Informal hearings characteristics

• A. They involve testimony and witnesses before DOAH; resemble a trial
• B. They are conducted by FREC
• C. They require a jury
• D. They produce a final order immediately

Answer: (A)

Informal hearings in Florida administrative practice are structured like a mini-trial: testimony is taken from witnesses, evidence is presented, and an administrative law judge from the Division of Administrative Hearings presides. This setup gives the proceeding a courtroom-like feel, with the parties able to present their side, question witnesses, and have a formal process for evaluating the evidence. The key distinction is that the judge oversees the process, and after the hearing a recommended order is issued, with the agency (such as the licensing board) then issuing the final order later. Juries aren’t used, and the final decision isn’t handed down immediately at the end of the hearing.