Involuntary Liens
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
An involuntary lien is a claim against property that attaches by law without the owner agreeing to it, unlike a mortgage. Common examples are property tax liens, construction liens and judgment liens.
A mortgage is a lien the owner signs up for. Involuntary liens arrive another way, and they can block a sale or refinance until they are paid or released.
Common Types
Tax liens for unpaid property taxes, which in Florida can lead to tax certificates and a tax deed sale. Construction liens under Florida's Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713) for unpaid contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Judgment liens from court judgments recorded in the county records.
Why They Matter in a Deal
Title searches surface recorded liens, and most must be paid or bonded off before closing. A lis pendens signals pending litigation that could affect title. Property tax liens generally have high priority.
A Hypothetical Florida Example
A buyer's title search on a renovated office building finds a construction lien recorded by an unpaid subcontractor. In this example, the seller must pay or bond the lien off before closing. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
The title commitment tells you what you are really buying. Read every lien on it, and make the seller clear them.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago, now in Florida, across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Involuntary Liens Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an involuntary lien?
A claim against property that attaches by law without the owner's agreement.
What are common examples?
Property tax liens, construction liens and judgment liens.
What is a construction lien in Florida?
A lien under Chapter 713 for unpaid work or materials on the property.
Can a property sell with a lien?
Usually liens must be paid, released or bonded off before closing.
How are liens found?
Through a title search of county records.
Article Summary
Involuntary liens attach by law, such as tax, construction and judgment liens, and usually must be cleared before a sale or refinance.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Attach without consent.
- ✓Tax, construction, judgment.
- ✓Chapter 713 for construction.
- ✓Found in title search.
- ✓Clear before closing.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- The Florida Legislature. "Chapter 713, Florida Statutes — Liens, Generally (Construction Lien Law)." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html. Accessed Oct 7, 2026.
- The Florida Legislature. "Chapter 197, Florida Statutes — Tax Collections, Sales, and Liens." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0197/0197.html. Accessed Oct 7, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 7, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: All CREDDS and REOMind.ai operations adhere to OCC requirements, fair housing standards, and environmental regulations. Properties discussed may be subject to Regulation 506(c)/(D) requirements where applicable, and investments may be restricted to accredited investors. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.