Florida Construction Contract: Everything You Need to Know

Agreement for construction or renovation work

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $10Witnesses: 2

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CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
State of Florida

This Construction Contract is entered into on [DATE] between:

OWNER:
Name: [OWNER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

CONTRACTOR:
Name/Company: [CONTRACTOR NAME]
License Number: [LICENSE #]
Address: [ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

PROJECT LOCATION: [ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

1. SCOPE OF WORK:
[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED]

2. CONTRACT PRICE:
[  ] Fixed Price: $[AMOUNT]
[  ] Time and Materials: $[RATE]/hour + materials
[  ] Cost Plus: Cost + [PERCENTAGE]%

3. PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deposit: $[AMOUNT] due upon signing
Progress Payments: $[AMOUNT] at [MILESTONES]
Final Payment: $[AMOUNT] upon completion

4. START DATE: [DATE]
5. COMPLETION DATE: [DATE]
6. PERMITS: [  ] Owner [  ] Contractor shall obtain required permits.

7. CHANGE ORDERS: Any changes must be agreed in writing and may adjust price and timeline.

8. WARRANTY: Contractor warrants workmanship for [DURATION] from completion date.

9. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability insurance of at least $[AMOUNT].

10. LIEN WAIVER: Contractor shall provide lien waivers with each payment per Florida law.

This contract is governed by Florida construction law (FL Statutes).

OWNER: _____________________ DATE: _____
CONTRACTOR: _____________________ DATE: _____

Where to File Your Construction Contract in Florida

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Construction Contract.

Miami-Dade County Clerk

Miami

73 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130

Orange County Clerk

Orlando

425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Hillsborough County Clerk

Tampa

601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Duval County Clerk

Jacksonville

501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Construction Contract Costs in Florida

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Florida standard rate: $10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Florida
Sales Tax6%Florida base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesFlorida requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Florida-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Construction Contract in Florida

Is a Construction Contract required in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, a Construction Contract is required for most transactions of this type. Under Florida Statute § 713, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Construction Contract may result in legal complications.

Does a Construction Contract need to be notarized in Florida?

Notarization requirements in Florida (FL) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Construction Contract in Florida?

Florida has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Construction Contract, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Florida tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What should a construction contract include?

A construction contract should include: detailed scope of work, contract price and payment schedule, start and completion dates, change order procedures, warranty terms, insurance requirements, lien waiver provisions, and dispute resolution methods.

What is a change order in construction?

A change order is a written agreement to modify the original construction contract. It can change the scope of work, price, or timeline. All change orders should be documented in writing and signed by both parties before work begins.

Do I need a written contract for home renovations?

While not always legally required, a written contract is strongly recommended for any construction or renovation project. Many states require written contracts for projects over a certain dollar amount. It protects both the homeowner and contractor.

Florida Construction Contract Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Construction Contract is legally valid in Florida.

Scope of work detailed
Contract price specified
Payment schedule included
Start and completion dates stated
Change order procedures defined
Warranty terms included
Insurance requirements stated
Lien waiver provisions included
Permit responsibilities assigned
Both parties must sign

Florida Notarization

Florida requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Florida, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Florida law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Florida Filing Deadlines

Check Florida deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

JRJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Construction Contract template for Florida has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Florida Construction Contract Legal Guide

For residents of Florida, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.

Under Florida Statute § 713, residents of Florida must ensure this Construction Contract complies with all state requirements. The current sales tax rate is 6%, and notarization costs between $10. Two witnesses are mandatory in FL.

Using this template ensures you're protected under Florida law while saving time and money on legal fees.

contractorscope of workchange orderconstruction lienwarrantybuilding permit
A properly executed Construction Contract in Florida protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with FL state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

Getting It Done Right in Florida

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any FL-required notarization. Florida makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Construction Contract is legally binding in Florida and enforceable in FL courts. The document remains valid indefinitely unless revoked or superseded. Florida courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable FL statutes.

Expert Recommendations

Legal professionals in Florida recommend:
- Always use a state-specific template compliant with FL statutes
- Have documents reviewed before signing high-value agreements
- File copies with the appropriate Florida government office when required
- Update your documents annually to reflect any changes in FL law

FL Compliance Checklist

Before finalizing your Construction Contract, verify that it meets Florida's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by FL statute

Document Information

Document
Construction Contract
State
Florida (FL)
Category
Contractors
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$10

Florida Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Florida may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.