What Is a Notice of Commencement?

Definition

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a legal document recorded with the Clerk of Courts that establishes the start of a construction project. In Florida, it is required by law before any work begins on projects that require a building permit.

Why It Matters

The NOC protects property owners, contractors, and subcontractors by establishing a clear timeline for the project. It also sets the framework for construction lien rights — without a properly filed NOC, lien rights and payment protections may be compromised.

What the NOC Contains

A Notice of Commencement must include the property owner's name and address, a legal description of the property, the general contractor's name and address, the surety bond information (if applicable), and the lender's name if the project is financed.

Filing Requirements

The NOC must be recorded with the Collier County Clerk of Courts before construction begins. The original recorded NOC — or a certified copy — must be posted at the job site. Many permit offices will not issue the building permit until the NOC is recorded.

Common Mistakes

Frequent errors include filing the NOC after work has already started, incorrect property legal descriptions, missing notarization, and failing to post the recorded document at the job site. These mistakes can create serious legal exposure for all parties involved.

How We Help

Our team handles the entire NOC process: document preparation, notarization, recording with the Clerk of Courts, and delivery of certified copies to your job site. We ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.