What Happens If a Notice to Owner (NTO) Is Undelivered or Rejected?

Postal carrier handing Notice to Owner (NTO) that is refused at the door by Owner

Under Florida’s Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes), certain construction professionals must serve a Notice to Owner (NTO) to protect their right to file a lien. This is not optional—missing this requirement can result in losing your lien rights and, ultimately, your ability to collect payment.

Notice to Owner in Florida: When and How to Serve It

Notice to Owner in Florida

If you’re working on a construction project in Florida and don’t have a direct contract with the property owner, Florida law may require you to serve a Notice to Owner (NTO) to preserve your right to file a lien. This requirement, found in Florida Statutes Chapter 713, is strict: missing the deadline or serving it improperly can eliminate your ability to enforce payment—even if the owner knows you’re involved in the project.