2026-08-10
Added
The Florida Office of Financial Regulation denies Reynaldo Rojas's renewal application for a loan originator license because he failed to respond to the Notice of Intent to Deny within the required twenty-one-day period. The Office determined that this failure constituted a waiver of the right to an administrative hearing and found no evidence of equitable tolling. The denial is based on uncontested allegations that Rojas holds an adverse administrative order from the State of Illinois revoking his mortgage loan originator license. The order was issued on August 2026 and grants Rojas the right to seek judicial review within thirty days.
Index: 0 rR 10 2lo-qo2- STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION In Re: REYNALDO ROJAS, Petitioner. FINAL ORDER The State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation ("Office"), being authorized and directed to administer and enforce chapter 494, Florida Statutes, hereby enters this Final Order with Notice of Rights ("Final Order") as authorized by the provisions of chapters 120 and 494, Florida Statutes, against REYNALDO ROJAS ("Petitioner"). FINDINGS OF FACT I. On June 19, 2026, the Office issued a Notice oflntent to Deny Renewal Application for Loan Originator License Pursuant to chapter 494, Florida Statutes ("Notice oflntent to Deny") to Petitioner. (Exhibit A) 2. The Notice of Intent to Deny had attached thereto a Notice of Rights, which fully advised Petitioner that he had twenty-one (21) days after the receipt of the Notice oflntent to Deny within which to petition the Office for an administrative hearing to contest the allegations set forth in the Notice oflntent to Deny, in accordance with sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, including the following information: YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND IN WRITING TO THIS NOTICE OF INTENT TO DENY WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEIPT WILL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT TO REQUEST A HEARING, AND A FINAL ORDER WILL BE ENTERED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
The Office served Petitioner with the Notice of Intent to Deny via U.S. Certified Mail on July 1, 2026. (Exhibit B)
Petitioner's written response to the Notice of Intent to Deny was due on or before July 22, 2026. To date, the Office has not received a written response or a request for hearing from Petitioner, and/or a claim of equitable tolling.
The uncontested allegations in the Notice of Intent to Deny are hereby incorporated by reference and adopted as Findings of Fact in this Final Order. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Office is responsible for the administration and enforcement of chapter 494, Florida Statutes, and has jurisdiction over the subject matter and of Petitioner pursuant to chapter 494, Florida Statutes.
The Findings of Fact that have been adopted herein serve as the basis of the entry of this Final Order against Petitioner.
Section 120.569(2)(a), Florida Statutes, and Rule 28-106.111(2), Florida Administrative Code, require, among other things, that a response or a petition to an action which affects the substantial interests of a party be filed with the agency within 21 days of receipt of written notice of the action.
Pursuant to Rule 28-106.111 (4), Florida Administrative Code, the failure of Petitioner to timely respond to the Notice of Intent to Deny constitutes a waiver of Petitioner's right to an administrative proceeding.
The doctrine of equitable tolling can be applied in administrative cases when a party has been misled or lulled into inaction, i.e., has in some extraordinary way, been prevented from asserting his rights, or has timely asserted his rights in the wrong forum. Machules v. Dept. of Admin., 523 So.2d 1132, 1134 (Fla. 1988). 2
Without any evidence of equitable tolling, it is appropriate for the Office to conclude there was none. Patz v. Dept. of Health, 864 So.2d 79, 80 (Fla. 3d DCA 2003).
When Petitioner failed to submit a response to the Office on or before July 22, 2026, Petitioner did not timely file a petition or any other document in response to the Notice of Intent to Deny. Petitioner also presented no claim, or evidence of equitable tolling. Therefore, it is appropriate for the Office to conclude there was no equitable tolling and Petitioner waived his right to an administrative proceeding.
The legal conclusions that form the basis for denial as set forth in the Notice of Intent to Deny, being uncontested by Petitioner, are accepted as true and correct and are adopted by the Office as Conclusions of Law for purposes of this Final Order.
