|
I assume you are a Land Surveyor licensed in Florida.
I am unfamiliar with Fla. law and am not a Land Surveyor, so just some things to think about.
This is the wrong forum to ask this question. (Sorry guys). You need to discuss this with other surveyors and possibly an attorney in Fla. familiar with this area of law to determine what your obligations are.
I believe you are obligated to report the error 20 years ago to the board. They will probably take no action as the original surveyor is no longer practicing per your description.
I do not see how you have any recourse against the previous surveyor. Purchasing the lot is to CYA and keep on good terms with your client. He closed without your report, your report took longer than usual because of an error by a previous surveyor. It sounds like you performed due diligence.
The owner of the house purchased the propriety thinking everything was fine. Are the other markers correct? I do not know particulars, but it is conceivable that this purchase will not add value to their propriety above what they have already paid. If that is the case they will see anything but perhaps a nominal mark up as extortion. Even if it adds value to what they thought was their properity, they have no choice so they will be unhappy about it.
I think you should hook your client and the homeowner up and stay out of it. It doesn't feel right. This has the potential to be a real mess. It looks like there is a simple solution. If you purchase the lot and sell it at a profit be prepared to defend your actions to the board that regulates Land Surveyors if there is one in Fla.
|