Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Warning to Owner Florida's Construction Lien Law Chapter 713

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

NOTICES

FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW

[FLORIDA STATUTES § 713.015]

ACCORDING TO FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW (SECTIONS 713.001-713.37, FLORIDA STATUTES), THOSE WHO WORK ON YOUR PROPERTY OR PROVIDE MATERIALS AND SERVICES AND ARE NOT PAID IN FULL HAVE A RIGHT TO ENFORCE THEIR CLAIM FOR PAYMENT AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY. THIS CLAIM IS KNOWN AS A CONSTRUCTION LIEN. IF YOUR CONTRACTOR OR A SUBCONTRACTOR FAILS TO PAY SUBCONTRACTORS, SUB-SUBCONTRACTORS, OR MATERIAL SUPPLIERS, THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE OWED MONEY MAY LOOK TO YOUR PROPERTY FOR PAYMENT, EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID YOUR CONTRACTOR IN FULL. IF YOU FAIL TO PAY YOUR CONTRACTOR, YOUR CONTRACTOR MAY ALSO HAVE A LIEN ON YOUR PROPERTY. THIS MEANS IF A LIEN IS FILED YOUR PROPERTY COULD BE SOLD AGAINST YOUR WILL TO PAY FOR LABOR, MATERIALS, OR OTHER SERVICES THAT YOUR CONTRACTOR OR A SUBCONTRACTOR MAY HAVE FAILED TO PAY. TO PROTECT YOURSELF, YOU SHOULD STIPULATE IN THIS CONTRACT THAT BEFORE ANY PAYMENT IS MADE, YOUR CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A WRITTEN RELEASE OF LIEN FROM ANY PERSON OR COMPANY THAT HAS PROVIDED TO YOU A “NOTICE TO OWNER.” FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW IS COMPLEX, AND IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.

FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS' CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY FUND

[FLORIDA STATUTES § 489.1425]

PAYMENT MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM THE FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS' CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY FUND IF YOU LOSE MONEY ON A PROJECT PERFORMED UNDER CONTRACT, WHERE THE LOSS RESULTS FROM SPECIFIED VIOLATIONS OF FLORIDA LAW BY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND AND FILING A CLAIM, CONTACT THE FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS:

FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD

1940 NORTH MONROE STREET

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-2215

TELEPHONE (850) 921-6593

FAX (850) 921-5450

*(optional notice for home solicitation contracts)

BUYER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL

This is a home solicitation sale, and if you do not want the goods or services, you may cancel this agreement by providing written notice to the seller in person, by telegram, or by mail. This notice must indicate that you do not want the goods or services and must be delivered or postmarked before midnight of the third business day after you sign this agreement. If you cancel this agreement, the seller may not keep all or part of any cash down payment.

THIS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between having an address at ("Contractor") and having an address at ("Owner").

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall provide all labor and materials, and perform all work necessary for the completion of the residence, structure, or improvements as described in the drawings and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”) and more particularly described as

Such drawings and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract. Drawings and specifications shall contain a scale drawing showing the shape, size, and dimensions of the construction and equipment together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at and more particularly described as:

(hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the drawings or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall substantially complete the work on or before . Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, illness, injury, or general unavailability of materials.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability, workers compensation and builder's risk insurance.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner's property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the drawings and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

WARNING!

FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW ALLOWS SOME UNPAID CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AND MATERIAL SUPPLIERS TO FILE LIENS AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY EVEN IF YOU HAVE MADE PAYMENT IN FULL.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party's written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

13. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, drawings, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the drawings, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the drawings but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the drawings, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

14. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

15. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

16. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Date

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name of License Holder

Address of License Holder

OWNER(S):

Date

Signature

Print Name

Date

Signature

Print Name

Enter text

What the Warning to Owner under Florida Chapter 713 Is

The Warning to Owner under Florida's Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713) is a formal notice used in construction supply chains to inform a property owner that labor, materials, or services have been furnished and that the claimant may preserve lien rights. It explains who is making the claim, describes the property and contract context, and signals potential lien or payment remedies under state law. The form does not itself create a lien but preserves notice and procedural rights that may be necessary before filing a Claim of Lien or pursuing other remedies.

Why a Proper Warning to Owner Matters

A clearly completed Warning to Owner helps preserve potential lien rights, reduces later disputes about notice, and creates a documented record for owners, contractors, and courts to evaluate payment claims under Chapter 713.

Why a Proper Warning to Owner Matters

Who typically prepares and receives this notice

The Warning to Owner is used across construction roles to preserve legal rights and to alert the owner of unpaid work or materials before escalating to a lien or litigation.

  • Property owners and developers who must confirm receipt and understand potential lien exposure.
  • General contractors and subcontractors protecting payment rights and documenting claims.
  • Material suppliers and equipment lessors who furnished goods and need to preserve remedies.

Use the notice early in a dispute or when payment is uncertain; proper delivery and recordkeeping are essential to preserve statutory remedies.

Step-by-step: Completing a Warning to Owner

Follow an ordered checklist to ensure the notice contains every required element, is signed, and is delivered with proof.

  • 01
    Identify Parties: Enter claimant, contractor, and property owner names exactly.
  • 02
    Describe Property: Provide street address and parcel information sufficient to locate the site.
  • 03
    State the Claim: Summarize work or materials furnished and any unpaid amounts.
  • 04
    Deliver & Document: Serve the owner per Chapter 713 procedures and keep proof of delivery.

Core components every professional Warning to Owner should include

A complete notice groups identity, property, contract context, description of work, amount in dispute, and clear delivery information for traceability.

