Florida Statutes Title XXXIII. Regulation of Trade, Commerce, Investments, and Solicitations § 520.999. Requirements of licensees

(a) In any case in which a person or a group of persons, directly or indirectly or acting by or through one or more persons, proposes to purchase or acquire a controlling interest in a licensee, such person or group must submit an initial application for licensure before such purchase or acquisition at such time and in such form as the commission prescribes by rule.

(b) As used in this subsection, the term “controlling interest” means possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a company whether through ownership of securities, by contract, or otherwise. Any person who directly or indirectly has the right to vote 25 percent or more of the voting securities of a company or is entitled to 25 percent or more of its profits is presumed to possess a controlling interest.

(c) Any addition of a partner, officer, member, joint venturer, director, or control person of the applicant who does not have a controlling interest and who has not previously complied with the provisions of ss. 520.03(2), 520.32(2), 520.52(2), and 520.63(2) shall be subject to such provisions unless required to file an initial application in accordance with paragraph (a). If the office determines that the licensee does not continue to meet licensure requirements, the office may bring administrative action in accordance with s. 520.995 to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(d) The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 providing for the waiver of the application required by this subsection if the person or group of persons proposing to purchase or acquire a controlling interest in a licensee has previously complied with the provisions of ss. 520.03(2), 520.32(2), 520.52(2), and 520.63(2) with the same legal entity or is currently licensed with the office under this chapter.