2026-07-14

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Final Order — Loan Originator

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation denies Kenneth Edward Travis's renewal application for a loan originator license. The denial is based on Travis's failure to respond to an Amended Notice of Intent to Deny within the required 21-day period, constituting a waiver of his right to an administrative hearing. The underlying grounds for denial include a nolo contendere plea to a Class D misdemeanor involving assault and his current status on probation.

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Index: OFR 2026 - 351 STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION In Re: KENNETH EDWARD TRAVIS, Case Number: 135535 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 KENNETH EDWARD TRAVIS ("Petitioner"). FINDINGS OF FACT

  1. On April 24, 2026, the Office issued an Amended Notice oflntent to Deny Application for Loan Originator License Pursuant to Chapter 494, Florida Statutes ("Amended Notice oflntent to Deny"), with true and correct copies furnished to Petitioner via certified U.S. mail to his mailing address ofrecord and via email to Petitioner's email address of record. (See Exhibits A and B).

  2. The Amended Notice oflntent 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 Amended Notice oflntent to Deny within which to petition the Office for an administrative hearing to contest the allegations set forth in the Amended Notice of Intent to Deny, in accordance with sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, including the following information: YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEIPT WILL CONSTITUTE A W AIYER OF YOUR RIGHT TO REQUEST A HEARING, AND A FINAL ORDER WILL BE ENTERED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.

  3. To date, the Office has not received a written response or a request for hearing from Petitioner, and/or a claim of equitable tolling.

  4. The uncontested allegations in the Amended Notice of Intent to Deny are hereby incorporated by reference and adopted as Findings of Fact in this Final Order. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

  5. The Office is responsible for the administration and enforcement of chapter 494, Florida Statutes.

  6. Pursuant to chapter 494, Florida Statutes, the Office has jurisdiction over the subject matter and Petitioner.

  7. The Findings of Fact herein serve as the basis of the entry ·of this Final Order against Petitioner.

  8. 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.

  9. Pursuant to Rule 28-106.111(4), Florida Administrative Code, the failure of Petitioner to timely respond to the Amended Notice of Intent to Deny constitutes a waiver of Petitioner's right to an administrative proceeding.

  10. 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 (Fla. 1988).

  11. 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). 2

  12. The Amended Notice oflntent to Deny was properly addressed and mailed to Petitioner at his mailing address and therefore was received by Petitioner. See Brown v. Giffen Indus., Inc., 281 So.2d 897, 900 (Fla. 1973).

  13. Because Petitioner failed to timely file a petition or any other document in response to the Amended Notice of Intent to Deny, and/or failed to present a claim of equitable tolling, the waiver of the right to an administrative hearing by Petitioner is complete. See Patz at 80.

  14. The legal conclusions that form the basis for denial as set forth in the Amended 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.

  15. Petitioner's waiver of her rights to a hearing, taken together with the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law adopted herein, constitute sufficient grounds to deny Petitioner's license application. Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby ORDERED: Petitioner's application for a license as a Loan Originator pursuant to chapter 494, Florida Statutes, is hereby DENIED. DONE and ORDERED this ~ day of July, 2026, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. Commissioner 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: By 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 Bv 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 has been furnished to KENNETH EDWARD TRAVIS via U.S. Mail at 8021 U.S. Hwy. 271 S., Gilmer, Texas 75645 and via email at ktravis@glmtg.com on this /4-f"day of July, 2026. egulation 14-8050 . lerk@flofr.gov . 10-9889 5

Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III KENNETH EDWARD TRAVIS 8021 US HWY 271 S GILMER, TX 75645 ktravis@glmtg.com April 23, 2026 Exhibit A VIA CERTIFIED U.S. MAIL AND ELECTRONIC MAIL RE: Amended Notice of Intent to Deny Renewal Application for Loan Originator Lic~nse Pursuant to Chapter 494, Florida Statutes NMLS No.: 233918 File No.: 133939 OFR Case No.: 135535 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections 494.0011, 494.00255, 494.00312, 494.00313, and 120.60, Florida Statutes, and Rule 69V-40.00112, Florida Administrative Code, the State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation ("Office"), by this letter intends to deny Kenneth Edward Travis' renewal application for licensure as a loan originator in the State of Florida. The reasons for the denial are as follows: FINDINGS OFF ACT

  1. Kenneth Edward Travis ("Applicant") holds Florida mortgage loan originator license LOl 18548. Applicant's current renewal request is on hold.
  2. On August 11, 2025, Applicant pied nolo contendere to Assault Causes Bodily Injury to Family Member in Upshur County, Gilmer, Texas. Applicant is currently on probation. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
  3. 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.
  4. Pursuant to section 494.0025(1), Florida Statutes, a person may not act as a mortgage loan originator in this state without a license pursuant to part II of chapter 494.
  5. Pursuant to section 494.001 (18), Florida Statutes, "loan originator" means: www.flofr.gov 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0370 (850) 487-9687 •FAX (850) 410-9663

