Florida Construction Lien Law Notice

Why This Page Exists

Chapter 713 of the Florida Statutes gives contractors, subcontractors and suppliers the right to place a lien on a property when they have improved it and not been paid. It applies to construction and improvement work generally.

Most homeowners never encounter it, because on a normal flooring job everybody gets paid. But you should understand it before any contractor works on your home, and we would rather explain it than have you read about it for the first time in fine print.

What the Statute Warns

Florida’s statutory warning to owners is blunt, and worth understanding: if you fail to pay your contractor, a lien may be placed on your property. And in certain circumstances, if a contractor fails to pay their own subcontractors or suppliers, those parties may also have lien rights against your property — even though you paid your contractor in full. Paying twice is the risk the statute is warning you about.

How We Reduce That Risk for You

We are a small, family-run business that does its own installation rather than subcontracting the work out to crews we do not control. That structure removes most of the exposure the statute contemplates, because there is no long chain of unpaid subcontractors behind us.

Where a special-order material comes through a supplier, ask us for a release of lien from that supplier along with our own on final payment. We will provide it.

Protect Yourself on Any Job

• Ask for a written contract with a clear scope and price before work begins.
• Ask for a release of lien from the contractor and from any supplier when you make final payment.
• Keep every receipt and every signed document.
• On larger projects, ask about a Notice of Commencement and whether one is required.
• Do not make a large final payment before the work is complete and you have inspected it.

This Is Not Legal Advice

If you have a specific concern, consult a Florida attorney.