Jacksonville Contractor Not Getting Paid? Florida Lien Clocks and Funding

You finished the Jacksonville job and the check never came. In Florida, unpaid contractors and subs lean on the Notice to Owner, the Claim of Lien under Chapter 713, and, on bonded jobs, the payment bond.

This guide covers those clocks for Jacksonville projects, the Duval County clerk and court, and how Darkwell funding can help carry a claim of $10,000 or more. For the full state picture, see the Florida contractor not paid pillar.

Owed $10,000 or more on a Jacksonville job? Request a free claim review.

Duval County clerk and circuit court

• Duval County Clerk of Court. A Florida Claim of Lien is recorded in the clerk’s office. The Duval Clerk lists Official Records and e-recording among its services, with a downtown office at 501 W Adams St., Jacksonville (duvalclerk.com).
• Fourth Judicial Circuit. Circuit court cases in Jacksonville are handled by the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which serves Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties (jud4.org).

Florida Chapter 713 clocks (Jacksonville projects)

• Notice to Owner. Serve it before starting, or within 45 days after starting, to furnish labor, services, or materials (Fla. Stat. § 713.06).
• Claim of Lien. Record it in the clerk’s office no later than 90 days after your final furnishing, and serve it on the owner within 15 days after recording (Fla. Stat. § 713.08).
• Lien life. A lien generally lasts 1 year after recording unless a foreclosure action is started (Fla. Stat. § 713.22).
• Payment bond. On bonded private jobs, an action against the contractor or surety must be brought within 1 year after your last labor or delivery (Fla. Stat. § 713.23).

Bonded or not bonded?

On a bonded private job, the payment bond can replace the lien as your main path. Your Florida attorney checks the Notice of Commencement and bond before choosing lien foreclosure, a bond claim, or a contract suit.

When funding helps

If the claim is real, the other side is stalling, and counsel costs are the bottleneck, funding can help carry attorney and case costs while your attorney runs the case.

How Darkwell helps

Legal costs are often what stops a good claim. Darkwell helps carry them. On a Jacksonville unpaid invoice, that can mean funding the lien, bond, or contract claim.

• We help carry the cost. Darkwell funding helps pay for the case, so your operating cash stays in your business.
• We bring attorneys we know. Darkwell has a network of attorneys we know. They help keep costs down while still pursuing the claim. The claim moves forward with an attorney from our network, or your current attorney where it fits.
• Your attorney handles the law. We don’t run your case or choose your legal strategy. Your attorney does that.
• You make a clear decision. The goal is to take the stress out of the fight and make the smart financial decision about your claim.

What to send for a claim review

• Contract or subcontract, and change orders
• Invoices, pay applications, and payment history
• Job address and the owner, GC, or customer name
• Photos, daily logs, and delivery tickets
• Any notices, lien filings, or bond information
• Your attorney’s contact, if you have one
• Your Notice to Owner and proof of service

How we get paid

Our fee comes out of the recovery, not your pocket. If there’s no recovery, you don’t repay our funding. Your written agreement sets the exact terms.

Where we work and claim size

We fund business claims, and individual and consumer claims in some states, reviewed state by state where the law allows. We confirm your state during review. See where Darkwell funds claims.

In select cases, we may purchase a business claim outright, where state law allows.

We review claims of $10,000 or more, subject to review and approval by our team.

Darkwell does not buy or collect consumer debt.

Common questions

How long do I have to record a Florida Claim of Lien on a Jacksonville job? No later than 90 days after your final furnishing, under Fla. Stat. § 713.08.

Which court hears a Jacksonville lien foreclosure? Jacksonville is in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which serves Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties. Your attorney confirms the right court for the amount and claim.

Does Darkwell control my case? No. Your attorney handles the case and the legal strategy. Darkwell provides funding.

Sources

• Fla. Stat. § 713.06
• Fla. Stat. § 713.08
• Fla. Stat. § 713.22
• Fla. Stat. § 713.23
• Duval County Clerk of Court
• Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
• Florida Contractor Not Paid

Jacksonville job still unpaid at $10,000 or more? Request a free claim review. Send what you have, and you’ll get a response from our team.

Related reading: Florida Contractor Not Paid · Tampa Contractor Not Getting Paid · Orlando Contractor Not Getting Paid · Where We Fund