Florida/Georgia Personal Injury & Workers Compensation

...e carrier, responded *1054 by denying that any benefits were owed. At the hearing before the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC), respondents contended that (1) no injury arose out of or in the course of employment; (2) the claim was fraudulent under section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2003), because petitioner provided an incomplete medical history; [1] (3) the major contributing cause of claimant's prolapsed uterus was from her experience giving birth; and (4) no costs, fees, or interest were owed....

...§ 440.34(5), Fla. Stat. (2003). The amount of the reasonable appellate attorney fees shall be determined by the JCC. It is so ordered. QUINCE, C.J., and ANSTEAD, PARIENTE, and LEWIS, JJ., concur. CANADY and POLSTON, JJ., did not participate. NOTES [1] Section 440.105 provides in pertinent part that whoever knowingly makes a false statement or omits material information to obtain workers' compensation benefits commits the felony of insurance fraud. § 440.105(4)(b), (f), Fla....

...When she saw her physician, however, she related that she had gone to the walk-in clinic for an unrelated condition. The JCC found appellant's testimony to be not credible and that claimant altered the prescription form. The JCC determined that appellant committed workers' compensation fraud under subparagraphs 440.105(4)(b)1....

...d to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative law judge, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in § 440.105 for the purposes of securing workers' compensation benefits. Section 440.105 in turn contains provisions prohibiting any person from committing fraud, by, e.g., making a false statement, to obtain workers' compensation benefits. [1] In the instant case, having held a hearing upon the employer's petition and having determined that appellant committed workers' compensation fraud in violation of section 440.105, the JCC determined under the above provision that appellant was no longer entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits....

...statutory immunity provided by section 440.11, Florida Statutes (2000)." Id. at 468 (emphasis added). Nowhere in the decision below, either in the majority or the dissent, does Aguilera address the applicability of section 440.37 (or its successor, section 440.105) to the employee's claim....

...ageous and resulted in injuries separate and distinct from the work related injury [n. 3]. We disagree. [N. 2] If a carrier "lies" regarding available benefits, such statements constitute a criminal offense and subject the carrier to penalties under section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2000). The Department of Insurance is authorized to revoke or suspend the authority of a workers' compensation carrier for violation of Section 440.105....

...e investigation and litigation expenses, including attorney's fees at the trial and appellate courts. § 440.37(2)(c), Fla. Stat. (1989). Section 440.37 was repealed in 1993. See ch. 93-415, § 109, Laws of Fla. In its place, the Legislature enacted section 440.105, Florida Statutes (Supp.1994)....

...This statute, passed in 1990, provides that "[t]he workers' compensation system in Florida is based on a mutual renunciation of common-law rights and defenses by employers and employees alike." § 440.015, Fla. Stat. (2000). [12] As noted in footnote 7, section 440.37 was replaced in 1993 by section 440.105. However, section 440.105 is never discussed by the Third District below or the majority of this Court.

...eedings under the Act. See Old Republic Ins. Co. v. Whitworth, 442 So.2d at 1078, and cases cited therein. [2] If a carrier "lies" regarding available benefits, such statements constitute a criminal offense and subject the carrier to penalties under section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2000). The Department of Insurance is authorized to revoke or suspend the authority of a workers' compensation carrier for violation of Section 440.105....

...Taylor of Stiles, Taylor & Grace, P.A., Tallahassee, for Appellees. VAN NORTWICK, J. The claimant in this workers' compensation appeal, Marie Isaac, appeals a final order of the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) which finds that she is guilty of fraud within the meaning of section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (1999), and therefore not entitled to any past or future benefits from appellees Green Iguana, Inc., d/b/a Medical Billing Group, and Associated Industries Insurance Company, the employer and carrier respectively (employer/carrier), pursuant to section 440.09(4), Florida Statutes (1999)....

...nial of benefits under section 440.09(4) without giving her prior notice and an adequate opportunity to defend the charge. Under the circumstances below, we agree. Accordingly, we reverse and remand to the JCC to delete the finding of a violation of section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes, and remove any reference to claimant's inability to pursue future benefits....

...She continued to collect workers' compensation benefits for two months while so employed. These facts were known by the employer/carrier at least eight months before the final merits hearing and at the time of the pre-trial conference; yet, the employer/carrier failed to raise a defense based upon sections 440.09(4) and 440.105(4)(b) prior to the merits hearing....

...explain her actions. The JCC found that claimant's actions constituted an alternative ground to deny benefits, ruling as follows: In addition to the previous grounds for denial of Claimant's claim, the Court finds an independent ground exists as per § 440.105(4)(b), that Claimant knowingly engaged in prohibited activity for the purposes of obtaining payment of indemnity benefits....

...and the Claimant's claim is DENIED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Section 440.09(4) provides that an employee will not be allowed compensation benefits if the JCC "determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." Section 440.105(4)(b) contains numerous examples of false, fraudulent or misleading activity which are prohibited....

...Before the statute may be employed to deny benefits, a section 440.09(4) defense either must be raised by the employer/carrier pursuant to the applicable rules of procedure, if the facts supporting the defense are known by the employer/carrier; or must be raised by the JCC, if the actions violating section 440.105 occur before the JCC....

...y the judge of compensation claims. See Old Republic Ins. Co. v. Whitworth, 442 So.2d at 1079. Plaintiff also argues that in alleging that Orkin made false statements about the availability of work, he has stated a cause of action under subparagraph 440.105(4)(b)1, Florida Statutes (1993), which provides: (4) Whoever violates any provision of this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s....

...§ 440.37(2)(e) (quoted in Sibley, 596 So.2d at 1050). Section 440.37, in other words, contained an express right of action. Effective January 1, 1994, the legislature repealed section 440.37. Ch. 93-415, § 109, Laws of Fla. In its place, the legislature enacted the similarly-worded section 440.105, Florida Statutes (Supp.1994). [1] In so doing, the legislature eliminated the express private right of action which had been contained in the earlier statute. We therefore conclude that there is no private right of action under section 440.105....

