Architect's License Used After His Death Sparks Investigation

Marco Island, FL — On Thursday, December 29th, a troubling report surfaced that Mr. Leonard LaForest, a licensed architect who performed design work for many homes on Marco Island, had passed away on November 15th, 2021.

Despite his death, plans signed and sealed using Mr. LaForest’s credentials have continued to be submitted, prompting multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Marco Island Police, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Collier County Contractor Licensing, to launch an investigation into the matter.

All parties with contracts that involve plans signed and sealed using Mr. LaForest’s credentials after his death have been notified and must have their plans reviewed and signed by a new licensed design professional. Additionally, all projects currently under construction with plans signed and sealed using Mr. Laforest’s credentials after his death must be stopped until their plans are updated.

This story generated a great deal of attention from residents of Marco Island and beyond. With the investigation still underway, questions remain regarding the source of the plans signed and sealed using Mr. LaForest’s credentials after his death. The Marco Island Police, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Collier County Contractor Licensing are currently handling all inquiries in this regard.