Posts Tagged ‘professional regulatlion’

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Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

General Terms

In the State of Florida, in general the term “contractor” means the person who is qualified for, and shall only be responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the subsequent paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, “demolish” applies only to demolition of steel tanks over 50 feet in height; towers over 50 feet in height; other structures over 50 feet in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences over three stories tall.

A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C“.

A “swimming pool specialty contractor” means a sub-contractor whose scope of work is limited to the scope of work of their particular specialty license. Swimming pool specialty contractor licenses may be issued in the areas of layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping, and finishes. Swimming pool specialty contractors may not contract directly with the public, and must work under contract, under the supervision, and within the scope of work of a contractor licensed pursuant to Sections 489.105(3)(j) – (l), Florida Statutes.

A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R“.

This information appears on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website.

Soreide Law Group will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors.  To speak to a lawyer regarding licensing issues please call: (888) 760-6552, or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense

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THE PROPER DISPLAY OF FLORIDA REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

On Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website, in the Division of Real Estate the following information was given:  Florida’s real estate appraisers are being reminded of Florida Statute and Florida Administrative Code (rule) requirements for the proper display of appraiser designations and license numbers.  While there have been many recent changes to the appraisal report forms used by real estate appraisers to conduct their daily business, Florida Statute and Rule remain the same.

The newest appraisal forms used for residential mortgage lenders contain revised language within the signature block where an appraiser affixes their license designation and number.  The new forms don’t require the display of an appraiser’s designation, only a license number. 

 Any failure to properly display your designation and license number in an appraisal report that is submitted to a client could result in discipline against your license as defined in Rule 61J1-8 Disciplinary Guidelines.

Failure to include your designation in the signature block is a violation of Chapter 475.622, Florida Statutes and Rule 61J1-7.001, Florida Administrative Code, which detail the requirements for the proper display of an appraiser’s designation and number within the appraisal report.

The Statutes and Rules can be found by choosing the “Statutes and Rules” link  on the Real Estate Division on the Florida Divison of Professional Regulation’s website and choosing the appropriate link.

Soreide Law Group will represent you in front of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board regarding licensing issues.  To speak to an attorney, please call: (888)760-6552 or visit our website at: ww.floridaprofessionallicense.com.

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Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation’s BROWARD COUNTY INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS $2 MILLION MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

It was announced by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation’s (OFR) Bureau of Financial Investigations uncovered a mortgage fraud scheme of more than $2 million. The alleged crimes were perpetrated by three straw buyers, Susana Marrero, Keith Walker, and Pricila Mercado; one Florida licensed attorney, Roland Cherasard; and a title agent, Leona Womack.  All five surrendered to the Broward County Jail on June 10, 2010.  They face charges of First Degree Grand Theft for their participation in a mortgage fraud scheme involving three properties located at 10730 NW 49th Manor, Coral Springs, FL 33076; 1622 NE 7th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305; 2624 NW 5th Avenue, Wilton manors, FL 33311. The properties are all in foreclosure.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.  The charges allege that between November 2004 and October 2006, straw buyers’ Susana Marrero, Keith Walker, and Pricila Mercado signed fraudulent mortgage loan applications with out of state lenders. These straw buyers provided fictitious employment and income verification on the loan applications submitted to the lenders. Title agent, Leona Womack, and attorney Roland Cherasard disbursed the loan proceeds illegally and contrary to the lender’s instructions. Womack and Cherasard submitted false purchase contracts and HUD closing documents to the lenders. There are outstanding arrest warrants for two other defendants that may have fled the country.  
“With Florida having the third highest foreclosure rate in the country, many of our families are struggling to stay in their homes and keep the bills paid,” said Tom Cardwell, OFR Commissioner.  “These fraudulent activities contribute to the troubled economy, continued losses to our financial institutions and the instability of the financial market, which hurts every consumer.”   
The Office of Financial Regulation is committed to protecting Florida citizens by carrying out the banking, securities and financial laws of the state efficiently and effectively and to providing regulation of business that promotes the sound growth and development of Florida’s economy.

To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney about your mortgage broker’s license please call Soreide Law Group at:  (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at:  www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .

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BROWARD TITLE LAWYER CHARGED IN MORTGAGE SCHEME

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Florida’s Office of Financial Regualtion announced that attorney Peter N. Price, 49, of Hollywood, pled guilty to a criminal information charging him with making false statements to HUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. In addition, Price agreed to make restitution to Stewart Title Guaranty, the victim of his fraud, in the amount of $1,608,246.57.

Price’s sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2010, in U.S. District Court in Ft. Lauderdale. Price faces a maximum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison.

According to the criminal information and statements made during the plea hearing, Price, a title attorney, operated Intracostal Title Services, Inc., a title company in Hollywood, Florida.
 
According to statements made in court, Price embezzled more than $1,000,000 in loan proceeds that had been sent to Intracostal’s escrow bank account by clients to pay off prior mortgage loans. Instead of using the money as directed, Price prepared and sent a false HUD1 Real Estate Settlement Form, falsely reflecting the old loans had been paid.

Whether you are mortgage broker,  appraiser, doctor,  lawyer,  CPA,  realtor,  architect,  engineer,  stockbroker,  nurse,  auctioneer, contractor, or  pharmacist, a professional license is a prerequisite for doing business in the State of Florida. We assist in the application process and help you understand and comply with all applicable government regulations associated with your license. We also defend you against attacks on your professional license and represent you before the appropriate administrative board. For more information regarding professional licensing law contact Soreide Law Group at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com or call (888) 760-6552.

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Florida Real Estate License Information

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

The following information was obtained from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Website:

Real Estate License Renewal Information

All licensees must comply with post-licensing or continuing education requirements and pay necessary renewal fees to maintain your real estate license.  This also applies to those licensees with a suspended license.

In support of the statutory requirements for your profession, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has implemented a 100% Post and Continuing Education Monitoring database.  All course providers are required to report your education completion to the department within 30-days of completion, or prior to the expiration date, whichever occurs first.

Real Estate sales associates and brokers may earn three (3) hours of continuing education credit per renewal cycle for attending one legal session of the FREC.

If your required education is not complete and/or reported, you will NOT be able to renew your license.

 New Licensees

All newly licensed sales associate and broker licensees must take required post-licensure education before the end of the first license renewal period. Your license will become null and void if you fail to take the post-licensure education within the initial licensure renewal period, as mandated by Florida statute.

Sales Associates who fail to complete the post-licensing education must re-qualify for licensure by meeting all current licensing criteria.  Broker and broker associates who fail to complete post-licensing education may request to revert to sales associate status within 6 months following expiration, but must have complied with the applicable continuing education requirements before their new sales associate license can be activated.

Soreide Law Group will represent you in front of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) regarding licensing issues.  To speak to an attorney, please call: (888)760-6552 or visit our website at: ww.floridaprofessionallicense.com.

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Florida’s Department of Health Investigative Services Unit or ISU

Monday, June 7th, 2010

The ISU investigates complaints against health care practitioners and facilities/establishments which are regulated by the Florida Department of Health, and investigates complaints against individuals practicing without a health care license in the State of Florida.  The Investigative Services Unit (ISU) functions as the investigative arm of the Florida Department of Health, a Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA).

The staff of the ISU includes professional investigators and senior pharmacists who do the following:

1.  Collect documents and evidence.

2.  Conduct interviews.

3.  Serve subpoenas and official orders of the department.

4.  Perform inspections of pharmacies and dispensing practitioners and enforce compliance of Florida’s Drug and Cosmetic Act.

5.  Perform probationary monitoring for the Compliance Management Unit of the Consumer Services Unit (CSU).

Investigations

The CSU refers the complaints to the ISU field office nearest to where the incident occurred.  The complaints that present an immediate threat to public safety are given top priority; however, all complaints are investigated as quickly as possible.

