Notice of Development of Rulemaking

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
Board of Professional Engineers
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
61G15-19.004: Disciplinary Guidelines; Range of Penalties; Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Purpose and effect is to amend the rule to include guidelines for all the violations.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Disciplinary Guidelines; Range of Penalties; Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 455.227, 471.008, 471.031, 471.033 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 455.227, 471.031, 471.033 FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Paul Martin, Executive Director, Board of Professional Engineers, 2507 Callaway Road, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

61G15-19.004 Disciplinary Guidelines; Range of Penalties; Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances.

(1) No change

(2) The following disciplinary guidelines shall be followed by the Board in imposing disciplinary penalties upon licensees for violation of the below mentioned statutes and rules:

VIOLATION

PENALTY RANGE

 

 

 

MINIMUM

MAXIMUM

(a) Violating any provision of s. 455.227(1), s. 471.025 or  471.031, or any other provision of Chapter 471 or rule of the Board or Department

[471.033(1)(a), 455.227(1)(b)(q)]

Reprimand and $1,000 fine

One (1) year suspension, two (2) years probation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

1.  Failure to sign, seal or date documents

[471.025(1)]

Reprimand

Reprimand and one (1) year probation

 

 

 

2.  Sealing any document after license has expired or been revoked or suspended, or failure to surrender seal if the license has been revoked or suspended [471.025(2)]

Suspended license: Revocation and $1,000 fine

 

Revoked license: Referral to State’s Attorney’s office

 

 

 

 

3.  Signing or sealing any document that depicts work the licensee is not licensed to perform or which is beyond his or her profession or specialty therein or practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law or accepting and performing responsibilities the licensee is not competent to perform

[471.025(3), 455.227(1)(o), 61G15-19.001(6)(c) (d) ]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year suspension and two (2) years probation

 

 

 

4.  Firm practicing without certificate of authorization [471.023, 61G15-19.001(3)]

Reprimand

Revocation

 

 

 

5.  Failure to complete continuing education

[471.017(3), 61G15-22.001]

Suspend until licensee demonstrates compliance

Revocation

 

 

 

6.  Practicing engineering without a license or using a name or title tending to indicate that such person holds an active license as an engineer

[471.031(1)(a)(b)]

$1,000.00 fine per count

$5,000.00 fine per count

 

 

 

7.  Presenting as his or her own the license of another [471.031(1)(c)]

$1,000.00 fine per count

$5,000.00 per count and revocation

 

 

 

8.  Giving false or forged evidence to the Board or concealing information relative to violations of this chapter

[471.031(1)(d) (g)]

$1,000.00 fine per count

$5,000.00 per count and revocation

 

 

 

9.  Employing unlicensed persons to practice engineering or aiding, assisting, procuring, employing unlicensed practice or practice contrary to Chapters 455 or 471

[471.031(1)(f), 455.227(1)(j)]

$1,000.00 fine per count and reprimand

$5,000.00 per count and revocation

 

 

 

10.  Having been found liable for knowingly filing a false complaint against another licensee

[455.227(1)(g)]

$1,000.00 fine per count and reprimand

$5,000.00 fine per count and revocation

 

 

 

11.  Failing to report a person in violation of Chapter 455, Chapter 471 or the rules of the Board or the Department

[455.227(1)(i)]

Reprimand

Reprimand, $5,000.00 per count and suspension for one year

 

 

 

12.  Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation

[455.227(1)(k)]

Reprimand

Revocation

 

 

 

13.  Exercising influence on a client for financial gain

[455.227(1)(n)]

Reprimand

Revocation

 

 

 

14.  Improper delegation of professional responsibilities

[455.227(1)(p)]

$1,000.00 fine per count and probation for one year

Revocation

 

 

 

15.  Improperly interfering with an investigation or inspection or disciplinary proceeding

[455.227(1)(r)]

$1,000.00 fine per count and probation for one year

Revocation

 

 

 

(b) Attempting to procure a license by bribery, fraudulent misrepresentation, or error of the Board or Department