[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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. Pursuant to section 494.0011(2)(c), Florida Statutes, and Rule 69V-40.00112(1), Florida Administrative Code, as part of the application review process, the Office is required to consider an applicant's law enforcement record when deciding whether to approve an application for licensure as a loan originator. 10. Pursuant to section 494.00255(1)0) and (2)(d), Florida Statutes, the Office may deny a loan originator license to an applicant who was convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere regardless of adjudication, to any felony, or to any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, breach of trust, money laundering, or an act of moral turpitude. 11. Pursuant to Rule 69V-40.00112(11)(b), FAC, the Office shall not grant licensure (or renewal of licensure) to someone under the supervision of the courts, correctional authorities or other criminal justice agencies, or paroling authorities, based on a charge of criminal conduct that would authorize denial of licensure ( or renewal of licensure ). 12. Pursuant to Rule 69V-40.00112(2), Florida Administrative Code, there are four categories of crimes: class "A," class "B," class "C," and class "D." 13. Rule 69V-40.00112(16), Florida Administrative Code, provides: (16) Class "D" Crimes include any misdemeanor that involves fraud, dishonesty, or any other act of moral turpitude. 14. Rule 69V-40.00112(3)(d), Florida Administrative Code, provides in relevant part: (3) Effect on Licensure of Commitment of Single Crime. The Office finds it necessary to implement the following standards for applications with a relevant person whose law enforcement record includes a single crime, subject to the mitigating factors set forth in this rule before licensure. All periods referenced in this rule run from the trigger date. 2

( d) Class D Crime. The applicant will not be granted a license until 5 years have passed since the trigger date. 15. Pursuant to Rule 69V-40.001 12(2)( d), Florida Administrative Code, "trigger date" means the date the applicant was found guilty, pled guilty, or pled nolo contendere to a crime. 16. Applicant's misdemeanor crime of Assault Causes Bodily Injury to Family Member in Upshur County, Gilmer, Texas qualifies as a Class "D" crime. 17. Because Applicant pled nolo contendere to a Class "D" crime, he is subject to denial of licensure. 18. Because Applicant is currently on probation, he is subject to denial of licensure. 19. Because Applicant is subject to denial of licensure pursuant to sections 494.00255(1)0), Florida Statutes, and Rule 69V-40.00112, Florida Administrative Code, he does not meet the minimum requirements for initial licensure and, therefore, grounds exist to deny Applicant's renewal application pursuant to sections 494.00312 and 494.00313, Florida Statutes. The facts stated herein are grounds to deny Kenneth Edward Travis's loan originator license renewal application based on the above enumerated provisions of chapter 494, Florida Statutes, and the related Florida Administrative Code rules. Accordingly, by this letter, the Office of Financial Regulation hereby notifies Kenneth Edward Travis of its intent to deny his renewal application for licensure as a loan originator. [this space intentionally left blank with Notice of Rights appearing on the following page] 3

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: By 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 Delivery 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 any time prior to the expiration of the 21 davs. you may surrender your loan originator license through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and by notify ing the Office in writing. Submit your written surrender notice to Damaris Reynolds. Assistant General Counsel, P.O. Box 8050. Tallahassee. Florida 32314-8050. or at Damaris.revnolds(a),flofr. gov. YOUR FAIL URE TO RESPOND 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 120.573, 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, Suite 504, IO 1 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 Damaris Reynolds, Assistant General Counsel, Office of Financial Regulation, at (850) 410-9830. :2l~ C. {f?tdv Gregory C. Oaks, Director Division of Consumer Finance 4

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished to Kenneth Edward Travis via email at ktravis@glmtg.com and Certified U.S. mail at 8021 US HWY 271 S, GILMER, TX 75645 on this 24th day of April, 2026. 5 Damaris Reynolds Assistant General Counsel Florida Bar No. 37176 Office of Financial Regulation 200 E. Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Tel: (850) 410-9830 Email:damaris.reynoldsl@flofr.gov

~ UNITEDSTllTES l1it,j POST/JL SERVICE May 20, 2026 Dear Amber Hopkins: 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 8204 20. Item Details Status: Status Date / Time: Location: Postal Product: Extra Services: Shipment Details Weight: Recipient Signature Signature of Recipient: Address of Recipient: Delivered, Left with Individual April 29, 2026, 9:52 am GILMER, TX 75645 First-Class Mail® Certified Mail™ Return Receipt Electronic 4Ib, 0.1oz ,et5>==-< f (.,.. '5 f o r, 1 vcii II I 5 8021 US HIGHWAY 271 S, GILMER, TX 75645 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® 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Washington, D.C. 20260-0004