...This provision sanctions workers' compensation claimants by denying benefits to which they might otherwise have been entitled, if a claimant, in seeking benefits, knowingly provides any false, misleading, fraudulent or incomplete information as set forth in section 440.105, Florida Statutes (Supp.1998)....

...rowed the application of the sanction beyond that intended by the legislature. In interpreting any statute, full effect must be given to the language chosen by the legislature. Section 440.09(4), provides that the commission of any act prohibited by section 440.105, results in the sanction. For instance, section 440.105(4)(b)2., Florida Statutes (Supp.1998), which doesn't use the word "fraud," imposes the sanction if the claimant, in support of his claim for benefits, makes an oral statement concerning a material fact that he knows is false, incomplete or misleading....

...false, misleading or, at the very least, incomplete. Regardless of whether the claimant was under oath, if, at the time he made any of these statements, he knew they were false, incomplete or misleading, then the statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b)2., and, pursuant to section 440.09(4), result in the loss of workers' compensation benefits....

...If the JCC finds the claimant knew he had been involved in prior accidents when he testified he had not, that would constitute a false statement involving a material fact. REVERSED and REMANDED with instructions. WOLF, C.J., and BROWNING, J., Concur. NOTES [1] Section 440.105(4)(b)2., provides: (b) It shall be unlawful for any person: * * * * 2....

...The Employer/Carrier (E/C) appeals a non-final order determining compensability of a workers' compensation claim. Because we find that the trial court used the incorrect evidentiary standard, we reverse. The E/C alleges that Claimant violated sections 440.09(4) and 440.105(4)(b)2., Florida Statutes, by providing false, incomplete or misleading statements regarding his employment status while he was receiving temporary total disability benefits from an industrial injury....

...The JCC is only required to determine whether Claimant knowingly or intentionally made any false, fraudulent, incomplete, or misleading statement, whether oral or written, for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits, or in support of his claim for benefits. § 440.105(4)(b)2., Fla....

...(1999). See Village Apartments v. Hernandez, 856 So.2d 1140 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003). Significantly, it is not necessary that a false, fraudulent, or misleading statement be material to the claim; it only must be made for the purpose of obtaining benefits. § 440.105(4)(b)1., Fla....

...I write only to clarify the majority's point that the question for the JCC's resolution is not whether Claimant was employed by, or received payment for his association with, the strip club. The only question is whether Claimant knowingly or intentionally committed any of the acts prohibited by section 440.105, Florida Statutes....

...eering, and testified his activities at the club were connected with his evaluation as to whether he wished to invest in the club. Claimant's testimony and his activities at the club suggest the possible commission of at least two acts prohibited by section 440.105, Florida Statutes, and resulting in a forfeiture of any benefits or compensation pursuant to chapter 440....

...Zientz, P.A., Miami, for Appellant. H. George Kagan and Elaine L. Thompson of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez and Silver, P.A., West Palm Beach, for Appellees. WEBSTER, J. Following his conviction on two counts of workers' compensation fraud in violation of section 440.105(4)(b)1, Florida Statutes (Supp.1994), the claimant in this workers' compensation case filed a petition seeking various benefits....

...yee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any administrative hearing officer, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." The judge of compensation claims held that the claimant was barred from seeking any benefits, relying on the decision in Rustic Lodge v....

...facts demonstrated that he did not direct, participate in, or procure Rothstein to tape record the meeting at Keating's office; (2) Keating's invasion of privacy claim was barred by the statute of limitations; (3) he was immune from liability under section 440.105 of the Florida Statutes for reporting evidence of suspected insurance fraud; [3] (4) he had a good *417 faith belief under section 934.10(2) of the Florida Statutes that the tape recording was permitted by law; (5) he had no duty to p...

...prior to the creation of the tapes. Further, even if Spangler had informed Locker of the existence of the tapes, there was no evidence showing that Spangler knowingly disclosed to Locker the contents of the tapes. Count III: Immunity under sections 440.105 and 440.1051 of the Florida Statutes Spangler was immune from liability because even if he disclosed the existence of the tape to the Division of Insurance Fraud, this conduct would be protected under section 440.105(1)(b) because it was in furtherance of the reporting requirement of the statute....

...stified that the tape played a role in filing a charging affidavit against Keating. Keating next argues that the trial court erred in ruling that Spangler was entitled to an immunity defense for reporting workers' compensation fraud. We again agree. Section 440.105(1) of the Florida Statutes (1995) provides as follows: 440.105....

...y other relevant tort by virtue of filing reports, without malice, or furnishing other information, without malice, required by this section or required by the bureau, and no civil cause of action of any nature shall arise against such person. . . . § 440.105(1), Fla....

...Wausau reissued the check but neither Keating nor the Dreggors ever cashed it. Eventually, Keating sent the check back to Spangler telling him that she could not accept a check for attendant care services because the Dreggors had not kept good records. [3] Section 440.105 of the Florida Statutes (1995) provides immunity for individuals who, in good faith, report insurance fraud....

...The State appeals from an order granting a sworn motion to dismiss an information charging Daisy Arnal with insurance fraud and grand theft in the third degree. We reverse. In July 2004, the State filed a two count information charging Arnal with violating section 440.105(4)(b) of the Florida Statutes which makes it unlawful to knowingly make false, fraudulent or misleading statements for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits or payments: It shall be unlawful for any person: 1....

...or conceal material information, required by s. 440.185 or s. 440.381, for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation coverage or for the purpose of avoiding, delaying, or diminishing the amount of payment of any workers' compensation premiums. § 440.105(4)(b), Fla....

