So if the seller already paid county and school taxes you could either reimburse them for the remaining months Or you could just say what was paid is paid and there will be no reimbursement.

You may want to first verify their license with either the county or city, and ask to see their insurance policy before you hire them.

Are these laws state specific or county specific?

@Al Williamson Thanks for the reply!  

I'm a huge advocate for North Central Connecticut (basically Hartford County).

Bay County has the best ocean front price per sq. ft. in all of Florida so it's an excellent market to invest in.

This was a temporary whole county problem. 

@Darrell Bratton Baldwin County is the hottest market in the state in my opinion.

Which county are you looking to close in?

And be very straight with the seller that you won't go ahead with the deal if it's not approved for what you want to do with it.. meet with the township or county or whoever is in charge of planning and development.