Bill > S0658

This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding lien waivers and releases in the construction industry, specifically updating Section 713.20 of the Florida Statutes. The bill requires lien waiver and release forms to follow specific language formats for both progress payments and final payments, removing the word "substantially" from the previous requirements. It allows lienors (parties who can file a legal claim against property, such as contractors or subcontractors) to condition their waiver and release on receipt of actual funds rather than just the issuance of a check. The bill also clarifies that lien waivers or releases can be enforced as long as they do not include additional terms beyond the prescribed forms. This change provides more clarity and protection for contractors and property owners by standardizing lien waiver documentation and ensuring that payments are actually received before a lien is fully released. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to adjust to the new requirements.