Florida Construction Lien FAQ

You must file your Florida Construction Lien within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials.

Yes, if you do not have a direct contract with the owner. The Notice to Owner must be sent within 45 days of start of work. 

No, if you contracted directly with the owner.

General contractors

Subcontractors

Sub-subcontractors

Material suppliers

Laborers

Restoration contractors

Architects, engineers, surveyors

Florida is a strict state, if you miss deadline, you lose your lien rights.

The Florida construction lien must be recorded with the Clerk of Court / County Recorder where the property is located.

Yes. After recording your Florida construction lien, you must enforce it by filing suit, within 1 year, unless shortened to 60 or 20 days by the owner.

o Address of project

o Legal property description

o Property owner’s name

o Claimant’s name and address (you)

o First and last date of work

o Total contract amount

o Amount paid to date

o Amount remaining unpaid

o Description of labor/materials

o Statement of compliance with NTO requirement

o Notarized signature

No. You may record a construction lien for any unpaid amount owed to you; however, you should always consider the cost-effectiveness of filing the lien before proceeding.

Yes. Multiple contractors can file liens on the same property if they each performed work and were not paid. For example, a project may involve a plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor. If each provided labor or materials and did not receive payment, each contractor may record their own construction lien for the amount owed to them.

For additional information, check out the Florida Lien Guide.

If the customer has paid you, you must release or discharge the lien.