Protect Your Project in Construction Disputes | Transnational Matters

Florida construction disputes run on deadlines that forgive nothing. Whether you are an owner facing a lien, a contractor chasing payment, or a subcontractor caught between them, the calendar usually matters more than the merits in the first weeks. Our construction practice covers payment disputes, lien enforcement and defense, and defect claims — with arbitration handled through our construction arbitration practice when the contract requires it.

The Florida Lien Clock (Chapter 713)

Under Florida’s Construction Lien Law, most lienors who lack a direct contract with the owner must serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials; a claim of lien must generally be recorded within 90 days of final furnishing; and a recorded lien generally must be enforced by suit within one year (which an owner can shorten by recording a Notice of Contest, or to 20 days by a summons to show cause). Owners have their own tools: proper Notices of Commencement, obtaining lien releases with each payment, and transferring liens to bond to clear title. These windows have exceptions and traps — confirm your specific dates with counsel immediately.

Defect and Payment Disputes

Defect claims against contractors generally require pre-suit notice and an opportunity to cure under Chapter 558 before filing. Payment fights turn on the contract’s scheduling, retainage, and pay-if-paid language — and on documentation kept while the project was still friendly. We front-load early case assessment: what the paper shows, what the realistic recovery is, and whether bond claims or lien rights add leverage.

Attorney advertising. General information only, not legal advice; statutory deadlines summarized above have exceptions and must be verified for your facts. © Transnational Matters PLLC.