Snapper rider flooding

Good afternoon. I am new to this forum. I have a Snapper rear engine rider, Model 28B702. I just bought it used and the guy started it and it rand good. Brought it home, parked it and covered it with a tarp due rain coming. Few days later was going to use it and smelled gas from under tarp. Pulled off tarp, moved on to the patio, and tried to start it. Would not start. Pulled plug and it was full of fuel. Left plug out and pulled cord and lots of fuel came out of muffler and spark plug hole. Let it sit for a day of 2. Just went out a bit ago and played with it and got it to start but would not stay running and was still spitting fuel out of muffler. Kept pulling plug and drying it off and pulling cord to expel excess gas. Still the same, starts but won't stay running but for a few seconds. What is wrong with it? What do I need to do to fix or would it be used as a boat anchor? LOL. Please assist. Got to get it fixed, to hard on me to use a push mower. thanks in advance.

The float valve is leaking allowing fuel to overflow the carb, fill the cylinder and flood the engine. You will also need to change the oil because I will guarantee it is also full of gas. Some people install a twist shutoff valve in the fuel line, which is fine, but you also need to fix the carb issue.

I also found out that it has gas in the oil.