The investigative steps generally include the following:

1.  Obtaining documentation, medical records, and evidence relating to the complaint.

2.  Locating and interviewing the complainant, the patient, the subject and the witnesses.

3.  And drafting and serving subpoenas for the necessary information.

The investigator then writes a report which is forwarded on to the department’s attorneys for legal review.

Inspections

Drug Agents and Pharmacy Inspectors conduct opening, annual, out-of-business, change of address, and change of ownership inspections.

Pharmacy Inspectors routinely inspect 13 different types of facilities licensed through the Florida Board of Pharmacy working as field agents within Investigative Services.

Drug Agents enforce compliance of Florida’s Drug and Cosmetic Act, Chapter 499, Florida Statutes.  They routinely inspect facilities, products and merchandising involving drugs, devices and cosmetics and help protect the public from injury.

Soreide Law Group represents health care professionals brought in front of the Florida Board of Health, Florida Board of Pharmacy, and Florida Board of Nursing.  To speak to a lawyer regarding these issues please call: (888) 760-6552, or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com.

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FLORIDA DIVISION OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Questions – Regarding Complaints Against CPA’s

 

1.         Can I search for someone’s license ?

Yes, you can in two ways:

You can call by telephone to Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395

or there is a licensing portal at www.myfloridalicense.com, click Search for a License,

2.         How do I know for sure that my “accountant” is a CPA?

By looking up the  license at the link below:

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=

3.         What information is do I need to file a complaint against a CPA?

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/dbpr/le_portal/dbpr-0070-1.pdf

Documentation to support allegations

All court orders

Documents relating to the complaint

A list of all witnesses with theircontact information

4.         Am I allowed to file an anonymous complaint?

You are allowed but you must supply supporting documentation.

It would be helpful to have a contact name/address/phone number to contact the complainant, but this information is not necessary.

5.         How do I get the complaint form?

            http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/dbpr/le_portal/dbpr-0070-1.pdf

6.         How does the process of a complaint work?

View Flow Chart

After receiving the complaint, a copy of the form and all supporting documentation is sent to the subject for a written response within 20 days.  More information may be requested from both the subject and complainant.  After the investigation is complete, the documentation is then sent to the Office of General Counsel for review and recommendation to the Probable Cause Panel.

7.        How do I know when the investigation is complete?

The complainant will be informed when the investigation is finished and the file is forwarded to the Office of General Counsel.  After reviewing the file, the Office of General Counsel and the Probable Cause Panel, the complainant will receive written notification of their action.

8.         What will then happen to my complaint once the investigation is complete?

The file is then forwarded to the Office of General Counsel for review.  The case is also reviewed by the Probable Cause Panel and they determine the outcome of the investigation.  After which a CPA can be disciplined, the case can be closed, or the CPA can be issued a letter of guidance or caution.

9.        Will the complaints become public records?

If there is probable cause found, the complaint becomes public record.  If no probable cause is found or letters of guidance/caution are issued, then the case remains private.

10.       Will a complaint ever be closed at the local level?

Yes, if there is a lack of insufficient evidence.

11.       Can I ever withdraw my complaint?

Yes, a complaint may be withdrawn by the complainant if a written statement is provided.

12.       How can my other questions or concerns regarding the complaint process be answered?

            Please visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/cpa/index.html.

13.       Can I find out if a complaint has been filed against my license or firm?

Yes, the Board will send out a copy of the complaint and supporting documentation.  Once you receive information, you will have 20 days to respond in writing to the office.

14.       Should I seek an attorney if a complaint has been filed against my license?

It is not required to have an attorney to represent the CPA .  The decision to seek representation by an attorney is up to the individual.

15.       What if Probable Cause is found against me?

The Probable Cause Panel takes into consideration the nature and severity of the violation and public harm.  The disciplinary actions can include: corrective action, probation, suspension, revocation, limitation of practice, and fines/costs.

