Florida guide
Mechanic's lien deadlines in Florida: the 2026 guide for subcontractors
If you furnish labor or materials on a Florida project and you don't get paid, a mechanic's lien is how you force the issue. But the right to file expires fast. Here are the deadlines that matter, in plain language.
The deadlines, step by step
Notice to Owner
Subcontractors and suppliers who do not have a direct contract with the owner must serve a Notice to Owner before, or within 45 days of, first furnishing labor or materials.
Fla. Stat. § 713.06
Record Claim of Lien
Record the Claim of Lien with the county clerk within 90 days after the last day you furnished labor, services, or materials to the project.
Fla. Stat. § 713.08
Bring Action to Enforce Lien
File a lawsuit to enforce the lien within one year of recording the Claim of Lien. This period can be shortened by an owner's Notice of Contest of Lien (to 60 days) or by a Summons to Show Cause (to 20 days).
Fla. Stat. § 713.22
Good to know
- Based on the Florida Construction Lien Law (Fla. Stat. Ch. 713).
- Florida has important nuances (privity, the owner's Notice of Commencement, bonded projects, and a final contractor's affidavit) that affect your exact deadlines.
- When a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday it is generally treated as extended to the next business day.
- This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm every deadline with a licensed Florida attorney before relying on it.
See your exact Florida dates
Enter your job dates in the free calculator, or let LienAlert track every deadline for every job and remind you before each one.
This guide is general information based on public Floridastatutes, not legal advice, and your exact deadlines depend on your facts. Always confirm with a licensed Florida attorney before relying on a date.