Petition for Reconsideration (Administrative Agency) - Florida

EXCEPTIONS TO RECOMMENDED ORDER / PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION

State of Florida — Florida Administrative Procedure Act (Fla. Stat. ch. 120)

UNDERSTANDING FLORIDA'S TWO-STAGE APA PROCESS — READ CAREFULLY

Florida's administrative adjudication system is a two-stage process that differs significantly from other states:

Stage 1 — DOAH Proceedings: Formal contested cases involving disputed issues of material fact are heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). The ALJ issues a Recommended Order — not a final order. Under Fla. Stat. § 120.57(1)(k) and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.217, each party has 15 days to file written Exceptions to the Recommended Order with the agency (not DOAH). This is the primary vehicle for challenging the ALJ's recommended findings and conclusions.

Stage 2 — Agency Final Order: The agency reviews the Recommended Order and any Exceptions, then issues a Final Order. Under § 120.57(1)(l), it may reject or modify legal conclusions and rule interpretations only within its substantive jurisdiction, with particular reasons and a finding that its substitute is as or more reasonable. Rejection or modification of factual findings has separate limits under that subsection.

Reconsideration/Rehearing of Agency Final Order: If a party disagrees with the Agency's Final Order, a Petition for Reconsideration or Rehearing may be filed with the agency. Florida's APA (Chapter 120) does not establish a single, statewide deadline or procedure for reconsideration of an agency's final order — the availability, deadline, and standard for reconsideration are governed by each individual agency's own procedural rules (adopted under Fla. Stat. § 120.54(5), often as an exception to the Uniform Rules of Procedure, Fla. Admin. Code Ch. 28-106). Always confirm the specific agency's rule before relying on any assumed deadline.

Judicial Review: For ordinary review under Fla. Stat. § 120.68, seek review in the District Court of Appeal within 30 days after rendition, unless another law supplies the forum or procedure. Under § 350.128(1), Public Service Commission actions involving electric, gas, or telephone utility rates or service go by petition to the Florida Supreme Court; other commission actions go to the First District Court of Appeal. Confirm the applicable appellate rule and deadline for the specific order. A timely filed petition for reconsideration or rehearing may affect an appellate deadline — confirm with agency and appellate rules.

This template covers BOTH Exceptions to a Recommended Order AND Petition for Reconsideration of a Final Order, as both are critical tools in Florida administrative practice.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

This document serves as either (1) Exceptions to a DOAH Recommended Order filed with the agency under Fla. Stat. § 120.57(1)(k) and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.217, or (2) a Petition for Reconsideration or Rehearing of an Agency Final Order. Both are filed with the agency — not with DOAH or any court.

Common agencies where this document is used:

• Florida Department of Health (DOH) — professional licensing boards (medical, nursing, pharmacy, chiropractic, dentistry, etc.)
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — contractor, real estate, hotel/restaurant, alcohol licensing
• Florida Department of Education (DOE) — educator certification
• Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) — Medicaid, facility licensing
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) — permits and enforcement
• Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) — insurance, workers' compensation
• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)
• Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) — utility regulation
• Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) — tax matters
• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) — licensing, benefits
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

PART A: EXCEPTIONS TO RECOMMENDED ORDER

(Use this section when filing Exceptions under Fla. Stat. § 120.57(1)(k) and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.217 — 15-day deadline from Recommended Order)

GROUNDS FOR EXCEPTIONS CHECKLIST

(Exceptions must identify the specific disputed portion of the Recommended Order and the legal basis — R. 28-106.217(1))

Check all applicable exception grounds:

☐ Finding of Fact Lacks a Lawful Basis — After reviewing the entire record, the agency may reject or modify an ALJ fact finding only if it determines and states with particularity in its order that the finding lacks competent substantial evidence or that the proceedings underlying it did not comply with essential requirements of law (§ 120.57(1)(l)).

☐ Conclusion of Law Is Erroneous — The ALJ's legal conclusion misapplies or misinterprets a statute, rule, or binding legal authority. Under § 120.57(1)(l), the agency may substitute a conclusion only within its substantive jurisdiction, must state particular reasons, and must find the substitute as or more reasonable.

☐ Recommended Penalty Is Inappropriate — The recommended penalty or sanction is not consistent with agency penalty guidelines, statute, or the record

☐ Procedural Error at Hearing — An error in the conduct of the hearing prejudiced the filing party

☐ Error in Evidentiary Ruling — The ALJ improperly admitted or excluded material evidence, affecting the outcome

☐ The ALJ Exceeded Authority or Applied Wrong Standard — [________________________________]

☐ Other: [________________________________]

EXCEPTIONS TO RECOMMENDED ORDER

BEFORE THE [________________________________]
STATE OF FLORIDA

On Petition from the Division of Administrative Hearings

In the Matter of:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
(Petitioner / Respondent in DOAH Proceeding)

Agency Case No.: [________________________________]

DOAH Case No.: [________________________________]

DOAH Recommended Order Date: [__/__/____]

EXCEPTIONS TO RECOMMENDED ORDER PURSUANT TO FLA. STAT. § 120.57(1)(k) AND FLA. ADMIN. CODE R. 28-106.217

Deadline Calculation:

Date of Recommended Order: [__/__/____]
15-day deadline for filing Exceptions (R. 28-106.217): [__/__/____]
Date of filing these Exceptions: [__/__/____]

☐ These Exceptions are timely filed.