[471.033(1)(b), 455.227(1)(h)]

Revocation and $1,000 fine if licensed; if not licensed, denial of license and referral to State Attorney

 

 

 

 

(c) Having a license to practice engineering acted against or denied by another jurisdiction

[471.033(1)(c), 455.227(1)(f)]

Same penalty as imposed in other jurisdiction or as close as possible to penalties set forth in Florida Statutes

 

 

 

 

(d) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo to a crime which relates to the practice or ability to practice

[471.033(1)(d), 455.227(1)(c)]

Misdemeanor: reprimand and one (1) year probation

 

Felony: Revocation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year suspension and two (2) years probation

 

 

 

1.  Conviction of crime related to building code inspection or plans examination

[61G15-19.001(7)(a)]

Misdemeanor: reprimand and one (1) year probation

 

Felony: Revocation and $5,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year suspension and two (2) years probation

 

 

 

(e) Knowingly making or filing a false  report or record, failing to file a report or record required by law, impeding or obstructing such filing

[471.033(1)(e), 61G15-19.001(7)(c), 455.227(1)(l)]

One (1) year suspension, two (2) years probation, $1,000 fine

Revocation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

(f) Fraudulent, false, deceptive or misleading advertising

[471.033(1)(f), 61G15-19.001(2)]

Reprimand

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

(g) Fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence or misconduct

(471.033(1)(g), 455.227(1)(a)(m)

 

 

1.  Fraud or deceit

Reprimand, two (2) year probation and $1,000 fine

$5,000 fine and revocation

 

 

 

2.  Negligence [61G15-19.001(4)]

Reprimand, two (2) years probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, five (5) year suspension and ten (10) years probation

 

 

 

a.  As a special inspector

Reprimand, two (2) years probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, five (5) year suspension and ten (10) years probation or revocation

 

 

 

3.  Incompetence [61G15-19.001(5)]

Suspension until ability to practice proved followed by probation

 

 

 

 

4.  Misconduct [61G15-19.001(6)]

$1,000.00 fine per count and reprimand

Revocation

 

 

 

a.  Expressing an opinion publicly on an engineering subject without being informed as to the facts and being competent to form a sound opinion [61G15-19.001(6)(a)]

Reprimand and $1,000.00 fine per count

Revocation

 

 

 

b.  Being untruthful, deceptive or misleading in any professional report, statement or testimony or omitting relevant and pertinent information from such report, statement or testimony when the result or such omission would or reasonably could lead to a fallacious conclusion [61G15-19.001(6)(b)]

Reprimand and $1,000.00 fine per count

Revocation

 

 

 

c.  Offering directly or indirectly any bribe or commission or tendering any gift to obtain selection or preferment for engineering employment other than the payment of the usual commission for securing salaried positions through licensed employment agencies [61G15-19.001(6)(e)]

$5,000.00 fine per count and suspension for five years

Revocation

 

 

 

d.  Soliciting or accepting gratuities without client knowledge

[61G15-19.001(6)(g)(h)]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, one (1) year suspension, two (2) years probation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

e.  Failure to preserve client=s confidence

[61G15-19.001(6)(r)]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, one (1) year suspension, two (2) years probation (if pecuniary benefit accrues to engineer)

 

 

 

f.  Professional judgment overruled by unqualified person

[61G15-19.001(6)(i)]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, one (1) year suspension, two (2) years probation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

g.  Use of name/firm in fraudulent venture [61G15-19.001(6)(k)]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year suspension and two (2) years probation

 

 

 

h.  Undisclosed conflict of interest [61G15-19.001(6)(f)(p)]

Reprimand, $1,000 fine and two (2) years probation

Revocation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

(h) Violating any provision of Chapter 455 [471.033(1)(h), 455.227(1)(q)]

Reprimand and $1,000.00 fine per count

$5,000.00 fine per count and revocation

 

 

 

(i) Practicing on a revoked, suspended, inactive or delinquent license

[471.033(1)(i), 471.031(1)(e)]

