559.548 Penalties. - Florida Statutes

559.548 Penalties.

   (1) Each of the following acts constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084:

   (a) Operating or soliciting business as a commercial collection agency in this state without first registering with the office, unless specifically exempted by this part.

   (b) Registering or attempting to register by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment.

   (2) Each of the following acts constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083:

   (a) Relocating a business as a commercial collection agency, or operating under any name other than that designated in the registration, unless written notification is given to the office and to the surety or sureties on the original bond.

   (b) Assigning or attempting to assign a registration under this part.

   (3) The court may, in addition to other punishment provided for, invalidate the registration of any registrant under this part who has been found guilty of conduct prohibited in subsection (1) or subsection (2).

History. ss. 1, 2, ch. 93-275; s. 676, ch. 2003-261.