(1) If the office determines that any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any action that is a violation of this chapter or related rules, the office may, in addition to or in lieu of other remedies, bring an action on behalf of the state in the circuit court against the person and any other person acting in concert with such person to enjoin such person from engaging in such act. The office may apply for, and on due showing be entitled to have issued, the court’s subpoena requiring the appearance of the person and her or his employees, associated persons, or agents and the production of any documents, books, or records that may appear necessary for the hearing of the petition, and to testify or give evidence concerning the acts complained of.
(2) In addition to, or in lieu of, the enforcement of a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction against the person, the court may, upon application of the office, impound and appoint a receiver or administrator for the property, assets, and business of the defendant, including, but not limited to, any related books, records, documents, or papers. The receiver or administrator shall have all powers and duties conferred by the court as to the custody, collection, administration, winding up, and liquidation of the property and business. The court may issue orders and decrees staying all pending suits and enjoining any further suits affecting the receiver’s or administrator’s custody or possession of the property, assets, and business or may, with the consent of the presiding judge of the circuit, require that all such suits be assigned to the judge appointing the receiver or administrator.
(3) In addition to, or in lieu of, any other remedies provided under this chapter, the office may apply to the court hearing the matter for an order directing the defendant to make restitution of those sums shown by the office to have been obtained in violation of this chapter. Such restitution shall, at the option of the court, be payable to the administrator or receiver appointed under this section or directly to the persons whose assets were obtained in violation of this chapter.
History.—s. 1, ch. 94-238; s. 1, ch. 94-354; s. 696, ch. 2003-261; s. 9, ch. 2008-177.