Where do I record a Notice of Commencement in Polk County?

In the official records of the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (polkclerk.net). Most clerks accept e-recording, mail and walk-in. The statutory base fee is $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page (s. 28.24, Florida Statutes), plus any county surcharges on the clerk's fee schedule.

Which form do I use in Polk County?

For property in unincorporated Polk County, use the county's own form, published by Polk County Building Division. Inside a city, use that city's form, the cities are listed below. Every version follows the statutory form in s. 713.13(1)(d); have the owner sign it in front of a notary before recording.

Does it need to be notarized?

Yes. The owner must sign it personally (s. 713.13(1)(g)), and the certificate on the form may be completed by physical presence or online notarization. A remote online notary session takes about 15 minutes.

When the direct contract for the improvement is more than $2,500 (s. 713.02(5)). It expires one year after recording unless the notice states another date, and a certified copy must be posted at the job site.

Polk County, Florida · Construction lien law

Polk County Notice of Commencement

Required before construction starts on any Polk County job with a contract over $2,500. The owner signs it in front of a notary, then it is recorded with the Polk County Clerk and posted at the site.

View the county form →

The Polk County form

For property in unincorporated Polk County, permitted by the county.

Polk County Notice of Commencement

Published by Polk County Building Division: 2 pages. The owner signs it before a notary, then it is recorded with the Polk County Clerk.

Source: polkfl.gov

How it works

1. Sign before a notary

The owner signs personally (s. 713.13(1)(g)). The form’s certificate accepts online notarization: upload it here and sign on a short video call.

2. Record with the clerk

Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court, official records. polkclerk.net Base fee $5 first page + $4 per extra page (s. 28.24), plus county surcharges.

3. Post it at the job site

A certified copy or a notarized statement that it was recorded (s. 713.13(1)(a)). It lasts one year unless the form says otherwise.

Property inside a city?

Cities in Polk County publish their own Notice of Commencement. Use the one for the city where the property is.

DavenportCity Notice of Commencement

DundeeCity Notice of Commencement

Eagle LakeCity Notice of Commencement

Fort MeadeCity Notice of Commencement

FrostproofCity Notice of Commencement

Highland ParkCity Notice of Commencement

Hillcrest HeightsCity Notice of Commencement

Lake AlfredCity Notice of Commencement

Lake HamiltonCity Notice of Commencement

Lake WalesCity Notice of Commencement

Polk CityCity Notice of Commencement

Winter HavenCity Notice of Commencement

Frequently asked questions

Where do I record a Notice of Commencement in Polk County?: In the official records of the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (polkclerk.net). Most clerks accept e-recording, mail and walk-in. The statutory base fee is $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page (s. 28.24, Florida Statutes), plus any county surcharges on the clerk's fee schedule.
Which form do I use in Polk County?: For property in unincorporated Polk County, use the county's own form, published by Polk County Building Division. Inside a city, use that city's form, the cities are listed below. Every version follows the statutory form in s. 713.13(1)(d); have the owner sign it in front of a notary before recording.
Does it need to be notarized?: Yes. The owner must sign it personally (s. 713.13(1)(g)), and the certificate on the form may be completed by physical presence or online notarization. A remote online notary session takes about 15 minutes.
When is it required?: When the direct contract for the improvement is more than $2,500 (s. 713.02(5)). It expires one year after recording unless the notice states another date, and a certified copy must be posted at the job site.

General information, not legal advice. Full guide: Florida Notice of Commencement.

Notarize your Polk County Notice of Commencement

Upload the completed form, verify your ID, and sign with a licensed online notary in about 15 minutes, then record it with the clerk.