16.      Can you tell me when Notices of Non-Compliance are issued?

The notices of Non-Compliance are only issued for Florida licensed CPAs and are issued for minor violations.    For more information, please refer to Rule 61H1-36.0055 Minor Violation, Notice of Non-Compliance.   

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/readFile.asp?sid=0&tid=2087845&type=1&File=61H1-36.0055.doc                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

17.       Is it required to be a board member of a condo association to file a complaint against a CPA/firm?

You do not have to be a board member, anyone can file a complaint.

18.       Does the Board of Accountancy  investigate condos and their respective boards?

The Board of Accountancy only conducts investigations relating to CPA activity, so no they do not.  For complaints relating to condos and their respective boards, contact The Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. 

http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/lsc/index.html

19.       Can the Board of Accountancy ever force CPA’s/firms to comply with providing information to condo owners?

No, you need to refer all questions to the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes.

http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/lsc/index.html

20.       Is the CPA/firm responsibile for reporting to the condo association of suspected fraud or embezzlement?

Yes, if the CPA finds fraud, then they have a duty to report it. During an audit, a CPA must make a concerted, professional effort to determine if there is fraud involved.

21.       Please explain what an  engagement letter.

The engagement letter is a contract which specifies the services and fees to be performed.

22.       Is an engagement letter be required?

It is recommended but not required.

23.       How long are a CPA records required to be maintained?

Maintain your records for seven years.

24.       How can I get a copy of the Florida Statutes?

            http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/cpa/statutes.html

25.       Can a CPA be reported for known criminal activities?

F.S. 473.323 (1), (d) -Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of public accounting or the ability to practice public accounting.

26.       Must you have to be a Florida CPA or have a Florida CPA firm license in order to perform bookkeeping or tax related services?

No, it is not required to be a Florida licensed CPA to perform these types of services. 

27.       If you are not a CPA but offer bookkeeping and tax preparation to clients.  Does one need to follow Florida Statutes?

Florida Board of Accountancy’s jurisdiction is limited to Florida licensed CPA/firm licensees.  Unlicensed individuals or firms are not permitted to use the title of CPA in signage, business cards/stationery, advertisements or other forms of media.

28.       I received a letter offering accounting services from someone stating they are a CPA.  I checked the website to verify licensure, but they were not licensed in the State of Florida.  Are they allowed to advertise they are licensed if they are not?  If not, can  a complaint against them be filed?

You can file an unlicensed activity complaint against them.  You will need to provide proof that the subject is using titles or designations “CPA” or title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, sign, card.

Yes, an unlicensed activity complaint can be filed.  Complaints against unlicensed individuals, firms and community association managers are not confidential.  However, if your complaint is not against an unlicensed individual, firm or community association manager, then the department is prohibited from discussing the details of your complaint with you any further.  This is pursuant to Section 455.225(10), Florida Statutes, which states:  “The complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation by the department is confidential and exempt from S. 119.09(1) until 10 days after probable cause has been found to exist by the probable cause panel or the department or until the regulated professional or subject of the investigation waives his or her privilege of confidentiality, whichever occurs first.”

29.       Can you file a complaint regarding income tax or bookkeeping services?

If your services were provided by a Florida licensed CPA then a complaint can be filed. It is recommended that licensed CPA/firms be used for this service.

30.       Can an unlicensed person be employed by a CPA firm to practice public accounting and/or assist in audits?

No, the individual must be licensed by the State of Florida.

31.       Must you be a licensed CPA in Florida to conduct audits?

            Yes, it is a requirement.

32.       Can a non-Florida licensed CPA have clients who live in Florida but conduct their business outside the State of Florida?

Yes, they can if the CPA is licensed in his/her home state, resides in his/her home state, and conducts the work in his/her home state.

33.       Does the Florida Board of Accountancy collect revenue and disburse revenue for complainants?

No, the Florida Board of Accountancy enforces F.S. 455 and 473, and disciplines Florida CPAs and licensed firms as well as unlicensed activities.

