--- title: Florida Notice to Owner (NTO) for Concrete & Flooring Contractors | LienFlash slug: florida-preliminary-notice-concrete-flooring description: Florida concrete & flooring subcontractors: notice deadline, worked example, failure patterns, and trade-specific FAQs. published: 2026-06-27T16:15:00.733Z updated: 2026-06-27T16:15:00.733Z canonical: https://lienflash.app/blog/florida-preliminary-notice-concrete-flooring author: Grant Larsen publisher: LienFlash --- # Florida Notice to Owner (NTO) for Concrete & Flooring Contractors In Florida's dynamic construction landscape, concrete and flooring subcontractors play a pivotal role in shaping resilient structures, especially with the challenges of coastal environments. From forming robust slabs to ensuring precise control joints, these trades are the backbone of any solid foundation. The process of pouring and curing concrete is crucial, particularly when preparing for hurricane season. Flooring specialists focus on moisture barriers and underlayments to withstand Florida's humid climate. Navigating these complexities requires a keen understanding of both the trade and the state's unique conditions. > **Florida is a no-forgiveness state.** A missing or late Notice to Owner eliminates lien rights entirely — there is no rolling-window protection and no judicial discretion. --- ## The Deadline | | | |---|---| | **Notice type** | Notice to Owner (NTO) | | **Governing statute** | [Fla. Stat. § 713.06(2)(c)](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html) | | **Deadline** | **45 days from first furnishing of labor, services, or materials** | *The deadline is strictly enforced.* --- ## When Does the Clock Start for Concrete & Flooring Contractors? For concrete and flooring subcontractors, furnishing begins with the first delivery of materials to the job site, such as rebar or wire mesh for a slab. In Florida, this can be particularly critical when working on coastal projects where timing aligns with storm season preparations. An edge case might involve delivering moisture barriers for a flooring project in a hurricane-prone area, where delays could affect the entire construction timeline. *The exact legal definition of "first furnishing" is set by [Fla. Stat. § 713.06(2)(c)](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html). This operational description does not substitute for the statutory definition.* --- ## Worked Example: Orlando — Epoxy flooring system for a commercial retail space In Orlando, a subcontractor began an epoxy flooring project for a new retail space. On the first day, they delivered self-leveler and adhesive to prepare the concrete slab. The team assumed the general contractor had already sent out the necessary notices, so they focused on the meticulous task of applying the epoxy. Unfortunately, no notice was sent, leaving the subcontractor without the formal protections needed to ensure payment. | Event | Date | |---|---| | First furnishing | March 10, 2025 | | Notice must be served by | **April 24, 2025** | | Deadline | **45 calendar days** ([Fla. Stat. § 713.06(2)(c)](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html)) | If the notice is not served by **April 24, 2025**, lien rights are at risk regardless of work completed or amounts unpaid. --- ## Three Ways Florida Concrete & Flooring Contractors Lose Their Lien Rights **N. Overlooking Moisture Barriers** In Florida, neglecting to install proper moisture barriers can lead to flooring failures, especially during the humid storm season. This oversight can compromise the integrity of tile or LVP installations, leading to costly repairs. **N. Ignoring Control Joints** Skipping control joints in concrete slabs can result in cracking, particularly in Florida's fluctuating temperatures. Properly placed joints are crucial to accommodate expansion and contraction, ensuring long-term durability. **N. Delayed Notice to Owner** Failing to send a Notice to Owner promptly can jeopardize payment rights. In Florida's fast-paced construction environment, this delay can mean the difference between securing payment and facing financial strain. --- ## Who Must File? Any contractor, subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier who is NOT in direct privity (no direct contract) with the property owner. --- ## Who Is Exempt? Direct contractors (those with a direct contract with the owner) and laborers who are employed by a direct contractor. --- ## How to Serve the Notice Written notice must be served in accordance with Fla. Stat. § 713.18, which permits service by certified mail, registered mail, or hand delivery. The notice must be served on the owner, the contractor, and the lender (if any). --- ## Statutory Notice Text The following text must appear on the notice verbatim. **Florida statute requires this warning text to be rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.** > WARNING! FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW ALLOWS SOME UNPAID CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AND MATERIAL SUPPLIERS TO REMOVE YOUR PROPERTY FROM YOUR LAND OR FORECLOSE YOUR PROPERTY IF CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE NOT SATISFIED. IF YOU FAIL TO NOTIFY US, YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY TWICE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO YOUR PROPERTY. TO AVOID SUCH CONSEQUENCES, YOU MUST STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW. --- ## What Happens When a Florida Concrete & Flooring Sub Doesn't File In Miami, a subcontractor was tasked with installing a polished concrete floor in a new high-rise condo. On the first day, the team delivered rebar and wire mesh to reinforce the slab before the initial pour. However, they overlooked sending a Notice to Owner, assuming the general contractor would handle all paperwork. As weeks passed, the crew completed the pour, grind, and polish phases, but payment was delayed. Without the notice, they lost leverage to secure their rightful payment, impacting their cash flow significantly. --- ## Concrete & Flooring-Specific Questions **How does Florida's climate affect concrete curing times?** Florida's humid climate can significantly impact concrete curing times, often requiring longer periods to reach optimal strength. Subcontractors should consider using curing compounds or moisture-retaining covers to mitigate these effects, especially during the rainy season. **What are the best practices for installing flooring in hurricane-prone areas?** In hurricane-prone areas, it's crucial to use moisture-resistant underlayments and adhesives to prevent water damage. Additionally, selecting durable materials like tile or epoxy can enhance the flooring's resilience against storm-related impacts. **How can subcontractors ensure timely payment in Florida?** To ensure timely payment, subcontractors should prioritize sending a Notice to Owner as soon as materials like rebar or wire mesh are delivered. This proactive step helps secure lien rights, providing leverage in case of payment disputes. --- ## Florida Notice to Owner (NTO): Standard FAQs As a concrete and flooring contractor in Florida, here's what you need to know. **When exactly must I file a Florida Notice to Owner?** Florida Statute § 713.06 requires serving the notice within 45 calendar days of the date you first furnish labor or materials to the project. The deadline is strictly enforced. Consult a Florida construction attorney for guidance on exceptions. *This is general information based on Florida statutes, not legal advice.* **Who is legally required to file a Notice to Owner in Florida?** Florida law requires anyone who is not in direct contract with the property owner (privity) to serve a Notice to Owner. This typically includes subcontractors and material suppliers. Direct contractors are generally exempt. *This is general information based on Florida statutes, not legal advice.* **Does the Florida Notice to Owner need to be notarized?** No, the statute does not require the Notice to Owner to be notarized. However, it must be served via a legally permitted method, such as USPS Certified Mail, to prove delivery. *This is general information based on Florida statutes, not legal advice.* --- ## See the Full State Deadline Guide For a complete breakdown of all filing requirements, project-type rules, and deadlines, see the [Florida Notice to Owner guide](/deadlines/florida). --- ## File the Moment You Mobilize LienFlash automates Florida Notice to Owner (NTO) filing for concrete & flooring subcontractors. [Start your first notice →](/signup) --- *This page provides general information about Florida's construction lien law and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida construction attorney for guidance on your specific situation.* --- Source: https://lienflash.app/blog/florida-preliminary-notice-concrete-flooring Author: Grant Larsen, President, LienFlash Publisher: LienFlash (https://lienflash.app)