...4), Florida Statutes (1999). This section precludes all benefits to an employee who knowingly or intentionally provides any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statements for the purpose of obtaining benefits under Chapter 440. See also § 440.105(4)(b)1, Florida Statutes (1999)....

...The JCC further found that Corea had exaggerated his injuries for the benefit of the court and ruled that Corea was physically capable of engaging in full-time gainful employment. The JCC concluded, however, Corea's conduct did not "rise to the level of fraud as contemplated by Florida Statutes, § 440.105(4)(b)" and, thus, his actions were not sanctionable under sections 440.105(4)(b) and 440.09(4)....

...uries and post-accident employment were false or misleading at the time the statements were made, or that he intended to make such statements in support of his claim for benefits, then the JCC should rule that the statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b)1....

...alluded to under section 440.09(7)(d) are followed. [3] The JCC's final order did not recite his ruling on the applicability of the intoxification presumption, but instead denied the claim in its entirety on the ground that the claimant had violated section 440.105, Florida Statutes, and was therefore barred by section 440.09(4) from entitlement to compensation. On appeal, this court reversed the order, finding that a JCC is not authorized under section 440.09(4) to make a *759 section 440.105 determination, and the case was remanded for further proceedings....

...We note that section 440.15(1)(e) authorizes the E/C to conduct rehabilitation evaluations even after the claimant has been accepted or adjudicated as entitled to PTD compensation. We decline the E/C's suggestion that we modify our prior decision in this case regarding the JCC's lack of authorization to make a section 440.105 determination....

...ationsbank and Royal & Sunalliance Insurance, cross-appeals, urging that because the judge of compensation claims (JCC) decided that claimant had made a false, fraudulent or misleading statement for the purpose of obtaining benefits, in violation of section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (Supp.1998), the JCC erred in refusing to dismiss the entire claim, as required by section 440.09(4), Florida Statutes (Supp.1998)....

...CC found that claimant had misrepresented her psychiatric condition, the provisions of section 440.09(4) [1] required her to dismiss the entire claim. It is not clear from our examination of the order whether the JCC found that claimant had violated section 440.105(4)(b)....

...or intentionally made false, incomplete or misleading statements concerning material facts for the purpose of obtaining benefits. If so, consistent with this court's decision in CDL, "the JCC should rule that the statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b)1." Id....

...NOTES [1] Section 440.09(4) provides in part: An employee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims ... determines that the employee has knowingly engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. [2] Section 440.105(4)(b) 1....

...yee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any administrative hearing officer, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. Section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (Supp....

...violation of section 817.49, Florida Statutes, by falsely accusing him of a crime; (2) committed defamation by falsely accusing him of a crime; (3) committed libel per se by writing e-mails falsely accusing him of a crime; (4) committed fraud under section 440.105(4)(b)(1), Florida Statutes, by lying to him about not having formal grievance procedures; (5) committed a negligence per se violation of section 440.134(15), Florida Statutes, by failing to have a grievance procedure to address worker...

...Claimant's attorney acknowledged that chapter 440 did not specifically provide for that sanction, but argued, in effect, that the JCC had inherent authority to make findings on the issue of fraud by the E/C and its attorney and impose appropriate sanctions. The JCC did not make any findings on this issue in the final order. Section 440.105(4)(b)1....

...[t]o knowingly make, or cause to be made, any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement for the purpose of obtaining or denying any benefit or payment under this chapter." A person who violates this statute is subject to criminal, civil, and administrative penalties. See § 440.09(4)(a), 440.105(4)(f), 440.106, Fla. Stat. The process by which an employee may be sanctioned for violating section 440.105 is set forth in section 440.09(4)....

...That statute, which is commonly referred to as the "fraud defense," provides that the employee is not entitled to any compensation or *107 benefits under chapter 440 if the JCC (or an administrative law judge, court, or jury) determines that the employee knowingly and intentionally engaged in any of the acts prohibited by section 440.105. See § 440.09(4)(a), Fla. Stat. Thus, not only does section 440.09(4) specifically authorize the JCC to determine whether an employee has violated section 440.105, but it also sets forth the sanction that the JCC is required to impose upon finding that a violation occurred. The process by which an attorney or carrier may be sanctioned for violating section 440.105 is set forth in section 440.106, which provides in pertinent part: (1) Whenever any circuit or special grievance committee acting under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court finds probable cause to believe that an attorney has violated s.440.105, such committee may forward to the appropriate state attorney a copy of the findings of probable cause and a copy of the report being filed in the matter. * * * (3) Whenever any group or individual self-insurer, carrier, rating bureau, or agent or other representative of any carrier or rating bureau is determined to have violated s.440.105, the agency responsible for licensure or certification may revoke or suspend the authority or certification of the group or individual self-insurer, carrier, agent, or broker. § 440.106, Fla. Stat. This statute does not grant the JCC any authority to determine whether an attorney or carrier has violated section 440.105, nor does it give the JCC any authority to impose sanctions for such violations....

...1st DCA 1991) ("Unlike a court of general jurisdiction, a [JCC] does not have inherent judicial power but only the power expressly conferred by chapter 440."). And as the JCC recognized at the final hearing, [1] had the Legislature intended to give the JCC the authority to sanction an E/C or its attorney for violating section 440.105, it could have easily done so as it did in section 440.09(4) for fraud by employees....

...that the claim should be denied in its entirety [because] .... [t]he evidence in its totality establishes that .... [c]laimant *291 knowingly made false or misleading oral and written statements for the purpose of obtaining benefits [in violation of section 440.105, Florida Statutes, (2002) ].......

...her evidence, including her history to Dr. Swanson. Section 440.09(4) precludes "compensation or benefits ... if any judge of compensation claims ... determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." Section 440.105(4)(b)(1), Florida Statutes (2002) provides that "[i]t shall be unlawful for any person ......