34.       If my income taxes were not filed timely and the IRS is assessing penalties, fines and/or additional taxes, can the Board help me to receive reimbursement from the CPA/firm?

The Board does not have authority to force the CPA/firm to make restitution, so no they cannot.  This should be filed through a civil lawsuit.  The Board determines if the CPA/firm has violated any Florida Statutes.

35.       If you are overcharged by a CPA who performed some work, does the Board of Accountancy regulate CPA fees?

No, the Board of Accountancy has no authority to regulate fees.

36.       Is the Board of Accountancy able to force CPA’s or forensic CPA’s to produce or reproduce financial statements in civil suits (i.e. domestic, probate, assigned trustees)?

The answer is no. You should refer these types of questions to your local County Court.  For trust questions, you should contact the appropriate Probate Court.

37.       Can the financial statements be falsified to obtain capital gains/assets?

No they cannot.  In a civil matter, if the financial statements are misrepresented or falsified, contain fraudulent entries or hidden assets, the Board of Accountancy does not override any judicial decision.  The Board of Accountancy cannot force them to redo the financial statements.  You would have to confer with an attorney or file an appeal in the circuit where the documents were originally filed.

38.       Can a CPA engage in the selling of real estate?

That would be only if the property is their own or the individual is a Florida licensed real estate broker or sales associate with a listed agreement.

39.       Is it possible to file a complaint against a CPA that took my lifetime investments to purchase property that does not exist?

No, this matter would need to be referred to the Division of Real Estate.  Refer to F.S. 475.25, Failure to Account and Deliver. 

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0475/SEC25.HTM&Title=->2009->Ch0475->Section%2025#0475.25

40.       Is my CPA required to produce software relating to tax and financial data?

If a CPA purchased the software, the software belongs to the him.  The CPA is only required to produce paper documents as the purchase of software would have a copyright law protection.

41.       Is it required for his/her name and CPA designation to be removed from signage and advertisements, if a CPA no longer works for the firm?

Yes it is.

42.       May the term “& Associates”  be used if there is only one Florida licensed CPA?

            No it cannot. The use of “& Associates” refers to more than one Florida licensed CPA.

43.       Explain what a Peer Review is.

Certainly, a Peer Review is the review of a CPA firm’s quality control practices.  Peer Reviews are required for all firms that are members of the AICPA.  The exceptions to Peer Reviews are firms that do not perform audits, reviews, compilations and/or attest service engagements. For more information, visit http://www.ficpa.org/ficpa/ResourceCenter/PeerReview.  Another place to look to for answers to questions about Peer Reviews is a document entitled, Questions and Answers about the AICPA Peer Review Program.   You can find this at http://www.aicpa.org/download/practmon/qandaprp.pdf.

44.       Where can I get a copy the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code?

            Please click on the appropriate link below:

            http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/cpa/statutes.html

This information was obtained from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website.

Soreide Law Group, PLLC represents CPA’s in front of the Florida Board of Accountancy regarding licensing issues. For more information about professional licensing law please visit: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com or call Soreide Law Group, PLLC, to speak to an attorney at:(888) 760-6552.

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Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

The Florida divison for the regulation of Certified Public Accountants (CPA’s), and accounting firms in the State of Florida, is within Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation or DBPR.  The applications to sit for the CPA license, original Florida licensure applications, licensure by endorsement applications, reactivation of a delinquent  or inactive CPA license, temporary permit applications, accountancy firm licensure and continuing education reporting forms, are all processed by the Division of Certified Public Accounting.  In addition, the division provides administrative support to the Board of Accountancy (BOA). The Florida Board of Accountancy consists of nine members, seven members of whom are CPAs and two who are consumer members. The board meets approximately 10 times a year at various locations throughout the State of Florida. Meetings are open to the public.

