wrodina

I'm not sure about your overall point, but this in particular is not correct:
 
Baofeng radios like the UV5R
And 888s are legal to transmit on GMRS
 
GMRS radios are supposed to have certification from the FCC that they are compliant with Part 95 of the rules. To my knowledge, only a couple of the Baofeng models have any sort of type certification.

MURS is unlicensed (technically "licensed by rule", so you can still have your privileges revoked), but two of the frequencies are/were formerly assigned as business band so there may potentially be some overlap.
 
According to the FCC: None of the MURS channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any user. You must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels in order to make the most effective use of them and to reduce the possibility of interference. (Source)
 
So... nope. WalMart must play nicely with everyone else on the MURS frequencies. Although the stipulation about making the "most effective use" of them would probably give some weight to a commercial business over someone who wants to monkey around with that business by messing with their communications.

I acknowledge that you meant to write "VHF" instead, but VLF is actually a thing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_low_frequency
 
Good for talking with submarines, apparently.

Try the rooftop-to-rooftop with both factory rubber ducks.
 
Double-check that you're both on the same channel, including the A/B setting.
 
Try a different channel.
 
Verify that both units can properly receive (use the NOAA weather frequencies in your area, they should be a good strong signal, although they are VHF).
 
Since you have 3 radios, try the range tests with all three (1 <-> 2, 1 <-> 3, 2 <-> 3). Also swap out the antennas that way to verify, once you know you've got good radios.
 
I've heard horror stories about the build quality of the Baofeng radios. I have a handful of them and so far they have been fine for my needs... but it may be something of a crapshoot.

Looks like this repeater/club may be in your area: http://www.mygmrs.com/view?id=986
 
To answer what I think you're asking... licensing is usually done by frequency. Amateur radio, GMRS, business/land mobile radio, and emergency services are all licensed to use different frequencies within the coverage of the Baofeng handheld.
 
Outside of amateur radio, you are also required to use a radio that has been type-accepted by the FCC (which means they have reviewed it and have given it their blessing for use on the intended frequencies) in order to operate according to the letter of the law. Amateur radio does not require type-acceptance for radio use (but you still need a ham license to transmit on the allocated frequencies).
 
From a purely technical perspective, you can configure the Baofeng to transmit on any VHF or UHF frequencies it covers... though I would not recommend doing so outside of ham, GMRS, FRS, or MURS if you do not want to attract potentially unwanted attention from the FCC.
 
Welcome to the airwaves!