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Pay Dispute
Unpaid for construction work in Florida? Jimenez Legal pursues the compensation and lien rights you are owed.
Construction Pay Disputes in Florida
Few things put a contractor or supplier at greater risk than completing work and not getting paid. Florida gives construction professionals strong collection tools, but they come with strict deadlines and technical requirements that are easy to forfeit. A pay dispute can involve a homeowner who refuses to pay, a general contractor who withholds funds from a subcontractor, or an owner who claims the work was deficient as a reason to short-pay.
The most powerful tool is the construction lien, which attaches a claim to the improved property and can force payment before the owner sells or refinances. To preserve lien rights, parties not in direct contract with the owner usually must serve a Notice to Owner early in the project, and all claimants face deadlines to record the lien and then to foreclose it. On bonded or public projects, a claim against the payment bond may apply instead.
Beyond liens, you can sue for breach of contract, and many construction contracts and Florida's lien statute allow the prevailing party to recover attorney's fees, which dramatically changes the leverage in a dispute.
This is part of our Construction Law practice. Related matters include construction contract disputes and early work termination. Review our case results, learn about Attorney Edward G. Jimenez, or request a free consultation by calling (321) 465-3425.
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Your Lien and Bond Rights
Florida's construction lien law lets those who improve real property secure payment by claiming an interest in the property itself. Subcontractors and suppliers not in privity with the owner generally must serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials to keep those rights alive. On public projects or bonded jobs, where a lien is not available, a claim against the payment bond serves the same purpose. Missing these early steps can quietly eliminate your most powerful collection tool.
Strict Deadlines You Cannot Miss
Lien rights run on a clock. A claim of lien typically must be recorded within 90 days of your last work on the project, and an action to foreclose the lien generally must be filed within one year after recording, unless that period is shortened by the owner. Bond and contract claims carry their own deadlines. Because a single missed date can extinguish a valid claim, we calendar every deadline and move quickly to perfect and preserve your rights.
Recovering Fees and Getting Paid
A pay dispute is ultimately about leverage. Florida's lien statute and many construction contracts allow the prevailing party to recover attorney's fees, which can make pursuing a legitimate claim far more practical and can push the other side toward a fair resolution. We document the contract, change orders, invoices, and proof of the work performed, then use liens, bond claims, demand letters, and suit as needed to collect what you are owed. Call (321) 465-3425 or request a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Options often include a construction lien, a bond claim, or a breach of contract suit, depending on the project and timing.
It is a legal claim against the property that helps secure payment for labor or materials you provided.
Yes, Florida sets strict notice and filing deadlines, so it is important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Sometimes, depending on the contract and the type of claim; an attorney can review whether fees are available.
Keep the contract, change orders, invoices, photos, and all communications about the work and payment.
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