27 Fla. L. Weekly D587b
Workers’ compensation — Enforcement of employer coverage requirements by Division of Workers’ Compensation — Penalties — Substantial competent evidence supported finding that workers were employees, not independent contractors, and that employer did not have required workers’ compensation insurance coverage for its employees
A. J. INTERIORS, INC., Appellant, v. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, Appellee. 4th District. Case No. 4D01-2644. Opinion filed March 13, 2002. Appeal from the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, Division of Workers’ Compensation; L.T. Case No. 00-4177. Counsel: Christopher C. Cloney and Samantha D. Malloy of Cloney & Malloy, P.A., Fort Lauderdale, for appellant. David C. Hawkins, Senior Attorney, Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, Tallahassee, for appellee.
(PER CURIAM.) Appellant, A.J. Interiors, Inc., appeals from the Final Order of the Division of Worker’s Compensation of the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security which assessed a penalty of $376,947 under section 440.107(7), Florida Statutes (2000). We find that there was substantial competent evidence that appellant’s workers were employees, not independent contractors, and that appellant did not have the required worker’s compensation insurance coverage for its employees.
AFFIRMED. (POLEN, C.J., HAZOURI and MAY, JJ., concur.)