A Florida mechanic’s lien is a legal tool with which unpaid suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors can secure compensation for the work/materials they’ve contributed to the improvement of a property. A mechanic’s lien is a claim for payment that attaches to a property title. Once in place, the lien alerts creditors and potential homebuyers that the title owner has an unsettled debt, making it difficult to sell the property or obtain financing. Owners can clear a lien from their title by paying the claimant the delinquent amount.

If the claimant does not have a direct contract with the property owner, they must serve a lien notice on the owner either before the work commences, or within forty-five (45) days of work commencement but before the final payment (see § 713.06(2)(a) for notice requirements).