The waiver of a hearing by Petitioner, taken together with the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law adopted herein, constitute sufficient grounds to deny Petitioner's license renewal application. Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby ORDERED: A. Petitioner's renewal application for a license as a Loan Originator pursuant to chapter 494, Florida Statutes, is hereby DENIED. DONE and ORDERED this / tJ..U... day of August, 2026, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. 3
NOTICE OF RIGHTS A PARTY WHO IS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ORDER IS ENTITLED TO JUDICIAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 120.68, FLORIDA STATUTES. REVIEW PROCEEDINGS ARE GOVERNED BY THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE. SUCH PROCEEDINGS ARE COMMENCED BY FILING THE ORIGINAL NOTICE OF APPEAL WITH THE AGENCY CLERK FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION AS FOLLOWS: Bv Mail, Facsimile or Email Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel P.O. Box 8050 Tallahassee, FL 32314-8050 Phone: (850) 410-9889 Fax: (850) 410-9663 Email: Agency.Clerk@flofr.gov OR By Hand Delivery Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel The Fletcher Building 101 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: (850) 410-9889 A COPY OF THE NOTICE OF APPEAL, ACCOMPANIED BY THE FILING FEES AS REQUIRED BY LAW, MUST ALSO BE FILED WITH THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL, FIRST DISTRICT, 2000 DRAYTON DRIVE, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0950, OR WITH THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IN THE APPELLATE DISTRICT WHERE THE PARTY RESIDES. THE NOTICE OF APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH BOTH THE AGENCY CLERK FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION AND THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE RENDITION OF THE ORDER TO BE REVIEWED. 4
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Final Order was furnished to Reynaldo Rojas by U.S. Mail to 4 Old Timber Lane, Palos Park, Illinois 60464, and by email to rey@instamortgage.com on this ~ay of August, 2026. 5 ~ Mc Office of Financial Regulation Post Office Box 8050 Tallahassee, FL 32314-8050 Email: Agency.Clerk@flofr.gov Tel: (850) 410-9889
Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III June 19, 2026 Reynaldo Rojas 4 Old Timber Lane Palos Park, Illinois 60464 VIA U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL Exhibit A RE: Notice of Intent to Deny Renewal Application for Loan Originator License Pursuant to Chapter 494, Florida Statutes NMLS No.: 1604761 File No.: 132201 OFR Case No.: 135961 NOTICE IS HEREBY GNEN that pursuant to sections 494.0011, 494.00255, 494.00312, 494.00313, and 120.60, Florida Statutes, the State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation ("Office"), by this letter intends to deny Reynaldo Rojas's renewal application for licensure as a loan originator in the State of Florida. The reasons for the denial are as follows: FINDINGS OF FACT
Reynaldo Rojas ("Applicant") has held a Florida loan originator license (LOl 19417) since April 27, 2023.
On December 30, 2025, Applicant submitted a request in the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry ("NMLS") for the renewal of his Joan originator license through the end of calendar year 2026.
On June 4, 2025, the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking ("the State of IHinois") issued an Order Revoking Mortgage Loan Originator License that revoked Applicant's Mortgage Loan Originator License No. 031.0062360. On May 26, 2026, the State of Illinois issued an Amended Order Revoking Mortgage Loan Originator License that revoked Applicant's Mortgage Loan Originator License No. 03 J .0062360. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Pursuant to section 494.0011, Florida Statutes, the Office has jurisdiction over loan originators and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of chapter 494, Florida Statutes. www.flofr.gov 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0370 (850) 487-9687 • FAX (850)410-9663
Pursuant to section 494.0025(1), Florida Statutes, a person may not act as a loan originator in this state un]ess 1icensed pursuant to part II of chapter 494, F1orida Statutes.
Pursuant to section 494.001 (18), Florida Statutes, "loan originator" means: [A]n individual who, directly or indirectly, solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan, accepts or offers to accept an application for a mortgage loan, negotiates or offers to negotiate the terms or conditions of a new or existing mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower or lender, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale of an existing mortgage loan to a noninstitutional investor for compensation or gain. The term includes an individual who is required to be licensed as a loan originator under the S.A.F .E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008.
Pursuant to section 494.00313(2), Florida Statutes, the Office may not renew a loan originator license unless the loan originator continues to meet the minimum requirements for initial licensure pursuant to section 494.00312, Florida Statutes, and the rules adopted thereto.
Pursuant to section 494.00312( 4)(a), Florida Statutes, it is a ground for denial of licensure if an applicant has committed any violation specified in chapter 494, Florida Statutes.
Pursuant to sections 494.00255(1)(1)2. and (2)(d), F]orida Statutes, the Office may deny a loan originator license to an applicant who has been the subject of any injunction or adverse administrative order by a state or federal agency regulating banking, insurance, finance or small loan companies, real estate, mortgage brokers or lenders, money transmitters, or other re]ated or similar industries. IO. Because Applicant has been the subject of an injunction or adverse administrative order by the State of 111inois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking, grounds exist for the Office to deny Applicant's renewal application. The facts stated herein are grounds to deny Reynaldo Rojas's loan originator license renewal application based on the above enumerated provisions of chapter 494, Florida Statutes. Accordingly, by this letter, the Office of Financial Regulation hereby notifies Reynaldo Rojas of its intent to deny his renewal application for licensure as a loan originator. NOTICE OF RIGHTS Please be advised that pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, you may request a hearing to contest this action by the Office. Requests for such a hearing must comply with the provisions of Rule 28-106 .104(2), Florida Administrative Code, Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code, or Rule 28-106.301, Florida Administrative Code, and must be filed with: 2
