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Haft Law Group

561-781-8984

A Strategic Adviser You Can Entrust
With Your Business

Scott Haft

Legal Help For Construction Liens

When disputes arise over payment in construction projects, construction liens can quickly become a major issue. These legal claims are placed on properties when contractors, suppliers or other parties are not paid for their work or materials.

At Haft Law Group, lead attorney Scott Haft has over a decade of experience serving clients in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has handled numerous construction lien cases, often representing national suppliers, distributors and manufacturers like yours. Attorney Haft regularly works with major clients, including publicly traded companies that supply building materials across the U.S.

Common Situations That Lead To Construction Liens

The firm’s West Palm Beach legal team has seen many lien cases that arise in similar ways. For example, a supplier may deliver building materials on credit to a job site. If the general contractor fails to pay the supplier, the supplier can file a lien to protect their interests. When the lien remains unresolved, Mr. Haft can take legal action, including filing lawsuits to foreclose on the lien.

When the lien remains unresolved, Mr. Haft can take legal action, including filing lawsuits to foreclose on the lien. If you are unsure of the complex statutory requirements to enforce your lien, then you need a construction lawyer. Consider the following situations:

  • You are a supplier, distributor, or manufacturer who has not been paid for goods or services.
  • You have recorded a claim of lien on a property where you supplied materials.
  • You are involved in a dispute that could impact your business operations or reputation.
  • You are unsure of your rights or responsibilities under Florida lien law.

These are just some of the reasons people in West Palm Beach contact Haft Law Group for guidance. Mr. Haft will help ensure no detail is overlooked and every legal option is explored.

How Construction Liens Work In Florida

A construction lien is a powerful legal tool that secures payment for labor, services or materials provided to improve a property. The lien lifecycle involves three critical phases:

  • Filing (perfecting the lien): After serving required preliminary notices, a claimant must record a Claim of Lien in the public records of the county where the property is located before the strict deadline expires.
  • Enforcing the lien: To foreclose on the lien and force a sale of the property to satisfy the debt, the claimant must file a lawsuit within the specified enforcement period.
  • Resolving the lien: A lien can be resolved through payment and a subsequent Release of Lien, bonding over the lien or through litigation settlement.

An attorney helps ensure compliance at every phase and positions the lien for enforceability in the event that litigation becomes necessary.

Florida’s Strict Statutory Deadlines

Florida’s lien law is a procedural minefield where missing a single deadline results in the irrevocable loss of your right to claim payment. Two of the most critical deadlines involve the following rules:

  • 45-day notice to owner: This applies to most subcontractors and material suppliers. This notice must be served within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials to the project. It formally alerts the property owner that you are contributing to the project and may later assert lien rights if unpaid.
  • 90-day recordation deadline: It requires that a claim of lien be recorded within 90 days of the claimant’s final furnishing of labor or materials. Missing this deadline permanently bars the lien, regardless of how much money is owed.

Working with a Florida construction lien lawyer helps ensure notices are properly served, deadlines are tracked and lien rights remain intact.

What Happens If An Owner Files A Notice Of Contest Of Lien?

When a property owner files a Notice of Contest of Lien, the timeline for enforcement accelerates. This filing shortens the lien enforcement period to 60 days from the date the notice is served. Once a Notice of Contest of Lien is filed, the lien claimant must act quickly. The primary options include:

  • Filing a lawsuit to enforce the lien within the shortened deadline.
  • Negotiating payment or settlement before litigation begins.
  • Releasing the lien if payment is resolved or enforcement is no longer viable.

Failing to take action within the reduced timeframe results in automatic extinguishment of the lien.

Why Construction Lien Cases Demand Focused Legal Action

Protecting your right to payment is crucial for maintaining your business’s financial health. A construction lien is a powerful tool to secure what you are owed. Attorney Haft handles cases carefully, focusing on swift and effective legal action to protect your business interests. He will help ensure that no detail is overlooked and every legal option is explored to resolve the lien and secure payment.

Contact Haft Law Group

If you are dealing with a construction lien issue in West Palm Beach, Florida, Haft Law Group understands the complexity of these cases and is ready to act swiftly. Call 561-781-8984 today to protect your property.