The Florida Senate

487.175  Penalties; administrative fine; injunction.--

(1)  In addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter, when the department finds any person, applicant, or licensee has violated any provision of this chapter or rule adopted under this chapter, it may enter an order imposing any one or more of the following penalties:

(a)  Denial of an application for licensure.

(b)  Revocation or suspension of a license.

(c)  Issuance of a warning letter.

(d)  Placement of the licensee on probation for a specified period of time and subject to conditions the department may specify by rule, including requiring the licensee to attend continuing education courses, to demonstrate competency through a written or practical examination, or to work under the direct supervision of another licensee.

(e)  Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. When imposing any fine under this paragraph, the department shall consider the degree and extent of harm caused by the violation, the cost of rectifying the damage, the amount of money the violator benefited from by noncompliance, whether the violation was committed willfully, and the compliance record of the violator.

(2)  Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant thereto commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 775.083 For a subsequent violation, such person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 775.083

(3)  In addition to the remedies provided in this chapter and notwithstanding the existence of any adequate remedy at law, the department may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of any provision of this chapter, or rule adopted under this chapter, in the circuit court of the county in which the violation occurred or is about to occur. Upon the department's presentation of competent and substantial evidence to the court of the violation or threatened violation, the court shall immediately issue the temporary or permanent injunction sought by the department. The injunction shall be issued without bond. A single act in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be sufficient to authorize the issuance of an injunction.

History.--s. 1, ch. 65-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 9, 18, ch. 74-247; s. 64, ch. 74-383; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 6, ch. 78-95; s. 13, ch. 79-210; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 14, 15, ch. 82-167; ss. 2, 4, ch. 90-65; ss. 34, 37, ch. 92-115; s. 26, ch. 94-233; s. 33, ch. 2000-154.

Note.--Former ss. 487.14, 487.158(2), 487.165.