St. Augustine's Largest Law Firm
Construction Liens & Payment Disputes Attorney – St. Augustine, Florida
Legal Support for Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers & Property Owners
In Florida’s construction industry, payment disputes are common—but they don’t have to derail your project or put your investment at risk. At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced construction attorneys help clients file, enforce, and defend against Construction Claims of Lien in accordance with Florida’s Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes).
Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, developer, or property owner, we provide strategic guidance to protect your financial rights and minimize legal exposure.
Attorney Shaun Saliba has been concentrating his practice on Construction Law for over a decade. In 2024 alone, Shaun had a $363,000 judgment rendered at trial in a construction contract case.
What Is a Construction Lien?
A Construction Lien (sometimes called a claim of lien or a mechanic’s lien) is a legal document that gives qualifying contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers the right to seek payment by placing a lien against a property they improved. This powerful tool can help ensure compensation, but it must be prepared and recorded properly to be valid.
Filing a Claim of Lien allows a claimant to pursue payment through lien foreclosure, forcing the sale of the property if the debt remains unpaid.
Who Can File a Construction Lien?
Under Florida law, the following parties may file a Construction Lien:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Material suppliers
Equipment rental providers
Licensed design professionals (engineers, architects, surveyors)
Laborers
Note: If you are not in direct contract with the property owner, you must first serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of beginning work or furnishing materials.
Florida Lien Deadlines
Strict timing requirements apply when filing a Construction Lien in Florida:
Notice to Owner (NTO): Must be served within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials (unless directly contracted with the owner).
Construction Lien: Must be recorded within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials.
Lien Foreclosure Lawsuit: Must be filed within 1 year of recording the Construction Lien (unless shortened by a Notice of Contest).
Missing any deadline can result in losing lien rights. Our attorneys ensure compliance with all statutory requirements to preserve your claim.
Payment Disputes We Handle
Nonpayment or short payment for completed work
Change order and scope disputes
Back charges and retainage claims
Disputes over lien priority and validity
Improperly recorded Claims of Lien
Lien foreclosure proceedings
Construction contract disputes
We represent both lien claimants and property owners to resolve payment issues and lien-related disputes efficiently.
Resolving Payment Disputes
Payment disputes often overlap with other areas of construction law, including Breach of Contract & Payment Disputes and Construction Contract, Defect & Builder Law.
We help clients resolve disputes through:
Negotiation and settlement to preserve business relationships
Mediation or arbitration for faster, cost-effective results
Litigation, including lien foreclosure actions and contract enforcement
We also guide clients through pre-suit procedures under Florida Statute Chapter 558.
Property Owners: Defending Against Improper Construction Liens
An invalid or exaggerated Construction Lien can delay closings, damage title, and lead to costly litigation. St. Johns Law Group helps property owners, developers, and title companies:
Dispute and discharge improper Construction Liens
Demand lien releases upon payment
Remove invalid liens through summary proceedings
Defend against lien foreclosure lawsuits
We act quickly to protect your property and resolve disputes with lien claimants.
Public Projects: Bond Claims Instead of Liens
You cannot file a Construction Lien on public property in Florida. Instead, you must pursue a bond claim under Florida’s Little Miller Act or applicable payment bond provisions. Our attorneys assist clients with:
Preparing and serving Notices of Nonpayment
Asserting payment bond claims
Litigating public construction payment disputes
Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?
12 attorneys with 265 years of combined experience
Local insight: based in St. Augustine, serving Northeast Florida and Southern Georgia
Representation for contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers, and HOAs
A reputation for being Dedicated and Responsive® to every client
For related issues, see our Hidden Defects & Johnson v. Davis Claims and Florida Statute 558 Claims pages.
Serving Construction Clients Throughout Northeast Florida
St. Johns Law Group provides local experience with statewide knowledge in Florida construction law. We proudly serve:
St. Augustine & St. Augustine Beach
Ponte Vedra & Ponte Vedra Beach
Nocatee
Palm Coast
St. Johns, Duval, Flagler, and Clay Counties
📞 Get Help with Your Construction Lien or Payment Dispute
Whether you need to record a valid Construction Lien or respond to one filed against your property, the experienced attorneys at St. Johns Law Group are ready to assist.
Call: 📞 (904) 495-0400
Email: ✉️ info@sjlawgroup.com
Visit: 🌐 www.sjlawgroup.com
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
