CS for SB 1202 - Construction Liens and Bonds

• Removes the 1-year statute of limitations for actions against payment bonds from s. 95.11(5)(e) and incorporates bond claim deadlines into s. 255.05(10), s. 337.18(1), and s. 713.23(1)(e).

• Requires payment bonds for public works to state the bond number on the front page and prohibits any bond provisions that limit/expand duration, add conditions precedent, or further restrict protected classes beyond statutory requirements.

• Mandates that public entities open sealed bids at public meetings, announce bidder names and prices, and make bid information available upon request; prohibits conditioning contractor payments on production of lienor releases or waivers.

• Changes service requirements from mailing to direct service for notices of contest of claims against payment bonds and clarifies that notice of commencement expires 1 year after recording; provides additional time for service when bonds are not recorded with the notice.

• Modifies lien procedures to require service rather than mailing for notices of contest of liens, establishes service requirements for notices of termination to lienors in privity with owners, and authorizes written demands for sworn account statements with specific property and party identification.