...[t]o knowingly make, or cause to be made, any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement for the purpose of obtaining or denying any benefit or payment under this chapter." As was conceded by both parties at oral argument, the employer/carrier had the burden of proving a violation of section 440.105 by a preponderance of the evidence....

...laimant knowingly and intentionally made false statements to obtain worker's compensation benefits. Whenever a witness's testimony is rejected by the JCC, that witness would be guilty of making a fraudulent statement, and subject to sanctions, under section 440.105....

...d two form notices of denial, one of which stated: "Carrier is suspending PTD[.] Claimant is able to work." The other, at issue here, [1] stated: "The claim [for medical and indemnity benefits] is denied in its entirety, pursuant to Florida Statutes 440.105 and 440.0[9]." Following clandestine, videotaped surveillance of Mr....

...On appeal, as below, Pavilion Apartments and Claims Center invoke section 440.09(4), Florida Statutes (2004), [2] *228 which renders an employee ineligible for workers' compensation benefits if it is "determine[d] that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 . . . for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." § 440.09(4)(a), Fla. Stat. (2004). Section 440.105 places requirements on claimants not unlike the duty of candor an attorney owes a tribunal she is addressing. See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-3.3(a) (2006) ("Candor Toward the Tribunal"). Section 440.105 provides in relevant part: (4) Whoever violates any provision of this subsection commits insurance fraud, punishable as provided in paragraph (f)....

...To present . . . any . . . oral statement as part of, or in support of, a claim for payment or other benefit . . . knowing that such statement contains any false, incomplete, or misleading information concerning any fact or thing material to such claim. § 440.105(4)(b)(2.), Fla....

...1st DCA 2005), and those raising the defense have the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Id. The Workers' Compensation Act contains no authority for the suspension of benefits based on a payor's unilateral determination that a claimant has violated sections 440.09 and 440.105, Florida Statutes (2004)....

...timony given at depositions or the merits hearing." Village Apartments, 856 So.2d at 1141. "[I]f, at the time he made any of the[ ] statements, [a claimant] knew they were false, incomplete or misleading, then the statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b)2., and, pursuant to section 440.09(4), result in the loss of workers' compensation benefits." Id....

...As for the other issue they litigated and lost below, they have not appealed the determination — based on uncontroverted evidence — that the intrathecal, morphine pump was medically necessary. [2] Mr. Wetherington's compensable work injuries occurred on December 20, 1993, prior to the enactment of section 440.105, which took effect on January 1, 1994, see Ch....

...As amended by ch.2003-412, § 6, at 3877, Laws of Fla., section 440.09(4)(a) provides: An employee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims . . . determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105. . . . This section shall apply to accidents, regardless of the date of the accident. For injuries occurring prior to January 1, 1994, this section shall pertain to the acts of the employee described in s. 440.105 ....

...Wiitala of Wiitala & Contole, P.A., North Palm Beach, for Appellant. Kimberly A. Hill of Conroy, Simberg & Ganon, P.A., Hollywood, for Appellees. ERVIN, Judge. Claimant, E.H., appeals the order by the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) denying coverage pursuant to sections 440.09(4) and 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (Supp....

...two weeks preceding the industrial accident. Characterizing himself as an administrative hearing officer or court under section 440.09(4), the JCC determined that E.H. made these false statements for the purpose of obtaining benefits, thus violating section 440.105(4)(b), and concluded therefrom that E.H. was not entitled to compensation or benefits. This was error. Section 440.09(4) bars compensation or benefits when an "administrative hearing officer, court, or jury convened in this state" determines that a claimant has violated section 440.105. A JCC is not authorized to make a section 440.105 determination under the plain wording of this statute....

...This, of course, does not affect the JCC's obligation to evaluate E.H.'s credibility when considering the merits of his claim for benefits or the E/C's intoxication defense. We direct the JCC on remand to determine whether E.H. is entitled to compensation, without reference to either section 440.105 or 440.09(4)....

...In this case of first impression, the employer and its insurance carrier (E/C) complain that the judge of compensation claims (JCC) erroneously failed to apply the defense set forth in section 440.09(4), Florida Statutes (Supp.1994), based on false statements claimant made contrary to section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (Supp.1994)....

...Section 440.09(4) provides: (4) An employee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any administrative hearing officer, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. (Emphasis added.) Section 440.105(4) provides, in pertinent part: (b) It shall be unlawful for any person: 1....

...o the workers' compensation matter, by either an administrative agency or a court, that false or fraudulent statements were knowingly made, before its provisions can impact a claim for benefits. The correctness of this interpretation is supported by section 440.105(1)(a), which outlines the procedures that should be employed in obtaining such a collateral determination....

...Under the requirements of chapter 440 and the application signed by the Employer, the Employer was required to timely and regularly submit to Zenith quarterly employee earnings reports, see section 440.381(4), Florida Statutes, and, update his application monthly. The failure to update the application is a crime. See § 440.105(3)(a), Fla. Stat. (2007). Under the mandatory provisions of section 440.105(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2007), a carrier must report such omissions to the Division of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud, which in turn is required to investigate and report the criminal act to the prosecuting agencies "having jurisdiction" under chapter 440....

...Here, the Employer, in the three-plus years his policy with Zenith was active and in effect, never updated his application and never submitted his quarterly earnings reports. Yet, Zenith evidently did not comply with the mandatory reporting scheme imposed by section 440.105(1)(a), reported nothing to the Division of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud, and apparently chose not to avail itself to the right to cancel coverage....

...775.083, or s. 775.084. The application shall contain a sworn statement by the employer attesting to the accuracy of the information submitted and acknowledging the provisions of s. 440.37(4). Section 440.37 has now been modified and recodified into section 440.105, Florida Statutes (1997), which provides: 440.105 Prohibited activities; penalties.— .......

...itled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative law judge, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in section 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. Section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (2002), provides in part that it is unlawful for any person: 1....