The following is the mission statement of Florida’s Division of Certified Public Accounting from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website:

MISSION: To promote consumer protection by ensuring that certified public accountants and firms meet and adhere to the statutory requirements for licensure.

Soreide Law Group represents CPA’s in front of the Florida Board of Accountancy regarding licensing issues. For more information about professional licensing law please visit: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com or call to speak to an attorney at:(888) 760-6552.

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FLORIDA NURSES PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
   
The following are freqently asked questions regarding prior criminal offenses for nurses in the State of Florida. 

Q: Do I have to report charges if I completed a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?
A: Yes. Offenses must be reported to the Board even if you received a suspended imposition of sentence and the record is now considered closed.

Q: Can a person obtain a license as a nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony crime on their record?
A: Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Nursing considers the nature, severity, and recency of offenses, as well as rehabilitation and other factors. The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation.

Q: What types of documentation do I need to submit in support of my application if I have a prior criminal record or license discipline?
A:Certified official court document(s) relative to your criminal record, showing the date(s) and circumstance(s) surrounding your arrest(s)/conviction(s), sections of the law violated, and disposition of the case. This would normally consist of the Complaint or Indictment, the Judgment, Docket Sheet or other documents showing disposition of your case. This can also be referred to as the Order of Probation. The clerk of the court in the county the offense occurred can supply and must certify these court documents.

  • Certified copy of the documents relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.
  • A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your criminal record or disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the offense or disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid these instances in the future.
  • It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel, may have contributed to your crime or disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.

Note: The burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation. Examples of rehabilitation evidence may include some of the items below, this list is not complete and you may have information you wish to send:

  • If applicable to your crime or discipline, documented evidence of professional treatment and counseling you may have completed. Please provide a discharge summary, if available.
  • Letters of reference on official letterhead from employers, nursing program administrator, nursing instructors, health professionals, professional counselors, support group sponsors, parole or probation officers, or other individuals in positions of authority who are knowledgeable about your rehabilitation efforts.
  • Proof of community work, education, and/or self-improvement efforts.
  • Court-issued certificate of rehabilitation or evidence of expungement, proof of compliance with criminal probation or parole, and orders of the court.

Q: How can I help facilitate how quickly my application is reviewed?
A: The Board of Nursing strongly encourages all individuals with a criminal or discipline history to be fully prepared with information regarding their background and to start the application process early.

Q. Where can I get copies of my dispositions?
A. You can request a copy of the disposition from the clerk of the court in the county the offense took place.

Applications with previous arrest or disciplinary action on a license will not be authorized to practice nursing until all documentation is cleared by Board staff or reviewed by the Board.

This information was obtained from Florida’s Department of Health’s website under Florida Board of Nursing.

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FREC Florida Real Estate Commission

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

The Florida Real Estate Commission, also known as FREC, is made up of seven members and meets monthly. The commission meeting is usually the third Wednesday of the month and the Tuesday immediately preceding the third Wednesday. The FREC administers and enforces the real estate license law, Chapter 475, Part I, of the Florida Statutes. The Commission also passes rules that enable it to implement its statutorily authorized duties and responsibilities. These rules are contained in Chapter 61J2, of the Florida Administrative Code.

Practice without a Valid and Current Real Estate License.  Outlined in a recent FREC newsletter was the following information:  475.42(1)(a), F.S.; 475.42(1)(c), F.S.; Rule 61J2-5.019, F.A.C.  Brokers, especially in this current economic environment, must be very careful to ensure that their real estate sales associates have registrations and licenses that are current.  It is as simple as doing a regular check at www.myfloridalicense.com.  The action of the Commission for practice without a valid and current license is to impose an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 and a three year suspension to revocation.  For real estate brokers employing real estate sales associates who are not holders of a valid and current license, the action of the Commission is to impose an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 and a 90-day to two year suspension.

Soreide Law Group will represent you in front of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) regarding licensing issues.  To speak to an attorney, please call: (888)760-6552 or visit our website at: ww.floridaprofessionallicense.com.

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