Step 1 — Send the Florida Notice to Owner
Florida Notice to Owner applies to anyone who does not have a direct contract with the owner or lessee. In most cases, subs & suppliers will need to file a Notice to Owner and GCs don’t.
Notice to Owner can be served via certified mail to the owner and GC within 45 days of first furnishing labor, materials or equipment.
Step 2 — Prepare the Florida Construction Lien Form
Your Florida Construction Lien should contain the following information:
Address of project
Legal property description
Property owner’s name
Claimant’s name and address (that's you)
First and last date of work
Total contract amount
Amount paid to date
Amount remaining unpaid
Description of labor/materials
Statement of compliance with NTO requirement
Notarized signature
Step 3 — Record the Florida Construction Lien with the County Recorder
You must record the construction Lien in the county where the property is located and pay the filing fee.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Florida Mechanics Lien on the Owner
You must serve Florida Construction Lien within 15 days of recording.
Certified mail is recommended.
Step 5 — Enforce the Florida Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If you have not been paid after filing the Florida Lien, keep track of when you recorded the lien.
After recording your Florida construction lien, you must enforce it by filing suit, within 1 year of the lien recording date.
Owners may shorten the enforcement deadline with:
· Notice of Contest (60 days)
· Show Cause (20 days)