Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Had a small restaurant in Florida and closed it do to restructuring of lease. Could not come to terms with landlord on lease, so I closed the business in May 2009.

Today I received a renewal for the business license for the restaurant (DBPR). I called the DBPR and was made aware that the landlord paid the fee and the late fee for the business license(under our business name).

Do I have any liability here, and is the landlord trying to cause me difficulties in the future?

Please advise.

There must be more to this story because I cannot imagine why a former landlord would pay for a former tenant's business license. You can email me the rest of the story if you want.

Sarah - I have spoke with other business owners on the beach and was told that if the landlord lets the location (restaurant) not be rented for a year, he will lose certain rights by the city and he may not be able to use the space as a restaurant any longer.

The space is part of a bed in breakfast on Ft Myers beach, and has been vacant since May of 2009. I do not want to get in touch with the landlord until I know what my recourse is with dealing with the landlord, or the town.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for replying.


Asked on 2/24/10, 5:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

Further to our email exchange in this matter, I suggest that you seek counsel in Ft. Myers. This is an issue of city/county zoning and local business licenses. Even after hearing additional details, I am not sure that you are open to any liability or damage, and consequently, I don't see what your recourse would be (to redress any damage you may suffer).

An attorney in Ft. Myers should be more familiar with the issue of local codes and zoning. Good luck to you.

Read more
Answered on 3/02/10, 3:19 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in Florida