Claimant Identity

Legal name, mailing address, phone, and business entity type to verify the claimant and enable contact about payment or dispute resolution.

Owner Information

Owner name and mailing address so the notice reaches the party with title or control of the property and triggers owner awareness.

Property Details

Street address, lot or parcel number, and brief legal description to unmistakably identify the site subject to the notice.

Work Description

Concise summary of labor, materials, or services furnished, including dates or delivery periods for context.

Amount Claimed

State the unpaid dollar amount or describe the disputed balance to frame the payment demand or potential lien basis.

Delivery Record

Method and date of delivery, recipient name, and proof (certificate, return receipt, or affidavit) to document statutory compliance.

Where to send and how to file the notice

Deliver the Warning to Owner according to Chapter 713 procedural norms—typically to the property owner and contract holder—and retain evidence of delivery for potential enforcement.

  • Deliver to Owner: Send notice to the owner at the address used in contract or county records.
  • Send to Contractor: Provide a copy to the general contractor when applicable to preserve project transparency.
  • Keep Proof: Retain certified mail receipts, courier tracking, or electronic audit trails as proof of service.
  • Record if Necessary: If unpaid, follow Chapter 713 steps to record a Claim of Lien with the county clerk when permitted.

Timing considerations and statutory windows

Chapter 713 establishes time-sensitive steps for preliminary notices, filing claims, and recording liens; observe statutory windows precisely to avoid forfeiting rights.

Pre-claim Notice:

Issue the Warning to Owner within the notice period required by Chapter 713 to preserve certain rights.

Proof Retention:

Keep delivery and contract records for the full statutory period after filing or final payment.

Recording Lien:

If claim remains unpaid, file a Claim of Lien within the time limits Chapter 713 prescribes.

Enforcement Window:

Enforce or foreclose on a recorded lien within the statutory timeframe applicable to Florida liens.

Contract Closeout:

Confirm final payment reconciliations and lien releases before project close to avoid disputes.

Key stages from notice to potential lien enforcement

A simple milestone sequence helps track the legal lifecycle: deliver notice, document response, file lien if unpaid, then pursue enforcement.

01

Issue Notice

Send Warning to Owner and preserve written proof of service.

02

Record Communications

Log owner responses and payment attempts as part of your claim file.

03

File Claim of Lien

If statutory criteria are met and payment is not received, prepare lien filing.

04

Enforce or Release

Pursue foreclosure, settlement, or execute a lien release based on resolution.

Common preparation and delivery pitfalls

  • Missing or incomplete property descriptions that prevent matching the notice to the right parcel and can invalidate the notice.
  • Using informal delivery without proof—failure to retain certified mail receipts or tracking weakens enforcement options.
  • Mismatched names for claimant or owner that create identity disputes and delay lien or payment remedies.
  • Assuming the notice alone creates a lien; a warning preserves rights but must be followed by proper filing steps to record a lien.

Consequences of incorrect or late notices

Loss of Rights: Forfeiture of lien rights
Invalidation: Notice deemed ineffective
Delay Costs: Added interest and collection expense
Legal Fees: Potential attorney costs
Dispute Risk: Increased litigation exposure
Record Rejection: Clerk may reject defective filings

How a Florida Warning to Owner compares with a typical preliminary notice

A quick feature comparison shows differences between a Florida Warning to Owner and the general preliminary notice commonly used in other states.

Document Element Warning to Owner (FL) Preliminary Notice (Typical)
Pre-filing required
Creates lien by itself
Served to owner
Recorded in county no (warning) no (prelim)

Configuring an online workflow for this notice

Set authentication, fields, routing, and retention rules to meet Chapter 713 requirements and maintain an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email + optional SMS code for signer verification
Signature Type Draw, typed, or click-to-sign with audit trail
Routing Sequential to owner then contractor
Audit Trail Enable IP, timestamp, and action logs

Digital signing and technical integration considerations

Use a platform that preserves the audit trail, supports common file formats, and integrates with project systems for evidence collection.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and scanned images
  • Integrations: Connect with Procore, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
  • Security: Enable TLS, AES-256 and audit trails

Ensure your chosen platform supports ESIGN/UETA legal standards, audit logs, and secure storage so notices remain admissible and reproducible if contested.

Real-world examples of digital notice and document workflows

Two customer examples illustrate how digital signing and audit trails supported construction and property workflows.

Martin Properties — On-site to Closed File

Tim Martin's team moved signature capture from paper to mobile onsite to eliminate hand deliveries.

  • Mobile signing streamlined sign-back for urgent notices.
  • The result was improved compliance and faster reconciliation for property closeout while keeping 100% of required documentation accessible for audits.

Optica Ventures — Consistent Customer Experience

Brian Fitzgibbons emphasized simplicity for his team and clients when moving to digital forms.

  • The team found the interface easy for customers.
  • Using a consistent digital workflow reduced turnaround time and produced clear audit records to support follow-ups on outstanding construction-related invoices.

Typical authorized signers and their roles

Property Owner

Owners or their authorized agents sign to acknowledge receipt of the notice; their signature establishes who received the Warning to Owner and helps record owner awareness of claimed obligations.

Contractor Representative

General contractors, subcontractor managers, or supply company officers sign on behalf of their organization to confirm the claim details and authorize follow-up actions if payment is not made.

Frequently asked questions and solutions

Answers to common questions about completing, delivering, and preserving a Warning to Owner under Chapter 713.


Need help? Contact support

eSignature vendor pricing and feature snapshot for Notice workflows

Compare basic pricing and enterprise features relevant to sending notices and preserving audit trails; signNow is listed first for direct platform comparison.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users