Lien & Bond Fundamentals – Securing Your Payment Rights

In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet walks you through the foundational principles of Florida’s lien and bond law system. If you’ve ever asked when to record a lien, how to protect your right to payment, or what the difference is between a lien and a payment bond claim, this is the episode for you. Alex breaks down who has lien rights, the critical deadlines involved, how specially fabricated goods are treated, and what to do when working on bonded projects—whether private or public. This practical guide will help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers avoid costly mistakes and preserve their legal rights to payment.

Highlights in this episode:

• Lien Law Essentials: Who has lien rights in Florida, what counts as last work, and how to properly serve notice and record a lien to preserve payment rights.
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Why sending a bill isn’t last work, how re-recording a lien can backfire, and when warranty work doesn’t extend deadlines.
• Specially Fabricated Goods: How lien rights are preserved even when custom materials are never delivered to the job site.
• Payment Bond Claims: Step-by-step instructions for protecting your right to payment on bonded projects, including how exceptions may extend your deadline.
• Real-World Case Example: How one contractor won a six-figure bond claim despite missing early deadlines—thanks to a recording oversight by the bonded contractor.