Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Seminole County

Because Florida’s lien laws tend to be a little more complicated than other states, filing a mechanics lien in the Sunshine State can be quite the process. The best thing you can do to avoid hiccups and missteps along the way is to refresh yourself with your state’s lien laws and your county’s requirements. This page outlines Florida’s lien law and provides you with useful information regarding the Seminole County Clerk to make the process that much easier.

Here are some areas of the law that you should keep in mind before filing your mechanics lien in Florida.

  1. Florida contractors must submit a notice to owner to preserve their lien rights. Otherwise known as a preliminary notice, they must be submitted to the property owner within 45 days of the first furnishing of work or materials on the construction project.
  2. In most cases, the deadline to file a mechanics lien in Florida is triggered by the last day work was performed. In other states, the deadline to file a lien claim is triggered by the official end of the project.
  3. Sub-sub-subcontractors, suppliers to suppliers, suppliers to sub-sub-subcontractors, maintenance workers, and unlicensed contractors who are performing work that requires them to be licensed don’t have the right to file a lien claim in Florida.
  4. Exaggerating the lien amount in Florida is a 3rd degree felony. Lien claimants should only include the value of labor and materials that were furnished for the construction project.

See our Florida Lien Laws FAQ page for a complete breakdown of these laws and the required lien documents.

Seminole County is one of the largest counties in Florida, and making sure you include the correct information in your lien claim helps the recording process go by much quicker. Below, you’ll find the Seminole County Clerk’s recording requirements, page size and margin requirements, recording fees, and information as to recording your lien by mail or eFiling with Levelset in just a few clicks.

When it comes to filing a mechanics lien in Florida, there’s no such thing as too much research. Visit our step-by-step guide to filing a mechanics lien in Florida for a complete breakdown of the Florida mechanics lien process.

Where is the Seminole County Clerk of Court that files mechanics liens?

You can file your mechanics liens in person or by mail.

You can bring your documents to any of the Seminole Count Clerk’s office locations in person at the following addresses:

Records Center
1750 E Lake Mary Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32773
Official Records (Recording):
Monday thru Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30 PM

Altamonte Springs Branch
990 North State Rd 434 #1124
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Monday thru Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM

Casselberry Branch
376 Wilshire Boulevard
Casselberry, FL 32707
Monday thru Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM

You can also mail your document with the recording fees and documentary stamp taxes along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, for the return of your document to:

Post Office Box 8099
Sanford, FL 32772-8099

What is Seminole County's Recording Backlog?

The Seminole County Clerk does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Seminole County, or some other county?

If the project is located in Seminole county, then yes, you will want to record your lien with the Seminole County Clerk’s Office.

What are Seminole County's requirements for filing a mechanics lien?

All documents must comply with the Seminole County Clerk’s recording requirements. They are as follows:

1. Documents must be properly executed (signed, witnessed, acknowledge, and notarized under seal.)
2. Documents must have a proper “prepared by” statement.
3. Documents must, when required, have the proper documentary stamps affixed.
4. Documents must have a blank space (3″ x 3″) on the top right-hand corner on the first page, a blank space (1″ x 3″) on the top right-hand corner on each subsequent page, reserved for use by the Clerk of the Court.
5. You must provide a stamped self-addressed envelope if you require the recorded documents returned after processing.

What are the margin and page size requirements to file a lien in Seminole County?

The Seminole County Clerk accepts check or money order. Make them payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

How can I make payment to the Seminole County Clerk?

The Seminole County Clerk accepts check or money order. Make them payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Seminole County?

The Seminole County Clerk’s recording fee is $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page or fraction thereof

Additional Recording Fees

For indexing instruments recorded in the Official Records which contain more than four names: $1.00 per additional name

For writing any paper other than herein specifically mentioned, per page: $7.00 per page

Copy Fees

For Making Copies of any instrument in the public records (by photographic process): $1.00 per page

For certifying copies of any instrument in the public records, per instrument: $2.00

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Seminole County Clerk's Office?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien from any of the Seminole County Clerk’s three office locations in person.
Official Records can also be searched online from 1983 to current at: https://recording.seminoleclerk.org/DuProcessWebInquiry

To order copies of documents, including certified copies via mail, complete the Official Records Order Form and mail the form to the Recording Department, along with a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Mail the form to the following address:

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Post Office Box 8099
Sanford, FL 32772-8099

Also provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailing of copies.

A copy of the form is available here: https://www.seminoleclerk.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/OfficialRecordsOrderForm0715.pdf

Copy Fees

A copy of Official Records costs $1.00 per page. If a CERTIFIED COPY is required, add an additional $2.00 per document for certification.

Do I have the right to file a mechanics lien in Seminole Florida?

Determining whether you have the right to file a mechanics lien in Seminole, FL depends on your situation. Generally speaking, every state gives those who have furnished labor and/or materials to a construction project the right to file a mechanics lien if unpaid for the furnishing. The same is true in Florida. However, there are some state-specific limitations as to who is qualified to file a mechanics lien that is important when considering whether you have the right to file a mechanics lien in Seminole County, FL.

You can read more about lien rights and if you have the right to file a lien on our Florida Mechanics Lien Resources page.

What is the fee to file a Florida preliminary notice in Seminole County?

The fee to file a Florida Preliminary Notice in Seminole is $10.