Lien Waiver
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 lien waiver is a document in which a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier gives up its right to file a construction lien for work or materials, usually in exchange for payment.
Owners and lenders collect lien waivers with each payment so the property doesn't end up encumbered by liens for work that was already paid.
Florida's Rules
Florida's Construction Lien Law addresses waivers and releases in section 713.20, Florida Statutes, which provides statutory forms for waivers given in exchange for progress and final payments. A waiver of the right to claim a lien cannot be required in advance of furnishing the work. See Florida construction lien.
Conditional vs. Unconditional
Practitioners often distinguish waivers that take effect only once payment clears from those that are effective immediately. Owners should match each waiver to the payment actually made and collect final waivers before releasing retainage.
A Hypothetical Example
During a tenant build-out, the landlord's lender releases each draw only after receiving waivers from the general contractor and major subcontractors covering the prior payment. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
No waiver, no check. It is the simplest rule in construction draws and the one that saves the most money.
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 Lien Waiver 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 lien waiver?
A document giving up lien rights for work or materials, usually in exchange for payment.
Is there a Florida form?
Section 713.20, Florida Statutes, provides statutory waiver and release forms.
Can a waiver be required in advance?
Florida law does not allow requiring a waiver of lien rights before the work is furnished.
Who collects them?
Owners, lenders, and title companies, typically with each draw.
When are final waivers needed?
Before final payment and release of retainage.
Article Summary
A lien waiver releases construction lien rights for paid work; Florida's statutory forms are in s. 713.20.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Releases lien rights.
- ✓Exchanged for payment.
- ✓FL s. 713.20 forms.
- ✓Collect with every draw.
- ✓Finals before retainage.
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 (s. 713.20 waiver and release)." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html. Accessed Oct 9, 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 9, 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.