General Reference
Mechanics' Lien Deadline Reference — Alabama & Florida
General lien filing and enforcement deadlines by claimant type
This page summarizes the general filing and enforcement deadlines for mechanics' liens in Alabama and Florida. It is provided as a general reference for educational purposes and is not a substitute for an attorney's review of any specific lien claim. The actual application of these statutes to a specific project depends on the claimant's contractual relationship to the owner, the timing and method of notice, the form of the lien document, the project type (private vs. public), and other facts not addressed here. Do not rely on this page to decide whether or when to file or enforce a lien. Talk to a lawyer.
Alabama
| Matter | Period | Triggered by | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original contractor — file lien | 4 months | from last day of work | Ala. Code § 35-11-215 |
| Subcontractor / materialman — pre-filing notice to owner Specific form and method requirements apply. | Before filing lien (required for non-privity claimants) | before lien filing | Ala. Code § 35-11-218 |
| Subcontractor / materialman — file lien | 6 months | from last day of work | Ala. Code § 35-11-215 |
| Foreclosure / enforcement of lien Failure to enforce within 6 months extinguishes the lien. | 6 months | from date of lien filing | Ala. Code § 35-11-221 |
Florida
| Matter | Period | Triggered by | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice to Owner (NTO) Non-privity claimants only — subs, materialmen, laborers without contract with owner. | 45 days | from first day of work | Fla. Stat. § 713.06(2) |
| Claim of Lien filing | 90 days | from last day of work / final furnishing | Fla. Stat. § 713.08(5) |
| Final Contractor's Affidavit (before suit) | At least 5 days before filing lien-foreclosure | before filing foreclosure complaint | Fla. Stat. § 713.06(3)(d) |
| Foreclosure complaint Owner may shorten via Notice of Contest of Lien (60-day window). | 1 year | from date of Claim of Lien filing | Fla. Stat. § 713.22 |
About this reference
- What is a Notice to Owner under Florida law?
Florida's Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713) requires non-privity claimants — subcontractors, materialmen, and laborers without a direct contract with the property owner — to serve a Notice to Owner (NTO) within 45 days of beginning work. A defective or untimely NTO destroys the lien right. - Does this apply to federal construction projects?
No. Mechanics' liens do not attach to federal property. Subcontractors and suppliers on federal construction projects of $150,000 or more proceed under the federal Miller Act (40 U.S.C. § 3131), which requires the prime contractor to post payment and performance bonds. State Little Miller Acts apply to state public projects. - Is this legal advice?
No. This is a general reference for educational purposes only. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship and is not a substitute for personalized legal counsel.
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