K-5.0022, F.A.C., is modified in subsection (3) to align with statutory requirements in paragraph 497.453(2)(f), F.S. Also, the last two sentences of paragraph (3)(c) are modified to reflect that they apply to all three paragraphs in subsection 69K-5.0022(3), F.A.C., and the remaining subsections are renumbered. Further, the forms in Rules 69K-5.0021, 69K-5.0022, 69K-5.0026, and 69K-5.013, F.A.C., were previously added to the forms rule, Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C.; thus, these rules are modified to remove redundant date and incorporation information. Rule 69K-5.009, F.A.C., is modified to update cemetery site acreage requirements. For Rule 69K-5.011, F.A.C., the modification clarifies the electronic filing process according to subsection 497.141(13), F.S.

SUMMARY: The identified rules in Chapter 69K-5, F.A.C., are modified to update the application costs, to align with statutory requirements, to remove redundant forms’ date and incorporation information because the forms have been added to the forms rule, Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., to update cemetery site acreage requirements, and to clarify the electronic filing process.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein:

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 497.103, 497.140, 497.141, 497.263, 497.407, 497.453, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 497.103, 497.140, 497.141, 497.260, 497.263, 497.287, 497.452, 473.453, 497.466, FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW (IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, August 10, 2017, 2:30 p.m.

PLACE: Room 139, Larson Building, 200 E. Gaines Street, Tallahassee

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Ellen Simon, telephone: [phone], email: [e-mail]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Ellen Simon, Assistant Division Director, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, address: Department of Financial Services, 200 E. Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361, telephone: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

69K-5.002 Application for Preneed License.

(1) Each entity desiring to obtain a preneed license shall apply to the Board by submitting the following:

(a) A completed Application application for Preneed License, Form DFS-PNL-1 DFS-COA-1, effective 2-7-95, and a Historical Sketch, Form DFS-HistS 7/01, which are incorporated herein by reference in Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., effective 6-26-02, and available on by mail from the Department’s of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services (Division) website at http:www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/FuneralCemetery/, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361. The application and historical sketch must be completed and signed less than within thirty (30) days prior to receipt by the Division Board; and

(b) An application fee of $500 and an unlicensed activity fee of $5 which shall be the fee for the annual period beginning July 1 of each year or any part thereof.

(2) through (4) No change.

(5)(a)  For the purpose of Section 497.453, F.S., an applicant’s principals (including directors, officers, stockholders owning more than 10% of the voting stock of the applicant, and other persons who can direct the management of the applicant) shall appear to be of good moral character if they:

1.(a) Have never been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a crime involving fraud, perjury, embezzlement, tax evasion, or other crime of moral turpitude;

2.(b) Have never filed false information with any governmental agency; and

3.(c) Have never demonstrated any act or nature that constitutes a lack of honesty or financial responsibility.

(b) If an applicant fails to meet the standards in paragraph (5)(a) above, However, such act or conviction shall not create an irrebuttable presumption that a person is not of good moral character.  The Board shall take into consideration evidence of such person’s efforts at rehabilitation and law abiding behavior during the three (3) years preceding the filing of the application to determine if the applicant has the requisite good character.

(c) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103, 497.453 FS. Law Implemented  497.140, 497.141, 497.452, 497.453 FS. History–New 4-25-94, Amended 2-7-95, 12-12-00, 6-26-02, Formerly 3F-5.002, Amended ________________.

 

69K-5.0021 Application for Preneed Branch Office License.

(1)  Every Preneed Licensee that is part of a common business enterprise and elects to operate under a different name shall apply to the Board for a license to operate a branch office by submitting the following:

(a)  A completed Application for Preneed License Branch Office License Registration, Form DFS-PNLB DFS-COAB-12/00, effective 9-18-01, which is hereby incorporated by reference in Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., and available on from the Department’s website at http:www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/FuneralCemetery/ of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361. The licensee application must submit an application that was be completed and signed less than within thirty (30) days prior to of receipt by the Division Board; and

(b)  An application fee of $150 and an unlicensed activity fee of $5 which shall be the fee for the annual period beginning July 1 of each year or any part thereof. 

(2) through (8)  No change.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103, 497.453 FS. Law Implemented 497.103, 497.140, 497.453 FS. History–New 6-5-97, Amended 12-12-00, 9-18-01, Formerly 3F-5.0021, Amended ________________.

69K-5.0022 Applications for Transfer of a Preneed License.

(1) No change.

(a)  A completed Application for Transfer of a Preneed License, Form DFS-PNLT1, DFS-COAT1, effective 5-13-97, which is hereby incorporated by reference and available by mail from the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Service, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361, and, for each principal, a Historical Sketch, Form DFS HistS as referenced in Rule 69K-5.002, F.A.C. Both forms are incorporated by reference in Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., and available on the Department’s website at http:www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/FuneralCemetery/. The application and historical sketch(s) must be completed and Each of the forms must be signed less than within thirty (30) days prior to of receipt by the Division Board;

(b)  A non-refundable application fee of $100 and an unlicensed activity fee of $5 must accompany the form, which shall be the fee for the remainder of the annual license period in which the application is approved; and

(c) No change.

