One of the most common obstacles to filing a Notice to Owner is not knowing who the property owner is. Here is how to find them.
Option 1: The Notice of Commencement
The fastest source is the Notice of Commencement recorded for the project. Under Florida law, the property owner is required to record this document before construction begins. It lists the owner's name and address, the general contractor's information, and the surety. Search the county Clerk of Court's online records by property address.
Option 2: County Property Appraiser
Every Florida county has a Property Appraiser's office with free online search tools. Look up a property by address to find the owner of record, their mailing address, the legal description, and the parcel ID number.
Option 3: Florida Division of Corporations
If the property is owned by an LLC or corporation, sunbiz.org can help you find the registered agent and principal address for that entity.
What if the property recently changed hands?
Send your NTO to both the original owner and the new owner. The Clerk of Court's records and the Property Appraiser can help identify both.
What if you still cannot find the owner?
Do not let the 45-day deadline pass while you search. File with the best information available. An NTO sent to the general contractor and any other known parties is better than no NTO at all.
SimpleNTO is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
