In Florida, liens filed on private property or on funds relating to a public project are known as Mechanic’s Liens. When a Florida Mechanics Lien is filed with regard to work performed on privately owned property, it attaches to and encumbers the fee simple ownership of property.
Contractors, as well as subcontractors, laborers, certain design professionals, sub-subcontractors and material suppliers can file a Florida mechanics lien. If a company supplies material to a material supplier, they are not eligible to file a Florida construction lien claim. Only those who have a direct contract with the owner can file a Florida mechanics lien if the total price for the improvement is $2,500.00 or less.
Depending on the claimant’s status, a Florida pre-lien notice may be required. Subcontractors and sub-subcontractors, including materialmen and suppliers who do not have a contract with the owner, are required to provide a Notice to Owner within the earliest of the following periods: within 45 days of commencing work or providing services for the Project or before the date of the owner’s final payment to the contractor who furnished an affidavit stating that all potential lien claimants have been paid.
A Florida claim of lien must be filed within 90 days of the last work performed on the project.
To learn more information about filing a Florida Mechanics Lien, please visit LienItNow.