Because this issue presents a question of law, we review the Department's final order de novo. A.W. v. Agency for Persons with Disabilities , 288 So. 3d 91, 93 (Fla. 1st DCA 2019) ; See alsoBrownsville Manor, LP v. Redding Dev. Partners, LLC , 224 So. 3d 891, 894 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017) (explaining that an agency's interpretations and conclusions of law are reviewed de novo, whereas its findings of fact are reviewed for competent, substantial evidence). We may not defer to the agency's interpretation of a statute or rule.
Art. V, ยง 21, Fla. Const. "This Court's review of final agency action arising from a bid protest is governed by section 120.68(7), Florida Statutes (2016)." Brownsville Manor, LP v. Redding Development Partners, LLC , 224 So. 3d 891, 894 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017). " Section 120.68(7) gives the Court statutory authority to, among other things, remand or set aside agency action if such action depends on findings that are not supported by competent, substantial evidence or an agency's erroneous interpretation of law and a correct interpretation compels a different result."
The ALJ agreed. We review administrative legal conclusions de novo . Brownsville Manor, LP v. Redding Dev. Partners, LLC , 224 So.3d 891, 894 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017). Section 409.910(17)(b) states that only a "recipient" may contest AHCA's Medicaid lien. The term "recipient" is defined in section 409.901(19), Florida Statutes (2016), and includes a person who received medical assistance under the Florida Medicaid program for the purposes of section 409.910.