Section 713.20, F.S., provides for the waiver or release of a lien by any lienor giving a Notice to Owner and may be requested by the owner before making a payment to the contractor. The provision does not allow the lienor to waive the right to payment in advance of doing the work, but nothing prohibits the waiver prior to receiving payment. These waivers must be obtained by the owner prior to each payment to the contractor if the owner has received a Notice to Owner from a subcontractor. If the owner fails to request a Waiver or Release of Lien prior to each payment, the payments become improper. If the owner’s payments become improper, he or she may become liable to any lienor who has properly served notice and recorded a lien and therefore may end up paying twice for services or materials. Requiring and obtaining a Release of Lien at each payment for every Notice to Owner filed by a subcontractor “closes the loop” and releases the owner from liability for those payments.
Ray Garcia, Esq.
Board Certified in Reale Estate Law
by the Florida Bar
www.floridaconstructionlawgroup.com
