(1) The department or any authorized agent thereof is authorized to examine the records, books, papers, and equipment of any motor carrier that are deemed necessary to verify the truth and accuracy of any statement or report and ascertain whether the tax imposed by s. 320.08(4) and (5) has been paid. (2) The department or any of its duly authorized agents shall have the power in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter to hold hearings, to administer oaths to witnesses, and to take the sworn testimony of any person and cause it to be transcribed into writing; for such purposes, the department shall be authorized to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum and conduct such investigations as it deems necessary.
(3) If any person unreasonably refuses access to such records, books, papers, other documents, or equipment, or if any person fails or refuses to obey such subpoenas duces tecum or to testify, except for lawful reasons, before the department or any of its authorized agents, the department shall certify the names and facts to the clerk of the circuit court of any county, and the circuit court shall enter such order against such person in the premises as the enforcement of this chapter requires.
(4) In any action or proceeding for the collection of the tax and penalties or interest imposed in connection therewith, an assessment by the department of the amount of the tax, penalties, or interest due shall be prima facie evidence of the claim of the state, and the burden of proof shall be upon the person charged to show that the assessment was incorrect and contrary to law.
(5) The department may enter into an agreement for scheduling the payment of taxes or penalties owed to the department as a result of an audit assessment issued under this section.
