Tag Archives: statute of limitations

Deadline To File Action Against Lien Transfer Bond

Posted on by

Deadline to File Action Against Lien Transfer Bond

Section 713.24, Florida Statutes, provides a mechanism to transfer a construction lien from real property and place that lien on a surety bond or cash bond held with the clerk of court.  The statute also states that a proceeding to enforce the transferred lien must be filed within the time required by section 713.22, Florida Statutes.  Additionally, if a lien foreclosure action is pending at the time of the transfer, the action against the bond must be filed within 1 year after the transfer, unless otherwise shortened by operation of law.

In the recent case of Hiller v. Phoenix Associates of South Florida, Inc., Phoenix recorded a construction lien on Hiller’s home due to nonpayment for construction work.  189 So. 3d 272 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016).  Phoenix then filed a lawsuit to foreclose the lien.  During litigation,  Hiller transferred the lien to a surety bond pursuant to section 713.24, Florida Statutes.  Hiller then filed a notice of contest under section 713.22, shortening the time within which Phoenix could commence an action on the transfer bond to 60 days from the date of the notice of contest.

After expiration of the 60 days, Phoenix filed a motion to file a supplemental complaint naming the surety on the lien transfer bond.  Hiller argued that the lien was automatically extinguished and filed a motion directing the clerk to release the transfer bond.  The circuit court denied Hiller’s motion.

On appeal, the Second District Court of Appeal reversed holding that the lien law must be strictly construed and requires strict compliance.  Section 713.24 provides the requirements for when an action must be commenced against a lien transfer bond.  The statute also has a provision which allows this period to be “shortened by operation of law.”  Hiller shortened this time period to bring an action against the lien transfer bond.  Phoenix failed to commence its action against the bond within this time.  Accordingly, the law requires that the lien is extinguished and bond returned to Hiller.  There is no excuse for noncompliance.

When faced with a lien transfer bond, a contractor must be wary of the time limitations to file suit against that bond.  This is true even if there is a lien foreclosure action pending.

Statute of Limitations for Breach of a Construction Contract

Posted on by

What is the Statute of Limitations for Breach of a Construction Contract?

In Florida, section 95.11(3)(c), Florida Statutes, requires actions brought within four years  if it is “founded on the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property, with the time running from the date of actual possession by the owner, the date of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the date of abandonment of construction if not completed, or the date of completion or termination of the contract between the professional engineer, registered architect, or licensed contractor and his or her employer, whichever date is latest . . . “

There is also also a discovery rule which extends this limitations period for latent defects.

In the recent case of Brock v. Garner Window & Door Sales, Inc., 2016 WL 830452 (Fla. 5thd CA March 4, 2016), Brock hired Garner Window to install windows in their home.  The home sustained water intrusion and Brock sued Garner Window.  The lawsuit was filed more than 4 years after discovery of the latent defect, but less than 5 years.  Garner argued that the general five year statute of limitations for actions founded on written contracts applied.  The basis of this argument was that Garner Window was not a licensed contractor.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal rejected this argument and held that the statute of limitations is still four years, and that an unlicensed contractor can raise this defense.