Response Deadline for Opposing Party:

Under Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.217(3), any party may file a response within 10 days from the date the exceptions were filed with the agency. Date exceptions were filed: [__/__/____]. Response deadline: [__/__/____]

EXCEPTION NO. 1: [________________________________]

Portion of Recommended Order at Issue:

Page: [____] Paragraph: [____] Finding of Fact No. / Conclusion of Law No.: [____]

The Recommended Order states: "[________________________________]"

Legal Basis for Exception:

☐ Finding of fact not supported by competent substantial evidence
☐ Error of law in conclusion
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Record Citation:

[Cite specifically to the hearing transcript (T. at ___), exhibit number (Ex. ___), or other record evidence that supports this exception.]

T. at [____]; Exhibit [____]; [________________________________]

Argument:

[Explain why the ALJ's finding or conclusion is erroneous and what the correct result should be. For factual exceptions, identify the specific record evidence the ALJ overlooked or mischaracterized. For legal exceptions, identify the statute, rule, or precedent the ALJ misapplied.]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Requested Disposition of this Exception:

☐ Reject ALJ's finding and substitute the following finding: [________________________________]
☐ Reject ALJ's conclusion of law and substitute: [________________________________]
☐ Remand to DOAH for additional findings
☐ Other: [________________________________]

EXCEPTION NO. 2: [________________________________]

Portion of Recommended Order at Issue:

Page: [____] Paragraph: [____] FOF/COL No.: [____]

The Recommended Order states: "[________________________________]"

Legal Basis for Exception: [________________________________]

Record Citation: [________________________________]

Argument:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Requested Disposition: [________________________________]

EXCEPTION NO. 3 (if applicable): [________________________________]

Portion of Recommended Order at Issue:

Page: [____] Paragraph: [____]

Legal Basis: [________________________________]

Record Citation: [________________________________]

Argument:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Requested Disposition: [________________________________]

RELIEF REQUESTED (EXCEPTIONS)

The [________________________________] (Petitioner/Respondent) respectfully requests that the Agency:

☐ Adopt the Recommended Order with the modifications set forth in these Exceptions

☐ Reject Finding(s) of Fact No(s). [____] and substitute the findings set forth herein

☐ Reject Conclusion(s) of Law No(s). [____] and substitute the conclusions set forth herein

☐ Modify the recommended penalty as described herein

☐ Remand to DOAH for further proceedings on: [________________________________]

☐ Dismiss the petition/complaint/charges against [________________________________]

☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART B: PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF AGENCY FINAL ORDER

(Use this section when filing reconsideration/rehearing of an Agency Final Order)

DEADLINE WARNING: The agency's specific rules govern the deadline for seeking reconsideration of a final order. Common Florida agency deadlines for reconsideration range from 10 to 30 days. Judicial review must be instituted by filing a notice of appeal or petition for review under the applicable appellate rule within 30 days after rendition of the order being appealed (Fla. Stat. § 120.68(2)(a)). A timely filed motion for reconsideration or rehearing may toll this appellate deadline — confirm with Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure and agency-specific rules.

GROUNDS FOR RECONSIDERATION CHECKLIST

Check all grounds that apply:

☐ Error of Law in Final Order — The agency incorrectly applied a statute, rule, or legal standard in its Final Order

☐ Agency Improperly Rejected ALJ Findings Without Basis — The agency rejected or modified the ALJ's findings without reviewing the entire record and identifying, with particularity, a lack of competent substantial evidence or a failure of the underlying proceedings to comply with essential requirements of law (§ 120.57(1)(l)).

☐ Agency Exceeded Its Authority in Final Order — The agency's Final Order goes beyond the scope of issues properly before it

☐ New Evidence or Changed Circumstances — Material facts have changed, or evidence was unavailable that could not have been discovered earlier

☐ Penalty in Final Order Is Excessive — The agency's penalty exceeds the applicable penalty guidelines or the record evidence

☐ Insufficient Reasons in Final Order — When rejecting or modifying an ALJ legal conclusion or rule interpretation, the agency failed to state particular reasons or find its substitute as or more reasonable, as § 120.57(1)(l) requires

☐ Constitutional Violation — The Final Order violates Petitioner's constitutional rights

☐ Other: [________________________________]

PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF AGENCY FINAL ORDER

BEFORE THE [________________________________]
STATE OF FLORIDA

In the Matter of:

[________________________________]
(Petitioner)

Agency Case No.: [________________________________]

Agency Final Order Date: [__/__/____]

PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION / REHEARING OF AGENCY FINAL ORDER

