Question
I am about to buy a landscaping contracting business in Florida and the current owner assures me he can qualify the license for me.  I have to pay him an ongoing fee even though he will not be involved in the business and is moving out of state.  It seems like this is just curcumventing the rules. Is it legal, have you heard of it being done.

thanks for your help

John

Answer
I am not licensed in FLa and I am not an attorney. However, I can say that based on my understanding of license requirements fro my own state, if he is not involved directly as a paid employee or an owner and has no supervisory role I doubt if it is legal to use him.
Seems like he wants to skirt the rules. If he was staying local and was coming in the office once in a while to advise you it might be different. If he is moving out and just wants you to send a check, that does not sound legitimate, but I would advise you to call your state or local license issuer and inquire.


Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
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