Case Name: ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, Appellant, v. Patricia BOLLARD, Appellee
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 1988-06-21
Citations: 527 So. 2d 289
Docket Number: No. 87-2010
Parties: ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, Appellant, v. Patricia BOLLARD, Appellee.
Judges: Before HUBBART and DANIEL S. PEARSON and FERGUSON, JJ.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 527
Pages: 289–290

Head Matter:
ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, Appellant, v. Patricia BOLLARD, Appellee.
No. 87-2010.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, Third District.
June 21, 1988.
Rehearing Denied July 20, 1988.
Williams & Zientz and Mark L. Zientz and Joseph C. Segor, Miami, for appellant.
Stephan H. Tarr, Miami, for appellee.
Before HUBBART and DANIEL S. PEARSON and FERGUSON, JJ.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM.
This appeal is brought by an insurance carrier from a final judgment entered on an Application for Rule Nisi to enforce a workers' compensation order.
A carrier may not defend against a rule nisi application by showing that it is justified in unilaterally suspending compensation. A justification defense which goes to the merits of the case is beyond the jurisdiction of the circuit court to consider. The sole inquiry on a rule nisi application is whether the compensation order is in full force and effect. "The claimant is entitled to have such order enforced until the order has been modified by the Deputy Commissioner pursuant... to an application by the carrier." Troy Desk Mfg. Co. v. Troy, 448 So.2d 46, 47 (Fla. 3d DCA 1984).
Affirmed.