Florida Statutes 501.617 – Investigative powers of enforcing authority
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Terms Used In Florida Statutes 501.617
- Enforcing authority: means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the office of the state attorney if a violation of this part occurs in or affects the judicial circuit under the jurisdiction of the office of the state attorney. See Florida Statutes 501.603
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Order: means a cease and desist order issued by the enforcing authority as set forth in…. See Florida Statutes 501.203
- Person: includes any individual, group of individuals, firm, association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, or any other business entity. See Florida Statutes 501.603
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
(1) If, by her or his own inquiries or as a result of complaints, the enforcing authority has reason to believe that a person has engaged in, or is engaging in, an act or practice that violates this part, she or he may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses or matter, conduct regulatory inspections, and collect evidence. Within 10 days after the service of a subpoena or at any time before the return date specified therein, whichever is longer, the party served may file in the circuit court in the county in which she or he resides or in which she or he transacts business and serve upon the enforcing authority a petition for an order modifying or setting aside the subpoena. The petitioner may raise any objection or privilege that would be available under this part or upon service of such subpoena in a civil action. The subpoena shall inform the party served of her or his rights under this subsection.
(2) If matter that the enforcing authority seeks to obtain by subpoena is located outside the state, the person subpoenaed may make it available to the enforcing authority or her or his representative to examine the matter at the place where it is located. The enforcing authority may designate representatives, including officials of the state in which the matter is located, to inspect the matter on her or his behalf, and she or he may respond to similar requests from officials of other states.
(3) Upon failure of a person without lawful excuse to obey a subpoena and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected, the enforcing authority may apply to the circuit court for an order compelling compliance.