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Florida Payment Bond Claims: What You Need to Know to Get Paid


On public construction projects in Florida, traditional mechanics liens aren't an option. Instead, contractors and suppliers must rely on Payment Bond Claims to secure their right to payment.

If you're working on a bonded project, understanding how payment bond claims work is critical.

What Is a Payment Bond Claim?

A payment bond is a type of surety bond posted by the general contractor to guarantee that subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers will be paid.

If payment issues arise, a Payment Bond Claim allows you to pursue compensation through that bond rather than filing a lien against the property.

Who Needs to File a Payment Bond Claim?

You may need to file a claim if:

You're working on a public project
You're not paid for labor or materials provided
You don't have a direct contract with the project owner

Key Deadlines You Can't Miss

Florida has strict deadlines when it comes to payment bond claims:

• Notice to Contractor: Typically required within 45 days of first providing labor or materials
• Notice of Nonpayment: Must be served within 90 days of your last work or delivery
• Lawsuit Deadline: Must be filed within 1 year of your last work

Missing any of these deadlines can result in losing your right to payment entirely.

Common Challenges

Payment bond claims can be complex, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. Common issues include:

Incorrect notice formatting
Missing critical deadlines
Not knowing whether a project is bonded
Improper service of documents

How Nationwide Notice Simplifies the Process

Nationwide Notice helps contractors and suppliers navigate payment bond claims with confidence.

Our services include:

Preparing and serving required notices
Verifying project details and bond information
Ensuring all deadlines are met
Reducing administrative burden so you can focus on your work

Protect Your Payment on Every Project

Just because a project is public doesn't mean your payment is guaranteed. Taking the right steps early—like filing the proper notices—can make all the difference.

With the right support, you can secure your rights and avoid costly mistakes.