Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is a Notice of Commencement for Construction?
What is a notice of commencement? A recorded notice that construction is starting on a property, used in some states to set lien rights and priority.
What is a notice of commencement? A notice of commencement is a document recorded in the county land records, and often posted at the job site, announcing that construction or improvement work is starting on a property. It identifies the owner, the property, the contractor, any lender, and a description of the work. Several states, including Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan, use notices of commencement as part of their construction lien laws. The notice helps subcontractors and suppliers know whom to send their own preliminary notices to, and it can affect when lien rights begin and how lien priority is measured. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What the notice contains
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Owner name and address | Identifies who contracted for the work |
| Legal description and address | Ties the notice to the parcel |
| Description of improvements | States the scope of work |
| Contractor name and address | Lets subs and suppliers send notices |
| Surety, if a payment bond exists | Shows where claims go |
| Lender name and address | Identifies the construction lender |
| Expiration date | How long the notice is effective |
When it is required
Requirements differ by state. Florida, for example, generally requires a recorded notice of commencement before the first inspection for improvements above a dollar threshold, with a higher threshold for certain heating and air conditioning repairs. In other states the notice is optional but recommended, or required only for certain projects. Building departments often ask for a recorded copy before issuing permits or inspections.
Why it matters for liens
A mechanics lien can be filed by contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who are not paid. In states using notices of commencement, lien priority may relate back to the date the notice was recorded, which can put construction liens ahead of mortgages recorded later. Lenders usually want their mortgage recorded before the notice. See what is lien priority.
Owner protections
The notice helps owners by making sure subcontractors send notices to them, so the owner knows who is working on the job. Owners can then collect lien waivers from those parties before paying the contractor, reducing the risk of paying twice.
Termination
When work is done, owners in some states record a notice of termination to end the notice of commencement. If a notice of commencement remains open, a title company may raise it as an issue in a later sale or refinance, because lien rights may still exist.
Effect on sales and refinances
A recorded notice of commencement shows up in title searches. The title company may require proof that the work is complete and paid, lien waivers, a notice of termination, or an affidavit before insuring.
Recording it
The owner usually signs the notice before a notary, and it is recorded with the county recorder. A certified copy is often posted at the job site. See how to record a deed for general recording steps.
Bottom line
A notice of commencement is a recorded announcement that construction is starting, used in states such as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan to organize lien notices and priority. Owners should record it when required, collect lien waivers, and terminate it when the job is done. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a notice of commencement FAQ
What is a notice of commencement?
A recorded notice that construction work is starting on a property.
Who records a notice of commencement?
Usually the property owner, sometimes with the contractor’s help.
Is a notice of commencement required?
In some states for projects above certain thresholds.
Does it affect lien priority?
In some states liens can relate back to its recording date.
How do I end a notice of commencement?
Some states allow a recorded notice of termination.