(1) A person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 for the first offense, and commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084 for a second or subsequent offense.
(2)(a) The department may, after notice and hearing, impose an administrative fine in the Class II category pursuant to s. 570.971 for a violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter upon any person. The fine, when paid, shall be deposited in the Plant Industry Trust Fund. The imposition of a fine pursuant to this subsection may be in addition to or in lieu of the suspension or revocation of a permit or a certificate of inspection or registration.
(b) Any administrative order made and entered by the department imposing a fine upon any person pursuant to this subsection shall specify the amount of the fine and the time limit, which shall not exceed 15 days, for payment thereof. Upon failure to pay the fine within the time limit, the permit or the certificate of inspection or registration of the person may be suspended or revoked without further hearing. An additional fine of $100 per day may be imposed until the order is complied with.
(3) In addition to the penalties provided in this section and chapter 500, the department may collect costs related to enforcing prohibitions against the adulteration or misbranding of honey. Such collections shall be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund.
History.—s. 6, ch. 61-415; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 611, ch. 71-136; s. 3, ch. 80-113; s. 12, ch. 86-62; s. 76, ch. 93-169; s. 19, ch. 2013-226; s. 142, ch. 2014-150.