B y Mail or E-mail Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation P.O. Box 8050 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-8050 Phone: (850) 410-9889 Agency.Clerk@flofr.gov OR By Hand Deliver' Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation General Counsel's Office The Fletcher Building 101 East Gaines Street, Suite 504 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0379 Phone: (850) 410-9889 Your request must be filed within twenty-one (21) days of the date of receipt of this Notice of Intent to Deny. At an time prior to the expiration of the 21 days. -y ou may surrender your loan originator license through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and by notifving the Office in writing. Submit your written surrender notice to Margo Du Val. Assistant General Counsel. P.O. Box 8050. Tallahassee. Florida 32314-8050. or at margo.duval@flofr. gov. In the event that you surrender your license, no renewal will be issued. YOUR FAIL URE TO RESPOND IN WRITING TO THIS NOTICE OF INTENT TO DENY WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEIPT WILL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT TO REQUEST A HEARING, AND A FINAL ORDER WILL BE ENTERED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. If you request a hearing, you will have the right to be represented by counsel or other qualified representative; to offer testimony, either written or oral; to call and cross-examine witnesses; and to have subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued on your behalf. Pursuant to section I 20.573, Florida Statutes, mediation is not available. NOTICE TO APPLICANT In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Agency Clerk no later than seven (7) days prior to the filing deadline or proceeding, at the Office of Financial Regulation, The Fletcher Building, 101 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0379, Phone: (850) 410-9889, or by E-mail: agency.clerk@flofr.gov. If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this letter, please contact Margo Du Val, Assistant General Counsel, Office of Financial Regulation, at (850) 410- 9824. Sincerely, ,,j.~ ~.({}k Gregory C. Oaks, Director Division of Consumer Finance 3
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished to Reynaldo Rojas via U.S. Certified Mail at 4 Old Timber Lane, Pa]os Park, l]]inois 60464, on this 19th day of June, 2026. 9489 □□ □ □□ 27 6b20 8127 60 ------------------ 4 -n1 N'\1,rA l~ \, VtUl Margo A/ Du Val Assistant General Counsel Office of Financial Regulation Office of Genera] Counsel F]a. Bar No. 122205 200 E Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Tel: (850) 410-9824 Email: margo.duva1@flofr.gov
STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION Case No: 135961 Reynaldo Rojas 4 Old Timber Lane Palos Park, Illinois 60464 ELECTION OF PROCEEDING I have received and read the Notice of Intent to Deny, including the Notice of Rights, filed by the Office of Financial Regulation ("Office") regarding the above-referenced applicant, and I am requesting disposition as indicated below. PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE OF THE OPTIONS: OPTION #1: D I would like to surrender my license. OPTION #2: D I do .!!Q1 request a hearing in this matter. I do not dispute any of the Office's factual allegations and application of the law as stated in the Notice of Intent to Deny. I understand that upon my waiving the right to a hearing, the Office may enter a final order denying licensure as set forth in the Notice of Intent to Deny. OPTION #3: D I 92 not dispute any of the Office's factual allegations but dispute the Office's conclusions of law to those factual allegations, and request disposition of this matter by informal hearing pursuant to section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes. I request to (CHECK ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 2 OPTIONS): a. D Attend a hearing by video teleconference before a Hearing Officer appointed by the Office; OR b. D Submit a written statement with supporting documentation to a Hearing Officer appointed by the Office. OPTION #4: D I do dispute one or more of the Office's factual allegations. I request a hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) pursuant to section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes. In accordance with Rule 28-106.201(2)(d), FAC, I am attaching a copy of the material facts that I dispute. TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING, A RESPONSE MUST BE FILED WITH THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION AGENCY CLERK NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON OR BEFORE THE TWENTY•FIRST DAY AFTER RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO DENY, AS FOLLOWS:
STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION Case No: 135961 Reynaldo Rojas 4 Old Timber Lane Palos Park, Illinois 60464 **YOU ARE TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ONLY IF YOU HAVE CHECKED OPTION #4 ON THE PRECEDING PAGE. If you need more space, you may provide additional pages. As the applicant or the authorized representative of the applicant, I am disputing the following material facts: Signature of Applicant or Authorized Representative Form: OFR-GC-lS (1/28/2026) Page 2 of2 Date
Florida Office of Financial Regulation 200 East Gaines Street I Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0370 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1111111 1111111 9459 □□ □ □□ 27 bb2 □ 8127 □ Reynaldo Rojas 4 Old Timber Lane Palos Park, Illinois 60464
~ UNITED ST/J.TES l!ifl, POST/J.L SERVICE® July 10, 2026 Dear Margo DuVal: Exhibit B The following is in response to your request for proof of delivery on your item with the tracking number: 9489 0090 0027 6620 8127 60. Item Details Status: Status Date/ Time: Location: Postal Product: Extra Services: Shipment Details Weight: Recipient Signature Signature of Recipient: Address of Recipient: 40LDTIMBERLN Delivered, Individual Picked Up at Post Office July 01, 2026, 10:11 am PALOS PARK, IL 60464 First-Class Mail® Certified Mail TM Return Receipt Electronic 3Ib, 10.0oz Note: Scanned image may reflect a different destination address due to Intended Recipient's delivery instructions on file. Thank you for selecting the United States Postal Service® for your mailing needs. If you require additional assistance, please contact your local Post Office™ or a Postal representative at 1-800-222-1811 . Sincerely, United States Postal Service® 4 75 L'Enfant Plaza SW Washington, D.C. 20260-0004