...Village Apartments v. Hernandez, 856 So.2d 1140, 1141 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003). If, at the time a claimant makes any of the foregoing types of statements, he or she knew that they were false, incomplete, or misleading, the statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b)2....

...Accordingly, we reverse the final order. Cf. Chapman v. Nationsbank, 872 So.2d 390, 393 (Fla. 1st DCA 2004) (reversing the JCC's order and remanding because it was not clear from an examination of the order whether the JCC found that the claimant had violated section 440.105(4)(b) and directing that, on remand, the JCC should rule that the claimant's statements fall within the scope of section 440.105(4)(b) if the statements were knowingly or intentionally false, incomplete, or misleading, concerned material facts, and were made for the purpose of obtaining benefits)....

...him. Based on these findings, the JCC referred Petitioner’s attorney to The Florida Bar for joinder in an existing ethics complaint and to the fraud division at DFS for further investigation for what was, in the JCC’s opinion, a violation of section 440.105(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2014), which is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Because the JCC here previously found that Petitioner’s attorney acted dishonestly, had committed a crime (if not multiple crimes), and that he was...

...GAB suspended all indemnity payments on the day of his arrest, and filed a petition for modification under section 440.28, seeking to terminate his attendant care benefits. Later, the State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit filed an information charging him with a criminal violation of section 440.105, Florida Statutes (1999)....

...Stat. (1999) ("An employee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any . . . court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts *255 described in s. 440.105....

...case and the comp case *258 which I don't think we can get around. Clearly, what resulted in the criminal prosecution were the underlying actions in the workers' compensation case." The criminal charges filed against Mr. Valdes alleged violations of section 440.105, Florida Statutes (1999); entitlement to the benefits at issue in the workers' compensation case turned on the same facts at issue in parallel proceedings in criminal court....

...mend its pre-trial stipulation, asserting that the testimony of Claimant and his accountant during the final hearing revealed that Claimant had not reported all of his 2008 taxable income to the IRS, which, the E/C argued, constituted a violation of section 440.105(4)(b), and thus required a forfeiture of all workers' compensation benefits pursuant to section 440.09(4)(a)....

...The E/C filed a motion for rehearing, arguing that the JCC misapprehended this court's decision in Fast Tract Framing, Inc. v. Caraballo, 994 So.2d 355 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008), in finding Claimant complied with section 440.02(28), and that Claimant forfeited his rights to all workers' compensation benefits by allegedly violating section 440.105(4)(b)....

...reverse the final order as to this issue. The E/C's Misrepresentation Defense The E/C argues that the JCC abused her discretion in denying its post-hearing motion to amend its pre-trial stipulation to include a misrepresentation defense pursuant to section 440.105(4)(b)....

...ompensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative hearing officer, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits....

...Thus, the 1998 amendment to section 440.09(4) changes only one factor in the workers' compensation process: it adds the Judge of Compensation Claims as an entity authorized to determine whether a claimant "knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in section 440.105, for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." Id....

...We note, however, that even if we were to find section 440.205 ambiguous with respect to the issue at hand, legislative intent and public policy would still lead us to the same result. In support of its argument that the intent of chapter 440 supports its interpretation of section 440.205, appellee contends that section 440.105(2)(a)2., Florida Statutes (2000), reveals the limitations of section 440.205. Section 440.105(2)(a)2., which the Legislature enacted in 1993, declares it unlawful for an employer to knowingly "[d]ischarge or refuse to hire an employee or job applicant because the employee or applicant has filed a claim for benefits under this chapter." [2] As appellee contends, the language "refusal to hire" clearly anticipates a claim filed against a previous employer. According to appellee, the Legislature's choice of language in section 440.105(2)(a)2....

...indicates that the Legislature knows how to deal with employers who discharge an employee for having filed a past claim or employers who refuse to hire a job applicant for having filed a past claim. Appellee concludes then that, because the Legislature did not amend section 440.205 at the time it enacted section 440.105(2)(a)2., the Legislature did not intend for there to be a civil cause of action against an employer who discharges an employee for having filed a workers' compensation claim against a previous employer....

...to hire a job applicant for having filed a workers' compensation claim against a previous employer. Slip Op. 7. This concession by the majority is necessary because our Legislature certainly knows how to penalize refusal to hire, and has done so in section 440.105, Florida Statutes, a law purporting to criminalize (but not provide civil liability for) the act of "[d]ischarg[ing] or refus[ing] to hire an employee or job applicant because the employee or applicant has filed a claim for benefits under this chapter." § 440.105(2)(a)2., Fla....

...According to appellant, appellee's then-president wrote, "W/C Risk-File Open on W/C Claim" next to the reason for termination. [2] This statute took effect on January 1, 1994. See Ch. 93-415, § 112, at 215, Laws of Fla. When enacted, a violation of this section constituted a second-degree misdemeanor. See § 440.105(2)(a)2., Fla....

...PER CURIAM. In this workers' compensation case, the finding of the judge of compensation claims that appellant intentionally made false, fraudulent and misleading statements in an attempt to obtain benefits for her psychiatric condition in violation of section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (1997), is supported by competent, substantial evidence in the record....

treated as an “employer” only in an action under section 440.105 or 440.106. These statutes establish criminal

...However, the employer did not verify whether the social *1218 security number was valid. The E/C's witness claimed that the E/C did not find out the card was invalid until the day of the accident. The E/C argues that the JCC erred in its application of sections 440.105(4)(b)(9) and 440.09(4)(a), Florida Statutes. It argues that, pursuant to the plain and unambiguous language of those statutes, the fraudulent obtaining of employment by claimant pursuant to section 440.105(4)(b)(9) is sufficient to trigger the provisions of section 440.09(4)(a), thus mandating that claimant not be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Whether the JCC erred in finding that claimant was entitled to workers' compensation benefits even though he was unlawfully employed depends on whether the JCC erred in its interpretation of sections 440.105(4)(b)(9) and 440.09(4)(a), Florida Statutes, which is a question of law....

...d to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative law judge, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 or any criminal act for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. Section 440.105(4)(b)(9), Florida Statutes (2005), provides: (b) It shall be unlawful for any person: ....

...To knowingly present or cause to be presented any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement to any person as evidence of identity for the purpose of obtaining employment or filing or supporting a claim for workers' compensation benefits. It is undisputed that claimant violated section 440.105(4)(b)(9), Florida Statutes (2005)....

...The E/C, on one hand, asserts that section 440.09(4)(a) should be read to mean that an employee shall not be entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if a JCC determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in section 440.105. Thus, according to the E/C, because it is clear that claimant violated section 440.105(4)(b)(9) by procuring work with a false social security card, claimant should not be entitled to workers' compensation benefits....

...Claimant, on the other hand, interprets section 440.09(4)(a) differently. Specifically, claimant argues that pursuant to the statute, an employee shall not be entitled to compensation benefits only if a JCC determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in section 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. The question thus becomes whether the Legislature intended "for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits" to modify just "any criminal act" or, also, "any of the acts *1219 described in s. 440.105." Because at first glance both interpretations appear reasonable, the statute is ambiguous and this court must undergo an exercise in statutory interpretation....

...d to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative law judge, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 or any criminal act for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits. Accordingly, prior to the 2003 amendment to this statute, it was clear that "for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits" modified any act described in section 440.105....

...as "specifying effect of criminal acts." Ch. 2003-412, § 6, Laws of Fla. Accordingly, the act does not indicate that the Legislature intended the prepositional phrases "for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits" to no longer modify section 440.105, Florida Statutes, as they had previously. Instead, the addition of "or any criminal act" appears to have simply broadened the application of section 440.09(4)(a) to cover not only acts described in section 440.105, but also other criminal acts, as long as all of those acts are done for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits....

...1st DCA 2006), this court cited to section 440.09(4)(a), Florida Statutes (2004), and analyzed it as rendering a claimant ineligible for workers' compensation if it was determined "that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 . . . for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." The record contains no evidence that claimant violated section 440.105(4)(b)(9), Florida Statutes, for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits....

engaged in collusion to commit fraud under section 440.105(4), Florida Statutes. Although the JCC’s order

...ly broke. The third accident is at issue here. The employer and carrier (E/C) provided benefits for the claims in the first two accidents. The E/C never defended either of those claims on grounds that Claimant committed any of the acts prohibited in section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes....

...Following an evidentiary hearing, the JCC concluded Claimant did suffer a workplace accident, which resulted in the claimed injury. However, the JCC denied the claim, finding Claimant made false, fraudulent, incomplete or misleading statements as defined in section 440.105(4)(b), to obtain workers' compensation benefits for the second workplace accident....

...Specifically, the JCC found Claimant misrepresented his physical capabilities while he was receiving temporary total disability benefits. Although competent, substantial evidence supports the JCC's conclusion that Claimant committed one of the prohibited acts of section 440.105(4)(b) in a different workers' compensation claim, the JCC erred in applying the exclusion of 440.09(4) to the instant workers' compensation claim. This court has interpreted section 440.105(4)(b) to include false, fraudulent, incomplete or misleading statements that are immaterial to the claim if the statements were made for the purpose of obtaining benefits....

...Palm Beach v. McKale, 911 So.2d 1282 (Fla. 1st DCA 2005). However, we have never applied the section 440.09(4) exclusion from coverage to a claim for workers' compensation benefits in a different workers' compensation case than the case in which the 440.105(4)(b) acts were committed....

...Pursuant to the statute, coverage may be limited or denied even when the requirements of subsection (1) have been met, if any of the exclusions or limitations of coverage found in subsections (2) through (8) apply. Section 440.09(4), at issue here, excludes coverage if the employee engaged in any of the acts described in section 440.105(4)(b). Logically, and from the statutory language, there is no indication that the Legislature intended the subsection (4) exclusion *1111 to apply to injuries unconnected with the acts proscribed in section 440.105. To require coverage be forever barred simply because the employee had, at one time, committed one of the 440.105 proscribed acts would be unduly harsh....

...rney Fees" by which he sought to require the attorney for the employer and servicing agent to seek approval by the judge of *1286 compensation claims of any requests for attorney's fees made by the attorney to her clients. It is, however, clear that section 440.105(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2008), upon which claimant relied as authority for his motion does not require approval of any attorney's fee by the judge of compensation claims; rather, it merely makes it unlawful to receive a fee unless that fee has been approved. Because nothing in section 440.105(3)(c) (or in the rest of chapter 440) required the judge of compensation claims to take the action requested by claimant in his motion, the order denying that motion is affirmed. We find it unnecessary to decide whether the legislature intended section 440.105(3)(c) to apply to requests for payments made by attorneys representing employers, carriers and servicing agents, as well as to those made by attorneys representing claimants....

“defense of fraud per § 440.09(4), Fla. Stat.; § 440.105, Fla. Stat.; and § 440.09(a), Fla. Stat.” based

...ny given at depositions or the merits hearing." Village Apartments v. Hernandez, 856 So.2d 1140, 1141 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003). If such statements are knowingly false, fraudulent, incomplete, or misleading, benefits must be denied. See §§ 440.09(4)(a), 440.105(4)(b)(1)-(2) & (5), Fla....

...red. Even if considered on the merits, Claimant had adequate notice of the issues and does not allege how his substantive due process rights were violated. Finally, to the extent that Claimant contests the constitutionality of sections 440.09(4) and 440.105(b), this court has determined section 440.09(4), in relation to section 440.105, does not violate due process....

