Notice to Owner Florida

A Notice to Owner (NTO) is a legal document that preserves a subcontractor's or supplier’s right to file a lien if unpaid. It alerts the property owner that someone is contributing to the project who isn’t directly contracted with them.

Subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and material suppliers without a direct contract with the property owner must send an NTO to protect their lien rights.

When should a Notice to Owner be sent during a construction project in Florida?

If you fail to send an NTO on time, you lose your lien rights and may not be able to secure payment through legal claims.

It should list the sender’s name and address, the property owner’s name, a description of labor/materials provided, and the general contractor’s name (if known).

You must send it to the property owner, the general contractor, and any others listed on the Notice of Commencement.

It must be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested or another method approved by Florida law.

It is considered served when sent, provided it's mailed properly under Florida statutes.

You risk losing lien rights for any work done before the notice was sent.

Yes, they can and should—direct mailing is allowed as long as it's done in compliance with Florida’s lien laws.