Opinion ID: 1747284
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Application of the Statute to the Instant Case

Text: In determining the application of section 415.503(9)(e) to the instant case, we are governed by the principles of administrative law. Judicial review of final agency action is governed by section 120.68, Florida Statutes (Supp. 1990). The scope of review for findings of fact is whether the facts are supported by competent, substantial evidence in the record. § 120.68(10), Fla. Stat. (Supp. 1990). However, the administrative construction of a statute by the agency charged with its administration should not be disregarded or overturned by a reviewing court except for most cogent reasons and unless clearly erroneous. ABC Liquors, Inc. v. Department of Business Regulation, 397 So.2d 696, 697 (Fla. 1st DCA 1981). Notwithstanding this deference normally given administrative agencies, an agency's conclusions are not immune from judicial review. Utilizing the appropriate test, we agree with the hearing officer's conclusion that A.S.'s `conduct does not rise to the level where he should be classified as the perpetrator of child neglect or abuse.' A.S., 616 So.2d at 1205 (quoting hearing officer's recommended order). As the hearing officer's recommended order noted, A.S. showed care and concern for his son and did not abandon him. A.S.'s judgment to temporarily leave his six-year-old son alone with instructions when called to respond to a work-related emergency that was contemplated to be of short duration did not amount to neglect within the meaning of the statute. Therefore, we agree with the hearing officer's recommendation that A.S.'s name be expunged from the registry. Based upon our determination that the statute is constitutional but inapplicable in this case, we affirm the result of the decision below but reverse the holding as to the constitutionality of the statute. We remand this cause for proceedings consistent with this opinion. It is so ordered. OVERTON, SHAW and KOGAN, JJ., and McDONALD, Senior Justice, concur. GRIMES, C.J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion. HARDING, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion.