The complaint process and how to report a fraudulent match
Purpose: The Florida Athletic Commission licenses and regulates professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts and approves amateur boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts sanctioning organizations. The Commission ensures that all professional matches are conducted in accordance with provisions of state laws and rules. Safety and integrity are the Commission’s top priorities.
Decisions of Match Results: According to Rule 61K1-1.035(4), Florida Administrative Code, a decision rendered at the conclusion or termination of any match is final and shall not be changed unless it is determined that any of the following occurred:
1. There was collusion affecting the result of any match;
2. The compilation of the round or match score cards of the referee and judges shows an error which indicates that the decision was awarded to the wrong participant;
3. There was a violation of Rule 61K1-1.0043, F.A.C., relating to drugs or foreign substances; or
4. There was a violation of Chapter 548, F.S., or the rules set forth herein which violation affected the result of the match.
The rule further states that if it is determined that any of the above occurred, the decision rendered shall be changed as directed by the commission.
Reporting Fraud: Florida statutes prohibit matches that are improperly or unlawfully influenced by fraud or collusion. According to Section 548.058, Florida Statutes, if a licensee has knowledge of an act prohibited by Florida Statutes, the licensee shall immediately report such knowledge in writing to the Commission. A violation of this nature is a criminal offense. There is no cost associated with this reporting process.
Complaints: Individuals may file a formal complaint with the Department by filling out a uniform complaint form, available online. There is no cost for filing a formal complaint.
The Division of Regulation is responsible for intake and initial analysis of all profession-regulated complaints. Complaints are reviewed to determine whether they meet the statutory definition of legal sufficiency, which is defined by Florida Statutes as one that contains ultimate facts that show that a violation of statutes or rules of any regulatory board in the Department has occurred. Complaints that are found to be legally sufficient are investigated and referred to the Department’s Office of General Counsel for review and determination of probable cause.
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All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Commission.
Timothy L. Shipman, Executive Director
Gregory L. Pitt, Assistant Executive Director
Florida Athletic Commission
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1016
Media Inquiries: 850.922.8981
Telephone: 850.488.8500
Facsimile: 850.922.2249