The most common reason NTO filings stall is missing information. Having everything ready before you begin makes the difference between a five-minute filing and a two-week delay.
About the property owner
You need the full legal name (individual, LLC, trust, or corporation) and mailing address. Where to find it: the Notice of Commencement, the county Property Appraiser's website, or sunbiz.org for business entities.
About the general contractor
You need the full legal name and mailing address. Where to find it: the Notice of Commencement, your subcontract or purchase order, or the DBPR license listing.
About the surety
If there is a payment bond, you need the surety company's name and address. Not all projects have payment bonds. Check the Notice of Commencement or ask the general contractor.
About the project
You need the job site address, ideally the legal description of the property, and a general description of your work or materials.
About your engagement
You need the name of the party who hired you and the date you first furnished labor or materials. This date determines your 45-day deadline.
Where to find the Notice of Commencement
The Notice of Commencement is the single most useful document for gathering NTO information. It is recorded with the Clerk of Court and is a public record. Many county clerks have online search tools.
What if you cannot find something?
Do not let a missing detail stop you from filing within your 45-day window. A timely NTO with incomplete surety information is far better than a perfectly complete NTO filed on day 46.
SimpleNTO is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
