What is a Notice of Commencement in Florida? Legal Services
A Notice of Commencement in Florida is a legal document that signals the start of a construction project. It provides official notice to all parties involved and helps establish lien rights. Failing to file a proper NOC can lead to project delays, loss of lien rights, and legal disputes.
We assist clients with filing and managing Notices of Commencements anywhere in Florida, with specialized experience in:
- Hillsborough County Notice of Commencement
- Pinellas County Notice of Commencement
- Pasco County Notice of Commencement
- Sarasota County Notice of Commencement
- Manatee County Notice of Commencement
At Southron Firm, we help property owners and contractors file, review, and terminate Notices of Commencement in Florida efficiently and accurately. Our experienced Tampa construction law attorneys take a direct, strategic approach to minimize risk and ensure compliance.
Contact us—our construction law team will handle all your projects legal filings so you can stay focused on your construction work.
Is a Notice of Commencement Required in Florida?
Yes, a Notice of Commencement in Florida is required for any construction project exceeding $2,500 in value—or $7,500 for HVAC work. This legal requirement is outlined in Florida Statute § 713.13. It mandates that the NOC must be recorded in the county where the property is located before the first inspection or within 90 days of project commencement, whichever comes first.
Failure to file a Notice of Commencement in Florida
Failure to file a Notice of Commencement in Florida can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Loss of lien rights for contractors and suppliers
- Inspection delays that stall the project
- Legal disputes over payment and contractor responsibilities
Our construction law attorneys in Tampa have helped numerous clients file Notice of Commencement in Florida for their construction projects. Protecting your lien rights ensures payment and prevents costly legal disputes that can delay your project.
Contact our construction law attorney Florida to protect your project from costly delays and legal issues.
Who Files a Notice of Commencement in Florida
The property owner is generally responsible for filing the Notice of Commencement in Florida. However, the owner can authorize a contractor, lender, or another agent to file on their behalf. Florida law requires you to record the NOC with the county clerk’s office before construction begins or before the first inspection.
To file the Notice of Commencement, you must:
- Complete the official notice of commencement form with accurate property and project details
- Include the property owner’s name, address, and legal interest in the property
- Provide the contractor’s name and address
- List any lenders or sureties involved
- Record the NOC with the county clerk in the county where the property is located
- Ensure the NOC is signed by the property owner or their authorized agent
Failing to file the NOC correctly or on time can lead to lien issues and project delays. Our Tampa attorneys manage every legal detail of your construction filings, ensuring everything is done accurately and on time—allowing you to focus on your project’s success.
Contact us to file your Notice of Commencement in Florida quickly and correctly, avoiding costly delays and legal issues.
Florida Notice of Commencement Requirements
A valid Notice of Commencement in Florida must include specific information to be legally enforceable. The required details are outlined in Florida Statute § 713.13 and must be accurately completed before filing with the county recorder’s office. The key requirements include:
- Property owner’s full name, address, and legal interest in the property
- Legal description of the property or the property’s street address
- Contractor’s name and address
- Surety information, if a payment bond is posted
- Lender’s name and address, if applicable
- Expected start date of construction
- Signature of the property owner or authorized agent, notarized
All information must be complete and accurate. Omissions or errors can invalidate the NOC, risking lien rights and causing delays.
Our Tampa attorneys review and prepare all Notice of Commencement documents to ensure full compliance with Florida law.
Schedule a consultation with our construction law attorney in Florida.
What Happens When a Notice of Commencement Expires?
In Florida, a Notice of Commencement (NOC) typically remains valid for one year from the date of recording, unless otherwise specified. When a NOC expires, it no longer provides legal protection for lien rights related to the project. This can lead to difficulties in enforcing liens, payment delays, and increased risk of legal disputes.
If construction is ongoing after the NOC expires, a new Notice of Commencement must be filed to maintain lien protections and ensure compliance with Florida law.
If you have questions about your Notice of Commencement expiring, contact us to protect your lien rights.
How do You Terminate a Notice of Commencement in Florida
To terminate a NOC in Florida, the property owner must file a Termination of Notice of Commencement with the same clerk’s office where the original NOC was recorded. This process is governed by Florida Statute § 713.132 and must follow specific legal steps:
- The termination form must be signed and notarized by the property owner.
- It must state that all improvements have been completed and paid in full.
- A copy of the termination must be served to all lienors who provided a Notice to Owner (NTO).
- The termination should also include a copy of the original NOC.
A termination is only valid if no liens have been recorded and all payments have been made. Filing incorrectly—or prematurely—can create serious legal risk.
We handle the full termination process to ensure compliance and eliminate errors that could lead to future disputes.
Contact us in Tampa to properly terminate your Notice of Commencement in Florida and avoid costly legal risks.
How Our Construction Law Attorney in Florida Can Help
At Southron Firm, we assist property owners, contractors, and developers across Florida with every legal aspect of the Notice of Commencement process—from initial filing to termination. Our Tampa attorneys ensure all documents are prepared, reviewed, and submitted correctly to avoid costly mistakes.
We provide the following NOC services:
- Drafting and filing of Notices of Commencement
- Termination filings that meet Florida’s strict legal requirements
- Guidance on lien rights and compliance with § 713 of Florida Statutes
- Legal support for lien disputes and enforcement
- County-specific support in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, and Manatee
We take the legal burden off you so you can stay focused on your construction project. We handle every detail with precision, allowing our clients to focus on their construction projects while we manage the legal complexities that protect their work.
Reach out today and schedule a consultation with our Tampa construction law attorneys.