DraftCo Construction Contracts
Florida Contractors

Stop Risking Your License,
Lien Rights, and Payment

Florida's licensing laws (Chapter 489) and lien laws (Chapter 713) impose strict requirements on contractors. Non-compliance can cost you everything.

Unlicensed Contracting
First offense is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine). Repeat offenses become felonies with imprisonment up to 5 years.
Loss of Lien Rights
Failure to serve required notices or record liens within deadlines means you cannot enforce your lien—even if you're owed money.
Contract Voidability
Missing mandatory disclosures in residential contracts can make your contract voidable—leaving you unable to collect payment.
Protect Your Business

Understanding Florida Contractor Law

Florida strictly regulates contractors through Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Compliance is mandatory to protect your license and your right to payment.

Chapter 489 — Contractor Licensing

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

1

What's Required

  • Valid state contractor license
  • License number on all contracts
  • Insurance: $300K bodily injury, $50K property (GC)
  • Workers' Compensation coverage
  • Mandatory contract disclosures
2

Consequences

  • Criminal prosecution (misdemeanor/felony)
  • Fines up to $10,000 per violation
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Cannot enforce contracts or liens
  • Civil liability exposure
3

How We Help

  • License compliance verification
  • Contract drafting with all disclosures
  • Insurance requirement guidance
  • DBPR defense support
  • Contract revision and review

Chapter 713 — Construction Lien Law

Critical deadlines and notice requirements to protect your right to payment

1

What's Required

  • Notice to Owner within 45 days (subs/suppliers)
  • Claim of Lien within 90 days of last work
  • Serve lien on owner within 15 days of recording
  • File lawsuit within 1 year of recording
  • Proper lien release procedures
2

Consequences

  • Complete loss of lien rights
  • Cannot foreclose on property
  • Limited to breach of contract claims
  • May be liable for fraudulent lien
  • Attorney's fees to other party
3

How We Help

  • Notice to Owner preparation
  • Lien deadline tracking
  • Claim of Lien drafting
  • Payment bond claims
  • Lien foreclosure support

Chapter 520 — Home Improvement Finance

Compliance requirements for contractors offering financing options

1

What's Required

  • Licensed under Home Improvement Sales and Finance Act
  • Written contract with specific disclosures
  • Finance charge and APR disclosures
  • Itemized breakdown of costs
  • Buyer's right to cancel notice
2

Consequences

  • Contract becomes unenforceable
  • Civil penalties and fines
  • License revocation or suspension
  • Buyer entitled to rescission
  • Liability for attorney's fees
3

How We Help

  • Compliant financing disclosures
  • Written contract templates
  • Required notice preparation
  • Installment agreement drafting
  • Compliance verification

Contract Services for Florida Contractors

We build contracts that protect your license, preserve your lien rights, and ensure you get paid.

Residential Contract Drafting

Fully compliant residential contracts with all mandatory disclosures, including the Lien Law Warning and Recovery Fund notice required by Florida law.

Commercial Contract Drafting

Sophisticated commercial contracts with proper risk allocation, indemnification, payment terms, and provisions to protect your lien rights on larger projects.

Subcontractor Agreements

Subcontract agreements that preserve your notice rights, establish clear payment terms, and protect you from upstream payment disputes.

Lien Rights Protection

Notice to Owner preparation, Claim of Lien drafting, deadline tracking, and guidance through Florida's strict lien notice requirements.

Contract Review

Comprehensive review of owner-provided contracts to identify risks, missing protections, and terms that could jeopardize your lien rights or license.

DBPR Compliance

Ensure your contracts and business practices comply with Florida DBPR requirements to protect your license from disciplinary action.

Protect Your Florida Contracting Business

Don't risk your license or lien rights with non-compliant contracts.
Let us build contracts that protect your business and ensure you get paid.

View Services & Pricing Back to Florida