SECTION 1 — IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES

1.1 Petitioner:

Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, Zip: [________________________________], FL [____]
Telephone: ([____]) [____]-[____]
Email: [________________________________]
License/Registration No. (if applicable): [________________________________]
Florida Business Entity Type (if applicable): [________________________________]

1.2 Petitioner's Legal Counsel:

Attorney Name: [________________________________]
Florida Bar No.: [________________________________]
Firm Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, Zip: [________________________________], FL [____]
Telephone: ([____]) [____]-[____]
Email: [________________________________]

1.3 Respondent Agency:

Agency Name: [________________________________]
Division/Board (if applicable): [________________________________]
Secretary/Director: [________________________________]
Agency Clerk: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, Zip: [________________________________], FL [____]

SECTION 2 — TIMELINESS

Date Agency Final Order was rendered: [__/__/____]
Applicable reconsideration deadline under agency rules: [__/__/____]
Cite: [________________________________]

Date this Petition is filed: [__/__/____]

☐ This Petition is timely filed.

Judicial review deadline (30 days from rendition under § 120.68): [__/__/____]
Effect of this Petition on appellate deadline: [________________________________] (confirm with counsel)

SECTION 3 — GROUNDS FOR RECONSIDERATION (DETAILED ARGUMENT)

Ground 1: [________________________________]

Specific Error in Final Order:

Page: [____] Section: [________________________________]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Legal Standard:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Argument:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Supporting Authorities:

• Florida Statute: [________________________________]
• Florida Administrative Code: [________________________________]
• Case Law: [________________________________]

Ground 2: [________________________________]

Specific Error:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Argument:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Supporting Authorities:

• [________________________________]
• [________________________________]

SECTION 4 — RELIEF REQUESTED (RECONSIDERATION OF FINAL ORDER)

Petitioner respectfully requests that the Agency:

☐ Vacate the Final Order in its entirety and dismiss the proceeding

☐ Modify the Final Order as follows: [________________________________]

☐ Remand the matter to DOAH for further proceedings on: [________________________________]

☐ Reduce the penalty from [________________________________] to [________________________________]

☐ Reinstate or grant the license, permit, or authorization at issue

☐ Stay enforcement of the Final Order pending resolution of this Petition and any appellate proceedings

☐ Other: [________________________________]

SECTION 5 — EXHIBITS (RECONSIDERATION)

SECTION 6 — VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing [Exceptions to Recommended Order / Petition for Reconsideration] and that the facts stated in it are true.

Executed on [__/__/____] at [________________________________], Florida.

Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
[________________________________] (Attorney Name)
Florida Bar No.: [________________________________]
[________________________________] (Firm Name)
[________________________________] (Address)
[________________________________], FL [____]
Telephone: ([____]) [____]-[____]
Email: [________________________________]

Counsel for [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

SECTION 7 — CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on [__/__/____], a copy of the foregoing was served upon:

Agency Clerk:
[________________________________] — [________________________________], FL [____]
☐ Personal delivery ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Certified Mail (No.: [________________________________]) ☐ Email/ePortal: [________________________________]

Agency Counsel / Assistant Attorney General:
[________________________________] — [________________________________]
☐ Personal delivery ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Email: [________________________________]

Opposing Party / Complainant:
[________________________________] — [________________________________]
☐ Personal delivery ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Email: [________________________________]

_________________________________
Signature
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

SECTION 8 — JUDICIAL REVIEW INFORMATION

8.1 Judicial Review Under Fla. Stat. § 120.68:

For ordinary § 120.68 review, seek review in the District Court of Appeal by notice of appeal or petition for review under the applicable appellate rule within 30 days after rendition of the final order, unless another law supplies a different route. For Public Service Commission orders, apply § 350.128(1): utility rate or service actions involving electric, gas, or telephone service go to the Florida Supreme Court, while other commission actions go to the First District Court of Appeal. Check the applicable appellate rule and deadline before filing.

8.2 Filing Location:

Under Fla. Stat. § 120.68(2)(a), seek review in the appellate district where the agency maintains its headquarters, where a party resides, or as otherwise provided by law. File the notice of appeal or petition for review in accordance with the applicable Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. Identify the filing office and service steps under those rules and the agency's final order before filing.

8.3 Standard of Review:

Florida courts review agency final orders under the following standards:

• Interpretation of a state statute or rule: De novo, without deference to the agency (Fla. Const. art. V, § 21)
• Factual findings: Competent substantial evidence standard
• Agency exercise of discretion: Grounds in § 120.68(7)(e), including action outside delegated discretion or inconsistent with agency rule or stated policy

8.4 Tolling Effect of Reconsideration Petition:

A timely filed motion for reconsideration or rehearing may toll the 30-day appellate deadline. Consult Fla. R. App. P. 9.020(h) and the specific agency's rules for confirmation.

This template was prepared for use in Florida administrative proceedings under Fla. Stat. ch. 120. It must be reviewed by a qualified attorney licensed in Florida before use. Florida's two-stage DOAH/agency process requires careful attention to which procedural vehicle applies at each stage. Deadlines are jurisdictional.