(2) No change.

(3)(a) For the purpose of Section 497.453, F.S., an applicant’s principals (including directors, officers, stockholders owning more than 10% of the voting stock of the applicant, and other persons who can direct the management of the applicant) shall appear to be of good moral character if they:

1.(a) Have never been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a crime involving fraud, perjury, embezzlement, tax evasion, or other crime of moral turpitude;

2.(b) Have never filed false information with any governmental agency; and

3.(c) Have never demonstrated any act or nature that constitutes a lack of honesty or financial responsibility.

(b) If an applicant fails to meet the standards in paragraph (3)(a) above, However such act or conviction shall not create an irrefutable presumption that a person is not of good moral character. The Board shall take into consideration evidence of such person’s efforts at rehabilitation and law abiding behavior during the three (3) years preceding the filing of the application to determine if the applicant has the requisite good character.

(4) through (8) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103, 497.453 FS. Law Implemented 497.140, 497.453 FS. History–New 5-13-97, Amended 6-26-02, Formerly 3F-5.0022, Amended ________________.

 

69K-5.0026 Preneed License Renewal.

(1) (a) Each active preneed license shall be renewed for the annual period beginning July 1 of each year upon approval by the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.  The Department will provide a renewal reminder either by mail or electronic notice to each licensee at the address of record.  Failure to receive any notification does not relieve the licensee of the responsibility to meet the renewal application requirements. The application for renewal will be presented to the Board upon receipt and review by the Department of a non-refundable renewal fee as established by subsection 497.453(5), F.S., and a financial statement as of the entity’s most recent fiscal year end. , and a completed Annual COA Renewal Statement. Preneed License Renewal, Form DFS-COA-R1, effective 1-18-96, Annual COA Financial Statement, Form DFS-COA-R2, effective 1-18-96, and Annual COA Renewal Statement, Form DFS-COA-R3, revised 12-6-01, are hereby incorporated by reference and available The licensee shall apply by mail and pay the renewal fee either online, if available, or by mail to or electronically from the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, at the address indicated on the form 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361.

(b) The following forms are to be completed by the licensee:

1. Form DFS-PNL-R, Cover Sheet and General Instructions for Preneed License and Branch Annual Renewal Packet;

2.  Form DFS-PNL-R1, Invoice – Renewal of Preneed License;

3. Annual Financial Statement:

a. Form DFS-PNL-R2, Financial Statement Instructions;

b. Form DFS-PNL-R2A, Balance Sheet of Preneed Licensee;

c. Form DFS-PNL-R2B, Income Statement;

4. Annual Renewal Statement:

a. Form DFS-PNL-R3A, Statement of Preneed Sales Under Each Individual Trust, Surety Bond, or Insurer;

b. Form DFS-PNL-R3B, Summary of Preneed Activity;

5. Form DFS-PNL-R4, Annual PNL Financial Statement and Renewal Statement Certification and Application for Renewal.

(c) Each preneed licensee that is not renewing its preneed license shall mail in a completed Notice of Non-Renewal of Preneed License, Form DFS-PNL-R5, prior to the expiration of the license.

(d) If, at the time of renewal, a preneed licensee’s net worth does not meet the requirements of Section 497.453, F.S., or Rule 69K-5.0016, F.A.C., the preneed licensee shall mail in a completed Net Worth Alternatives Form, Form DFS-PNL-R6.

(e) Each of the forms listed above in subsection (1) is incorporated by reference in Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., and can be obtained on the Department’s website at http:www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/FuneralCemetery/.

(2)  Failure to submit the statements as required in subsection (1) authorizes may result in the levy of a fine by the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services to levy a fine in the amount of $50 per day for each day the financial and renewal statements are not submitted unless an extension is granted, as follows:

(a) Annual COA Financial Statement must be submitted to and received by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361, within 3 months after of the end of the preneed licensee’s fiscal year. An extension is automatically granted to allow Financial Statements to be due April 1 of each calendar year.

(b) Annual COA Renewal Statement and the required renewal fee must be submitted to and received by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361, on or before April 1 of each year.

(3) Financial statements may be prepared either on the forms listed in subsection (1) promulgated by this rule or by an independent certified public accountant on the accrual or income tax basis of accounting in conformity with Rule 69K-5.0016, F.A.C. Audited statements are acceptable. The financial statements must document compliance with the minimum financial responsibility requirements of Rule 69K-5.0016, F.A.C. Failure to comply with said rule shall result in denial of the renewal application.

(4) No change.

(5) Any Preneed License not approved or denied by the Board prior to July 1 of each year shall automatically expire on July 1 and the entity shall be required to cease and desist from all selling of preneed funeral and cemetery goods and services. All preneed sales agent appointments registrations associated with the preneed license will be terminated. New applications for certification/ appointments registrations must be submitted to and approved by the Board in order to return the certificate and agent appointments registrations to active status. The applicants shall be subject to all requirements of initial application.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103, 497.407, 497.453 FS Law Implemented 497.141, 497.453 FS History-New 6-24-96, Amended 7-10-02, Formerly 3D-30.041, 69K- 100.041, Amended _____________.