...District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District. August 14, 2009. *793 Nora Leto of Kaylor & Kaylor, P.A., Winter Haven, for Appellant. Kristin J. Longberry of Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson, PA, Orlando, for Appellees. HAWKES, C.J. We are again asked to address the parameters of section 440.105, Florida Statutes, frequently referred to as the "fraud defense." The issue in this case involves Claimant's providing a false Social Security number on several occasions after his injury, in connection with treatment....

...The employer/carrier (E/C) argued that Claimant's actions were knowingly and intentionally committed in order to obtain workers' compensation benefits. The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) accepted the E/C's position and denied all claims under section 440.09, Florida Statutes, on the ground Claimant violated section 440.105, Florida Statutes. Because competent substantial evidence supports the JCC's findings, we affirm. It is prohibited by section 440.105(4)(b) for any person to "make, or cause to be made," any false, fraudulent, or misleading statements for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits. § 440.105(4)(b)1., Fla....

...An employee found to have knowingly or *794 intentionally committed one of these prohibited acts is not entitled to compensation or benefits under the workers' compensation statute. § 440.09(4)(a), Fla. Stat. (2006). Whether a claimant has violated section 440.105 is a factual determination to be made by the JCC, which is reviewed by this court for competent substantial evidence....

...In deciding this issue, the JCC had to answer two questions. The first is whether Claimant made or caused to be made false, fraudulent or misleading statements. The second is whether the statement was intended by Claimant to be for the purpose of obtaining benefits. Section 440.105(4)(b)1....

...does not require that the misrepresentation be material in actuality; rather, the relevant inquiry is whether a claimant's misrepresentation — a misrepresentation the claimant thought would have a material impact on his case — was made with the intent to secure benefits. § 440.105(4)(b)1., Fla....

was charged with one count of fraud under section 440.105(4)(b)9, Florida Statutes (2012). This charge

Amendment rights when taken in conjunction with section 440.105(3)(c).” Jacobson v. Se. Pers. Leasing

follows: 9 Additional argument encompassed section 440.105, Florida Statutes (1995), that further provides

sanction an E/C or its attorney for violating section 440.105, it could have easily done so as it did in

...tion with Dr. Weinberg, and to pay Claimant’s attorney a fee of $1,500 and costs totaling $275. The JCC approved the $1,750 Claimant-paid attorney’s fee associated with the settlement, but denied approval of the $1,500 E/C-paid fee. See § 440.105(3)(c), Fla....

shall contain the fraud notice contained in section 440.105(7), Florida Statutes, and shall personally

“monetary value” between $20,000 and $100,000. See § 440.105(4), Fla. Stat. (2005). Although he has already

if he or she commits any act described in section 440.105, Florida Statutes, “for the purpose of securing

chief judge. The deputy chief judge cited section 440.105(7), Florida Statutes, as authority for requiring

commission of a criminal offense found in section 440.105, Florida Statutes, and further, because the

denying benefits on the ground she violated section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2006), by making false or

STATUTES)-AND. PETITIONER’S ATTESTATION — (SECTION 440.105(7), FLORIDA STATUTES). I, . . (print or type

considerations that attach to’ medical information. See § 440.105(b), Fla. Stat. (2013) (making unlawful any statement

shall contain the fraud notice contained in section 440.105(7), Florida Statutes, and shall personally

...been denied by the employer or carrier. The inability to obtain a fee raises constitutional issues. See Jacobson v. Se. Pers. Leasing, 113 So. 3d 1042, 1049, 1052 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013) (holding “that the prohibition on claimant-paid attorney’s fees in section 440.105(3)(c) and 440.34 [is] unconstitutional, and thus unenforceable, as they apply to cases where the fee is for legal services performed in defense against an E/C’s motion to tax costs,” because such services would not result in securing any benefits)....

requirement is not found in the law. Section 440.105, Florida Statutes, makes it illegal for any

fee is reasonable. Legal Background Under section 440.105(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2007), an attorney

...ase, Claimant, Tony Leggett, appeals an order of the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) denying contested temporary total disability (TTD) benefits on the grounds that Claimant made misrepresentations forfeiting benefits under sections 440.09 and 440.105, Florida Statutes (2012)....

...erformed physical tasks consistent with the construction of a dock. The E/C stopped paying TTD benefits as of December 2, 2013, and denied the entire claim (including the orthopedic evaluation), asserting a fraud defense under sections 440.09 and 440.105, Florida Statutes....

...benefits ended before his demand for payment of benefits was adjudicated.” Claimant appealed seeking the award of the evaluation and TTD benefits from December 2, 2013, through July 11, 2014. II. Section 440.105(4)(b)(1) states it is illegal for any person to “knowingly make, or cause to be made, any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement for the purpose of obtaining or denying any benefit or payment under this chapter.” Section 440.09(4) bars benefits for an employee found to have “knowingly or intentionally engaged in” such acts “for the purpose of securing workers’ compensation benefits.” Notably, Claimant in this appeal does not challenge the finding that he violated section 440.105(4)(b)(1); Claimant’s argument concerns the date that forfeiture of benefits becomes effective (either the date of his misrepresentation, July 11, 2014; or the date the JCC entered the order finding 3 misrepresentation, September 4, 2014)....

...entitled to compensation or benefits under this chapter if any judge of compensation claims, administrative law judge, court, or jury convened in this state determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 ....

...over which the JCC has jurisdiction. *40 Under the Workers' Compensation Law, the JCC is required to approve all fees paid for a "claimant in connection with any proceedings arising under this chapter." See § 440.34(1), Fla. Stat. (2007). Moreover, section 440.105(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2007), makes it unlawful for any attorney or other person, in his or her individual capacity or in his or her capacity as a public or private employee, or for any firm, corporation, partnership, or association...

