Landlord's Lien
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.
A landlord's lien is a lien a landlord holds on certain property of a tenant to secure unpaid rent. In Florida, nonresidential landlords have a statutory lien under section 83.08, Florida Statutes.
It gives a commercial landlord a remedy beyond suing for rent, but it has limits and priority rules lenders watch closely.
Florida's Statutory Lien
Section 83.08 gives landlords of nonresidential property a lien for rent on the tenant's property found on or off the premises, with stronger priority for property kept on the premises. Enforcement generally runs through the court process, including distress for rent under Chapter 83.
Why Lenders Care
Equipment lenders and tenants' working-capital lenders often ask landlords to sign a waiver or subordination so their collateral can be removed after a default. Landlords should weigh that request against their own rent security.
A Hypothetical Example
A restaurant tenant falls three months behind and closes. The landlord asserts its statutory lien against the kitchen equipment left in the space, while the equipment lender points to a landlord waiver signed at lease-up. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
Read every landlord waiver before you sign it. Giving up your lien on a restaurant's equipment can leave you with an empty space and no security.
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 Landlord's Lien 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 a landlord's lien?
A lien on a tenant's property securing unpaid rent.
Does Florida have one?
Yes, for nonresidential tenancies under s. 83.08.
How is it enforced?
Generally through court, including distress for rent under Chapter 83.
What is a landlord waiver?
An agreement subordinating or waiving the lien in favor of a tenant's lender.
Does it cover residential leases?
Section 83.08 applies to nonresidential tenancies.
Article Summary
Florida gives nonresidential landlords a statutory lien for rent under s. 83.08, enforced through court and often negotiated away for tenant lenders.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Lien for unpaid rent.
- ✓Florida s. 83.08.
- ✓Nonresidential leases.
- ✓Enforced through court.
- ✓Watch lender waivers.
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
Ready to Talk About Your Landlord's Lien Deal?
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- The Florida Legislature. "Section 83.08, Florida Statutes — Landlord's lien for rent." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html. Accessed Oct 8, 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 8, 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: Linton Global Solutions is a Florida-licensed real estate brokerage, not a broker-dealer, investment adviser or lender, and does not offer or sell securities. CREDDS and REOMind.ai provide decision support only. 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.