Which term describes the penalties that may be imposed by the Commission under Florida law?

• A. Civil penalties
• B. Administrative penalties
• C. Criminal penalties
• D. Fines only

Answer: (B)

The penalties described are administrative penalties, which are sanctions imposed by a regulatory Commission through its own enforcement process. In Florida, when a Commission finds a violation of its rules, it can levy these penalties as part of an administrative proceeding, often involving notice, a hearing, and a final order. These penalties can include monetary fines, but they can also involve license actions such as suspensions or revocations, and orders to come into compliance. They’re designed to enforce regulatory compliance quickly and maintain standards within the industry, without resorting to criminal charges or civil court actions.

Civil penalties, by contrast, are typically outcomes sought in civil lawsuits in court. Criminal penalties involve formal criminal charges and potential jail time. Fines alone are too narrow because administrative penalties encompass a broader range of corrective actions beyond just fining.