...uty Chief [JCC]. Id. (emphasis supplied). While Appellant's counsel may have provided valuable legal services in the dispute with Humana regarding a cause of action outside the scope of the JCC's jurisdiction, it is contrary to the plain language of section 440.105(3)(c), Florida Statutes, to declare that the services were provided "in connection with any proceeding[] arising under [the Florida Workers' Compensation Law]." A "proceeding" is defined as "[t]he regular and orderly progression of a...

requirement is not found in the law. Section 440.105, Florida Statutes, makes it illegal for any

under chapter 440 are not self-executing. Section 440.105(3)(c) expressly requires the JCC to approve

guilty of workers’ compensation fraud under section 440.105, *896Florida Statutes, in a court of competent

2d 79, 81 (Fla.1996). The plain reading of section 440.105(5) evidences the legislature’s intent to allow

all prohibited acts in section 440.105 entail a “fraud” element. See § 440.105(4)(b)2.-3., Fla. Stat.

...Grant D. Petersen of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, Tampa, for Appellees. PER CURIAM. In this workers' compensation case, Claimant challenges an order of the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) denying benefits on the ground she violated section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2006), by making false or misleading statements for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits....

...tation, and reverse the denial of TTD benefits, but affirm the denial of TPD benefits. It is illegal for any person to make "any false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement" for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits. § 440.105(4)(b), Fla....

...t behavior identical to behaviors captured on surveillance in Dieujuste v. J. Dodd Plumbing, Inc., 3 So.3d 1275 (Fla. 1st DCA 2009), which this court found could not serve as the predicate for disqualification from benefits under sections 440.09 and 440.105....

under chapter 440 on grounds Claimant violated section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (2006), and thus, pursuant

...e applicant received from the Mexican physician. [3] We do not comment on whether an unauthorized worker could be precluded from receiving benefits under the "fraud defense." See generally James F. Kidd & Rick Blystone, Not So Fast! A Closer Look at § 440.105(4)(B)(9) Reveals Unauthorized Workers Should be Precluded From Workers' Compensation Benefits, Under These Circumstances, 81 Fla....

payment” under the Workers’ Compensation Law. § 440.105(4)(b)l., Fla. Stat. (2013). And workers’ compensation

employer/cam-er’s motion to dismiss under section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes, on the ground that

Compensation Claims (JCC) finding that she violated section 440.105(4)(b)(2), Florida Statutes. We reverse and

and 440.106, *243Florida Statutes (1995). Section 440.105 contains a list of prohibited activities and

concealed material information, thereby violating section 440.105(4)(b)3, Florida Statutes, and being disqualified

value of “$100,000.00 or more.” See Fla. Stat. § 440.105(4)(f)(3); In re Babaisakov, 24 I. & N. Dec

...Appellant explains that the award of prejudgment interest in Quality Engineered Installation was supported under the theory that the accrual of prejudgment interest could be avoided by tendering the fee. Appellant points out that under section 440.34(6), Florida Statutes (1989), which has since been transferred to section 440.105(3), Florida Statutes (Supp.1994), it is a misdemeanor for anyone to receive a fee in a workers' compensation case for services rendered unless the judge of compensation claims has approved the fee....

employer or carrier must prove violations of section 440.105(4)(b) by a preponderance of evidence. See Singletary

...Therefore, we remand for factual findings regarding Claimant's reduction in hours and entitlement to TPD benefits under section 440.15(4), Florida Statutes (2002). We further find that the JCC erred in failing to rule on E/C's defense of fraud raised under sections 440.09 and 440.105, Florida Statutes (2002)....

...Both parties agree that fraud was an issue in this case and that Claimant's false statements affect his eligibility to TPD benefits; therefore, on remand, the JCC should consider whether Claimant knowingly made false, fraudulent, or misleading statements for the purpose of obtaining workers' compensation benefits. § 440.105(b), Fla....

available to carriers accused of fraud under section 440.105. He also argues that these statutes impose

previously reversed findings of fraud under section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes, holding that a JCC

were charged with one count of fraud under section 440.105(4)(b)9., Florida Statutes (2012). The trial

to commit that fraud, in violation of section 440.105(4)(f)3., Florida Statutes (2022);

pursuant to the statutory fee . schedule. See § 440.105(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (“It is unlawful for any attorney

...secured including resolution of the claim for authorization of medical treatment and payment of medical bills. The JCC approved the Claimant-paid attorney’s fee associated with the settlement, but denied approval of the E/SA-paid fee. See § 440.105(3)(c), Fla....

...Znosko, Esquire, Znosko & Reas, P.A., Maitland; Todd J. Sanders, Esquire, Orlando, for Appellees. PER CURIAM. Claimant appeals from a final compensation order entered by the judge of compensation claims (JCC) denying all workers' compensation benefits to claimant based on fraud pursuant to section 440.105, Florida Statutes (2002)....

...its from March 5, 2004 to June 3, 2004, the date maximum medical improvement was reached, and impairment benefits. The JCC ruled that claimant was barred from receiving these workers' compensation benefits based upon his finding of fraud pursuant to section 440.105, Florida Statutes....

...ANALYSIS Section 440.09(4), Florida Statutes (2002), provides that an employee is not entitled to workers' compensation benefits under chapter 440 if the JCC "determines that the employee has knowingly or intentionally engaged in any of the acts described in s. 440.105 [1] for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits." (Emphasis added)....

...March 1, 2004-March 4, 2004, and the obtaining of the doctor's excuse through Dr. Gustavo Bustamonte." However, the JCC made no finding that claimant, through his testimony at the hearing, knowingly or intentionally engaged in any acts described in section 440.105 for the purpose of securing workers' compensation benefits pursuant to section 440.09(4)....

...etent substantial evidence in the record, we reverse the final order entered by the JCC, and remand for further proceedings relating to claimant's petitions for benefits. REVERSED and REMANDED. ALLEN, VAN NORTWICK and POLSTON, JJ., concur. NOTES [1] Section 440.105(4)(b), Florida Statutes (2002), provides in part: It shall be unlawful for any person: 1....