Filing a construction lien in Florida can be one of the most powerful tools available to contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to recover unpaid balances. But Florida’s Construction Lien Law is highly technical—and small errors can completely invalidate your lien rights. If you don’t follow the rules precisely, you may lose the ability to enforce your lien altogether.
At Florida Lien Machine, we help contractors avoid costly mistakes and protect their rights from start to finish. Below are some of the most common missteps that can render a Florida construction lien unenforceable—and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Serve a Timely Notice to Owner (NTO)
Under Florida law, most lienors (except those with a direct contract with the owner) must serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of first furnishing labor, materials, or services. Miss this deadline, and your lien rights are gone—even if you finish the job and never get paid.
👉 Florida Lien Machine ensures NTOs are properly prepared, addressed, and served, so you never risk losing your lien rights due to a deadline mistake.
2. Filing the Claim of Lien Too Late
Florida requires that a Claim of Lien be recorded within 90 days of the date you last performed work or delivered materials to the project. Waiting too long—even by one day—can make your lien void.
Contractors sometimes misunderstand this deadline and calculate it from the end of the project or final inspection. The law, however, looks at your last day of work or delivery.
📌 Don’t risk it—let Florida Lien Machine track and file your lien with absolute accuracy.
3. Not Serving the Lien After Recording
Filing the lien isn’t enough. Florida law requires that the owner be served a copy of the recorded lien within 15 days of filing. Failure to serve the lien within this timeframe may render it unenforceable in court.
✅ Through Florida Lien Machine, your lien isn’t just recorded—it’s also properly served on the owner (and others, when required), with proof retained for court purposes.
4. Listing the Wrong Amount or Parties
Listing an inflated lien amount, or naming the wrong owner or contractor, can lead to your lien being deemed fraudulent, and potentially subject you to damages and attorney’s fees.
At Florida Lien Machine, every lien is attorney-reviewed to ensure compliance with Florida Statutes § 713.08 and other relevant requirements.
5. Using Non-Attorney Lien Services
There are many online services that prepare liens with no legal oversight—and they often overlook critical details. These services may save time up front but can cost you your entire claim if the lien is rejected, challenged, or ignored.
📢 With Florida Lien Machine, all services are provided by or under the supervision of Andrew Douglas, P.A., a licensed Florida Construction Attorney. We don’t just file forms—we enforce your rights.
6. Waiting Too Long to File a Foreclosure Lawsuit
After a lien is recorded, you have one year to file a foreclosure lawsuit—unless the owner shortens that time by sending a Notice of Contest of Lien. If you miss this deadline, your lien expires.
Through Florida Lien Machine, we not only file your lien, but also offer full litigation support, including lien foreclosure lawsuits handled by a licensed Florida attorney.
Protect Your Lien Rights the Right Way
Florida’s lien laws are strict—and unforgiving. One missed deadline or misfiled document can ruin your chances of getting paid. That’s why smart contractors rely on Florida Lien Machine for legally sound, attorney-driven lien enforcement.
Whether you need to serve a Notice to Owner, record a Claim of Lien, send a demand letter, or pursue lien foreclosure litigation, Florida Lien Machine has you covered.
👉 Ready to secure your payment rights? Start with Florida Lien Machine Today