 

 

 

 

 

1.  Delinquent license

Reprimand

Revocation

 

 

 

2.  Inactive license

Fine based on length of time in practice while inactive; $100/month or $1,000 maximum, renewal of license or cease practice

 

 

 

 

3.  Suspended license

Revocation and $1,000 fine

 

 

 

 

4.  Revoked license

Referral to State Attorney

 

 

 

 

(j)  Affixing or permitting to be affixed his or her seal, name, or digital signature to any documents that were not prepared by him or her or under his or her responsible supervision, direction or control [471.033(1)(j), 61G15-19.001(6)(j)(q)]

Reprimand, one (1) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year suspension and two (2) year probation

 

 

 

(k) Violating any order of the board or department

[471.033(1)(k), 61G15-19.001(6)(o), 455.227(1)(q)]

Suspension and $1,000 fine

Revocation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

(l) Aiding, assisting, procuring, employing unlicensed practice or practice contrary to Chapters 455 or 471

[455.227(1)(j)]

Reprimand and $1,000.00 fine per count

$5,000.00 fine per count and revocation

 

 

 

 

(a) Failure to date plans

Reprimand

Reprimand and one (1)

(471.025(1), F.S.)

 

year probation

 

 

 

(b) Signing or sealing

Reprimand

Reprimand,

work not competent

and $1,000

$5,000 fine,

to perform

fine and one

one (1) year

(455.227(1)(o), F.S.)

(1) year

suspension

(471.025(3), F.S.)

probation

and two (2)

(paragraphs 61G15-19.001

 

year probation

(6)(c), (d))

 

 

 

 

 

(c) “Plan stamping”

Reprimand,

Reprimand, $5,000

(471.033(1)(j), F.S.)

one (1) year

fine, one (1) year

(paragraphs 61G15-19.001

probation and

suspension and

(6)(j), (q))

$1,000 fine

two (2) year probation

 

 

 

(d) Violating a Final

Suspension and

Revocation and

Order of the Board

$1,000 fine

$5,000 fine

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

 

 

(471.033(1)(k), F.S.)

 

 

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(1)(o))

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Attempting to procure

Revocation and

 

or procuring a license

$1,000 fine if

 

by bribery or fraudulent

licensed (denial

 

misrepresentation

of license and

 

(455.227(1)(h), F.S.)

refer to State

 

(471.033(1)(b), F.S.)

Attorney if not

 

 

licensed)

 

 

 

 

(f) License disciplined by

Same penalty as

 

another jurisdiction

imposed in

 

(455.227(1)(f), F.S.)

other jurisdiction or

 

(471.033(1)(c), F.S.)

as closely as possible to

 

 

penalties set forth in

 

 

Florida Statutes

 

 

 

 

(g) Criminal Conviction

Misdemeanor:

Reprimand,

relating to engineering

reprimand &

$5,000 fine,

(455.227(1)(c), F.S.)

one (1) year

one (1) year

(471.033(1)(d), F.S.)

probation

suspension and

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(i))

 

two (2) year

 

 

probation

 

Felony: Revocation

 

 

and $1,000 fine

 

 

 

 

(h) Practice on

Revocation and $1,000 fine

 

suspended license

 

 

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

 

 

(471.033(1)(i), F.S.)

 

 

 

 

 

(i) Practice on inactive

Fine based on

 

license

length of time

 

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

in practice while

 

(471.033(1)(i), F.S.)

inactive; $100/month or

 

 

$1,000 maximum

 

 

(penalty will require licensee

 

 

to renew license or cease

 

 

practice)

 

 

 

 

(j) Practice on revoked

Refer to State Attorney for

 

license

criminal prosecution

 

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

 

 

(471.033(1)(i), F.S.)

 

 

 

 

 

(k) Knowingly making or

One (1) year

Revocation and

filing false report

suspension,

$5,000 fine

(455.227(1)(l), F.S.)

two (2) year

 

(471.033(1)(e), F.S.)

probation and

 

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(b))

$1,000 fine

 

 

 

 

(l) Fraudulent, false,

Reprimand

Reprimand, one

deceptive, or

 

(1) year

misleading advertising

 

probation and

(455.227(1)(a), F.S.)

