Penalties; administrative fine; injunction.

(1) In addition to any other penalty provided in this part, when the department finds any person, applicant, or licensee has violated any provision of this part or rule adopted under this part, it may enter an order imposing any one or more of the following penalties:

(a) Denial of an application for licensure.

(b) Revocation or suspension of a license.

(c) Issuance of a warning letter.

(d) Placement of the licensee on probation for a specified period of time and subject to conditions the department may specify by rule, including requiring the licensee to attend continuing education courses, to demonstrate competency through a written or practical examination, or to work under the direct supervision of another licensee.

(e) Imposition of an administrative fine in the Class III category pursuant to s. 570.971 for each violation. When imposing a fine under this paragraph, the department shall consider the degree and extent of harm caused by the violation, the cost of rectifying the damage, the amount of money the violator benefited from by noncompliance, whether the violation was committed willfully, and the compliance record of the violator.

(2) It is unlawful for a person to swear to or affirm a false statement in an application for a license or certificate issued pursuant to this chapter. A false statement contained in an application for such license or certificate renders the application, license, or certificate void.

(3) Cheating on an examination required for licensure under this chapter or violating a published test center or examination procedure provided orally, in writing, or electronically at the test site and affirmatively acknowledged by the examinee renders the examinee’s exam attempt void. The department shall adopt rules establishing penalties for examinees who violate this section. The department may exercise discretion in assessing penalties based on the nature and frequency of the violation.

(4) Except as provided under subsection (3), a person who violates this part or rules adopted pursuant thereto commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. For a subsequent violation, such person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree and upon conviction is punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(5) In addition to the remedies provided in this part and notwithstanding the existence of any adequate remedy at law, the department may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of this part, or rule adopted under this part, in the circuit court of the county in which the violation occurred or is about to occur. Upon the department’s presentation of competent and substantial evidence to the court of the violation or threatened violation, the court shall immediately issue the temporary or permanent injunction sought by the department. The injunction shall be issued without bond. A single act in violation of this part is sufficient to authorize the issuance of an injunction.

(6) Licensure may be suspended, revoked, or denied by the department, upon the issuance of a final order to a licensee imposing civil penalties under s. 14(a) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) or a criminal conviction under s. 14(b) of FIFRA.