687.145 Injunction to restrain violations. - Florida Statutes

687.145 Injunction to restrain violations.

   (1) Whenever the office determines, from evidence satisfactory to it, that any person has engaged, is engaged, or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of this act or a rule or order promulgated thereunder, the office may bring action in the name and on behalf of the state against such person and any other person concerned in or in any way participating in or about to participate in such practice or engaging therein or doing any act or acts in furtherance thereof or in violation of this act to enjoin the person or persons from continuing the violation or acts in furtherance thereof. In such court proceedings, the office may apply for and on due showing be entitled to have issued, the court’s subpoena requiring the appearance of any defendant and his or her employees or agents, and the production of documents, books, and records that may appear necessary for the hearing of such petition, to testify or give evidence concerning the acts or conduct or things complained of in such application for injunction.

   (2) In addition to all other means provided by law for the enforcement of any temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction issued in such court proceedings, the court shall have the power and jurisdiction, upon application of the office, to impound and to appoint a receiver or administrator for the property, assets, and business of the defendant, including, but not limited to, the books, records, documents, and papers appertaining thereto. Such receiver or administrator, when appointed and qualified, shall have all powers and duties as to custody, collection, administration, winding up, and liquidation of said property and business as shall from time to time be conferred upon him or her by the court. In such action, the court may issue orders and decrees staying all pending suits and enjoining any further suits affecting the receiver’s or administrator’s custody or possession of the said property, assets, and business or, in its discretion, may, with the consent of the presiding judge of the circuit, require that all such suits be assigned to the circuit court judge appointing the said receiver or administrator.

   (3) In addition to any other remedies provided by this act, the office may apply to the court hearing this matter for an order of restitution whereby the defendants in such action shall be ordered to make restitution of those sums shown by the office to have been obtained by them in violation of any of the provisions of this act. Such restitution shall, at the option of the court, be payable to the administrator or receiver appointed pursuant to this section or directly to the persons whose assets were obtained in violation of this act.

History. s. 6, ch. 91-87; s. 749, ch. 97-102; s. 1877, ch. 2003-261.