A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a document required under Florida Statute 713.13 before work begins on most construction and improvement projects. It is recorded with the county Clerk of Court and puts subcontractors, suppliers, and lenders on notice that a project is underway on a specific piece of property.
New to NOCs? Read our guide: What Is a Notice of Commencement in Florida?
Property owners, contractors, and lenders rely on it to establish a clear record of who is involved in a project and when it started. Filing it correctly, and before work begins, protects owners from paying twice for the same improvement and gives contractors and suppliers a documented project timeline to work from.
Florida law requires a Notice of Commencement for most improvements with a direct contract price over $2,500, recorded before the first delivery of materials or the start of work.
The property owner, or an authorized agent acting on the owner's behalf, is responsible for recording the notice with the county Clerk of Court.
Without a valid, timely Notice of Commencement, owners lose a layer of protection against liens and risk paying twice if subcontractors or suppliers go unpaid.
The legal description, street address, and tax folio number identifying the property being improved.
The owner's name, address, and interest in the property, along with the name and address of the general contractor.
The name and address of the construction lender, when the project is financed.
The surety's name and address if a payment bond is in place, with a copy of the bond attached at the time of recording.
Any person within Florida the owner designates to receive notices or a copy of a lienor's notice.
The date the notice expires, generally one year from the recording date unless the contract calls for a longer completion period.
Complete your Notice of Commencement and upload it through your Swift E-Recording account from your office, job site, or anywhere else.
Your document is submitted electronically to the correct county Clerk's office, often the same business day.
Once accepted, the official recorded copy with the Clerk's file number is returned to your account, ready to post at the job site.
No in-person filing, no mailing, and no waiting at the recording counter.
Submit before work begins so the notice is valid the day materials arrive or the crew starts.
Recorded copies stay organized in one account across every property and every contractor client.
No. Improvements with a direct contract price of $2,500 or less are generally exempt under Florida Statute 713.02(5). Most renovation, remodeling, and new construction projects above that threshold require one.