 

69K-5.009 Regulatory Standards for Evaluating Applications by the Board.

When an application for authority to organize and operate a new cemetery company is filed, it is the applicant’s responsibility to meet the statutory criteria warranting the grant of authority. If, in the opinion of the Board, any one of the criteria as set forth in Section 497.263, F.S., which requires Board review and approval has not been met and cannot be remedied by the applicant, the Department cannot approve the application.

The applicant shall submit information addressing the following:

(1) No change.

(a) No change.

(b) Capital shall be sufficient to purchase a cemetery site of no less than thirty (30) 15 contiguous acres in fee simple unencumbered; to develop at least two (2) acres for burial spaces including a paved road from a public roadway; to purchase or lease adequate equipment for the operation and maintenance of the cemetery; and to build or lease suitable facilities to operate the cemetery.

(c) No change.

(2) Proposed executive officers, directors or principals.

(a) The proposed officers, directors or principals shall each submit an executed Historical Sketch, Form DFS HistS as referenced in  Rule 69K-5.002, F.A.C., and shall have reputations evidencing honesty and integrity. They shall have employment and business histories demonstrating their responsibility in financial affairs. The fact that a proposed officer, director, or principal has been adjudicated bankrupt or has filed for relief under the Federal Bankruptcy Act shall be considered a material factor in the evaluation of responsibility in financial affairs.

(b) No change.

(c) The proposed general manager shall have at least three (3) years of direct cemetery management experience within seven (7) years of the application as a general manager, director, regulator of a cemetery, or similar position having an equivalent level of responsibility for a cemetery. The general manager must have a reputation evidencing honesty and integrity and an employment history demonstrating competent past experience. It is not necessary that the name of the general manager be submitted with the application. However, this individual must be named and have submitted an executed Historical Sketch, Form DFS HistS as referenced in  Rule 69K-5.002, F.A.C., not later than ninety (90) days prior to applicant’s intended opening date. The applicant may not open for business without prior approval of the general manager by the Department.

(d) through (e) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103, 497.263 FS. Law Implemented 497.263 FS. History–New 7-22-97, Amended 6-26-02, Formerly 3F-5.009, Amended ________________.

 

69K-5.011 Preneed Sales Agent Renewal. 

(1) Each active preneed sales agent appointment registration shall be renewed for the biennial period beginning  two (2) years after the date of appointment.  During the license renewal period of each biennium the Department will mail or email a renewal notice to the appointing entity for each licensee at the address of record.  Failure to receive any notification does not relieve the licensee of the responsibility to meet the renewal application requirements.  The application for renewal process shall include submission March 1 of each even-numbered year upon receipt of the statutory nonrefundable renewal fee required by Section 497.466(4), F.S., and doing the following:  either (a) go online to complete a renewal submission via the agent’s eAppoint account; or (b) submit a paper copy of a completed renewal submittal with the renewal notice sent to the appointing entity for the preneed sales agent application. Form DFS-PNSR-1 Preneed Sales Agent Renewal Application, revised 09/00, is hereby incorporated by reference and available by mail from the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361.  The licensee shall apply and pay according to the instructions in the renewal notice from the Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.  A non-refundable application fee of $250 for an agent who renews appointments online and an additional $25 per appointment for an appointing entity who renews using paper shall accompany the form.

(2) No change.

(3) Renewal filings must be received by the Department on or before the last day of the deadline required in subsection (1) February of each even-numbered year. If the last day of February of the renewal year is on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday pursuant to Section 110.117, F.S., renewal applications received on the next business day will be considered timely received.

(4) A preneed sales agent appointment registration that is not renewed as required in subsection (1) prior to March 1 of the renewal year shall automatically expire on the last day of February of the biennial period renewal year.

Rulemaking Authority  497.103, 497.141 FS. Law Implemented, 497.140, 497.141, 497.466 FS. History–New 3-12-02, Formerly 3D-30.060, 69K-100.060, Amended ________________.

 

69K-5.013 Procedure for Report of Identification for an Exempt Cemetery.

(1) Each cemetery required to register as an exempt cemetery pursuant to Sections 497.260 and 497.287, F.S., shall submit to the Department:

(a) A completed Report of Identification for an Exempt Cemetery, Form DFS-EC-1, effective 3-3-97, which is incorporated herein by reference in Rule 69K-1.001, F.A.C., and available on by mail from the Department’s website at http:www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/FuneralCemetery/ of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0361. The report must be completed, signed, and verified less than within thirty (30) days prior to receipt by the Department; and

(b) A non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 which shall be the fee for each five (5) year the quinquennial period beginning October 1, 1993 2013, or any part thereof.

(2) through (4) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 497.103 FS. Law Implemented 497.260, 497.287 FS. History–New 3-3-97, Formerly 3D-30.110, 69K-100.110, Amended ________________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Ellen Simon

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: CFO Jimmy Patronis

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: July 13, 2017

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: April 13, 2017