(CN) - The state of Florida does not have the authority to accuse BlueHippo's president of unfair trade practices, because he has no business contacts in the state, a Florida appeals court ruled.
Florida complained that Joseph Rensin and BlueHippo Funding violated the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and Retail Installment Sales Act when it sold computers and other electronic products to Florida customers.
The lower court denied Rensin's motion to dismiss the case against him as an individual. Rensin said he did not participate in any tortious conduct in Florida.
The 1st District Court of Appeal agreed with him under the corporate shield doctrine and reversed the decision.
"The countervailing documents submitted by the Attorney General did not establish a basis on which jurisdiction could be obtained," Judge Van Nortwick wrote.
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