HB 1453 - Construction Liens and Bonds Summary

• Contractors on public works projects must record payment and performance bonds in official county records, with the bond number stated on the bond's front page.

• Building permit authorities and inspectors cannot inspect properties until receipt of a recorded payment bond (for commercial projects), a notice of commencement, and a signed owner's rights and responsibilities statement.

• Requires contractors to provide owners with a comprehensive "General Statement of Owner's Rights and Responsibilities Under Florida's Construction Lien Law" document, signed and filed with building permit applications for residential properties over $2,500.

• Establishes new notice requirements for payment bond claims, including sworn notices of nonpayment and notice of contest forms with specific content requirements and service procedures.

• Prohibits public authorities from withholding contractor payments when a payment bond has been recorded, and prevents bond requirements from being waived except for certain state contracts under $100,000 or county/municipal contracts under $200,000.