Under Florida Statutes Chapter 713, what is the maximum time period after final furnishing of labor or materials that a contractor can file a construction lien?
Correct Answer
D) 90 days
Florida Statutes Chapter 713 allows contractors 90 days from the last furnishing of labor, services, or materials to record a construction lien. This timeframe is critical for protecting payment rights on construction projects.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statutes Chapter 713.13 specifically establishes that a lien claim must be recorded within 90 days after the final furnishing of labor, services, or materials by the lienor. This 90-day period is a strict statutory deadline that cannot be extended or waived. The statute is designed to balance the contractor's right to secure payment with the property owner's need for certainty about potential liens. Missing this deadline results in the complete loss of lien rights, making it one of the most critical timeframes in construction law.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 120 days
60 days is too short and not the statutory period under Florida law. This timeframe might be confused with other construction-related deadlines, but Florida specifically provides 90 days for lien filing to give contractors adequate time to pursue payment remedies.
Option C: 180 days
180 days is far beyond the statutory deadline and would make any lien filing invalid. This extended period might be confused with other legal deadlines, but construction lien law requires much more prompt action to preserve payment rights.
Memory Technique
Think '90 days = 3 months = one quarter year' - contractors get one business quarter to protect their lien rights after final work completion.
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 713, specifically Section 713.13 - Construction Liens
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