[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Landscapers, Driveway Pavers/Painters, House Pressure Washers - all largely unregulated businesses in Florida. Landscapers who apply fertilizer or pesticides do need to be licensed by the Dept. of Agriculture though.

Because they are unregulated, and largely "cottage" industries, you get a fair amount of fly-by-night businesses. Since they intend to take your money and run anyway, they often offer their "services" at bargain prices - the hook that gets you. The ones that really intend to do some honest work have to charge for that work, which can make their prices look high compared to the scam artists.

The point is - don't pick your landscaper, driveway painter or house washer based solely on a bargain price quote - check em out, get references, check the BBB and Seniors Vs Crime, ask your neighbors, etc. Due Diligence will save you a lot of grief.

There are many, many honest, reliable companies in all of these services in and around TV. You mission, should you chose to accept it, is to find one that suits you.

Bryan,
That's great advice but when you live in New Jersey and need to organize any or all of the above it's very difficult to go thru the process you suggested. We need to line these things up prior to our closing in July and are on the look out for any help we can get. We need help sorting out the baddies from the goodies. That's were TOTV's comes into play. Any and all advise is then reviewed for use based on the experience that one and all have gained. If I were a full timer I'd be more then happy to share my experience with others to make their journey into the vendor world much easier and safer. It's not 100% fool proof but I'm sure it would be a major help.
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