 

$5,000 fine

(471.033(1)(f), F.S.)

 

 

(subsection 61G15-19.001(2))

 

 

 

 

 

(m) Negligence

Reprimand,

Reprimand,

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

two (2) year

$5,000 fine,

(471.033(1)(g), F.S.)

probation

five (5) year

 

and $1,000

suspension and

 

fine

ten (10) year

 

 

probation

 

 

 

(n) Fraud or deceit

Reprimand,

$5,000 fine

(455.227(1)(a), (m), F.S.)

one (1) year

and revocation

(471.033(1)(g), F.S.)

suspension,

 

 

two (2) year

 

 

probation and

 

 

$1,000 fine

 

 

 

 

(o) Misconduct

 

 

 

 

 

1. Soliciting or accepting

Reprimand, one

Reprimand, one

gratuities without

(1) year

(1) year

client knowledge:

probation

suspension,

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.

and $1,000

two (2) year

(471.033(1)(g), F.S.)

fine

probation and

(paragraphs 61G15-19.001(6)(g), (h))

 

 

 

 

 

2. Failure to preserve

Reprimand, one

Reprimand,

client’s confidence:

(1) year

one (1) year

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

probation

suspension and

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(r))

and $1,000

two (2) year

 

fine

probation (if

 

 

pecuniary

 

 

benefit

 

 

accrues to

 

 

engineer)

 

 

 

3. Professional judgment

Reprimand, one

Reprimand,

is overruled by

(1) year

one (1) year

unqualified person:

probation

suspension,

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

and $1,000

two (2) year

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(i))

fine

probation and

 

 

$5,000 fine

 

 

 

4. Use of name/firm in

Reprimand one

Reprimand

fraudulent venture:

(1) year

$5,000 fine,

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

probation

one (1) year

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(k))

and $1,000

suspension and

 

fine

two (2) year

 

 

probation

 

 

 

(p) Incompetence (mental

Suspension until

 

or physical impairment)

ability to practice

 

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

proved followed

 

(subsection 61G15-19.001(5))

by probation

 

 

 

 

(q) Undisclosed conflict

Reprimand,

Revocation

of interest

$1,000 fine,

and $5,000

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

and two

fine

(paragraphs 61G15-19.001(6)(f), (p))

(2) year

 

 

probation

 

 

 

 

(r) Firm practicing

Reprimand

 

without certificate

 

 

of authorization

 

 

(455.227(1)(q), F.S.)

 

 

(471.023, F.S.)

 

 

 

 

 

(s) Violation of any provision

Reprimand,

One (1) year

of Chapter 61G15, F.A.C.,

$1,000 fine

suspension,

or Chapter 471, F.S.

 

two (2) year

(455.227, F.S.)

 

probation and

(471.033(1)(a), F.S.)

 

$5,000 fine

 

 

 

(t) Conviction of crime related to building code inspection or

Misdemeanor: reprimand and one (1) year probation

Reprimand, $5,000 fine, one (1) year

plans examination

 

suspension and

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(7)(a))

Felony: revocation and $500 fine

two (2) year probation

 

 

 

(u) False reporting

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(7)(c))

One (1) year suspension, two (2) year probation and $1,000 fine

Revocation and $5,000 fine

 

 

 

(v) Negligence as a Special Inspector (subsection 61G15-19.001(8))

Reprimand, two (2) year probation and $1,000 fine

Reprimand, $5,000 fine five (5) year suspension

 

 

and ten (10) year

 

 

probation, or revocation

 

(3) No change

Specific Authority 455.227, 471.008, 471.031, 471.033 FS. Law Implemented 455.227, 471.031, 471.033 FS. History–New 1-7-87, Formerly 21H-19.004, Amended 11-27-94, 5-22-01, 11-15-01, 5-20-02,                          .