Why use a Notice of Commencement in Florida?

As an owner of real estate, you must record a Notice of Commencement when a contractor, subcontractor, material provider or laborer starts a work or improvement on your property.

The Notice of Commencement is set forth under the Florida mechanic's lien law. The lien statute aims to provide notices to contractors, owners, subcontractors, material men and laborers so each has everybody else's notice that they're working on the job and therefore may have potential mechanic's lien claims. By recording the Notice of Commencement, such notice is made available to all interested parties. Therefore building permits will usually not be issued to contractors unless the notice of commencement was properly recorded.

The Notice of Commencement must contain a description sufficient for identification of the real property, a description of the improvement, name and address of the owner, and information to identify the lender and surety, if any. This allows potential lien claimants to identify the owner and everyone else with a potential interest in the real estate. Property owners are required to file the notice before the work or improvement begins, although if the work does not commence within 30 days of recording the notice, it is considered void. The filing date is important, because any future liens relate back to this date.

Except for improvements for which the direct contract price is $2,500 or less, a property owner or the owner's authorized agent must record a notice of commencement in the clerk's office and post either a certified copy thereof or a notarized statement that the notice of commencement has been filed for recording along with a copy.

An owner may terminate the effective period of a Notice of Commencement when the construction is complete, or after construction ceases before completion and all contractors and sub-contractor's (lienors) have been paid, by filing a Notice of Termination of Notice of Commencement.

Each case is unique, so contact a Florida-licensed attorney familiar with the lien law with specific questions or for complex situations.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Notice of Commencement

Document a change order that affects the scope of a project
Document a lien waiver upon receipt of progress payment
Release a mechanic's lien after receiving full payment
Provide required pre-lien notice before filing a claim
Establish a legal claim against property for unpaid labor
Provide notice of intent to file a lien for unpaid work

Compare other Florida deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Enhanced Life Estate Deed Quitclaim Ladybird Deed Warranty Deed Enhanced Life Estate Deed Ladybird Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Trustees Deed Disclaimer of Interest Affidavit of Death Certificate Decedent Interest in Homestead Affidavit Personal Representative Deed (Testate) Personal Representative Deed (Intestate) Certificate of Trust Durable Limited Power of Attorney for Real Estate Durable Power of Attorney Mortgage Instrument and Promissory Note Mortgage with Assignment of Rents and Promissory Note Satisfaction of Mortgage Agreement for Deed Memorandum and Notice of Agreement Full Release of Memorandum and Notice of Agreement Notice to Owner Final Payment Affidavit Claim of Lien Notice to Contractor Notice of Termination Notice of Nonpayment Notice of Contest of Lien Notice of Contest of Claim Against Payment Bond Unconditional Waiver and Release of Lien upon Progress Payment Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien upon Progress Payment Unconditional Waiver upon Final Payment Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien upon Final Payment Request for a Sworn Statement of Account Notice of Lien Prohibition Lis Pendens Release of Lis Pendens

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our notice of commencement forms are specifically formatted for each county in Florida.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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