(1) In addition to any other penalty provided in this part, when the department finds any person, applicant, or licensee has violated any provision of this part or rule adopted under this part, 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 in the Class III category pursuant to s. 570.971 for each violation. When imposing a 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 part or rules adopted pursuant thereto commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. For a subsequent violation, such person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) In addition to the remedies provided in this part 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 part, or rule adopted under this part, 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 part 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; s. 45, ch. 2004-64; s. 26, ch. 2014-150.

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