TITLE: Florida Office of Financial Regulation Imposes Administrative Fine Against Southpoint Financial Services
BODY:
On April 2026, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a Final Order against Southpoint Financial Services, Inc. and Melinda Rothenberger, the company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The OFR imposed an administrative fine of $7,500.00 for violation of Florida's mortgage lending regulations.
The enforcement action resulted from examination number 131868, which focused on the respondents' compliance with financial audit reporting requirements under chapter 494, Florida Statutes. The OFR found that Southpoint Financial Services failed to submit its annual financial audit report (FAR) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, by the required deadline of April 30, 2025. Under section 494.0063, Florida Statutes, mortgage lenders must obtain and submit an annual FAR within 120 days after the end of their fiscal year, prepared by an independent licensed certified public accountant.
The OFR issued an Administrative Complaint on January 29, 2026, seeking the $7,500.00 fine and license revocation. Southpoint Financial Services held mortgage lender license number MLD210, which expired on December 31, 2025, rendering the revocation request moot. The complaint was served via certified mail on February 2, 2026, and respondents had 21 days to file a written response to preserve their right to an administrative hearing. As respondents failed to submit a timely response or claim equitable tolling, they waived their right to a hearing.
The fine must be paid within 30 days of the Final Order via money order, cashier's check, or wire transfer, referencing case number 132920. Respondents may appeal this Final Order to the District Court of Appeal, First District, within 30 days of the order's issuance.