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.
Notice of Commencement forms in Polk County cities
Pick the city where the property is. Each page has the city’s form, what to fill in, and the notarize-online flow.
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?
- Each city in Polk County publishes the statutory form (s. 713.13(1)(d)). Pick your city below to download it, then 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.