Important Changes to Florida Construction Law Effective October 1, 2025

Legal Guidance from Law Offices of Adam G. Hill — Serving Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando

If you are a homeowner, contractor, or developer in Florida, recent legislative changes effective October 1, 2025, have important implications for your construction project rights and obligations. At the Law Offices of Adam G. Hill, we are highly experienced in Florida construction law and tailored legal representation for clients throughout Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando. Whether you need help navigating prelitigation demands, filing construction liens, or preparing for full trial representation, we are here to protect your interests.

Shortened Construction Defect Lawsuit Period: Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

One of the most critical changes is the shortening of the construction defect lawsuit period from 10 years to just 7 years under Florida law. This “statute of repose” limits the timeframe for owners and contractors to bring claims relating to design, planning, or construction defects affecting real property improvements.

  • New Deadline: Claims must now be filed within 7 years of the earliest of certificate of occupancy issuance or abandonment of construction.

  • Why It Matters: After 7 years, defect claims are barred regardless of when the defect is discovered, putting a premium on early detection and swift action.

  • Our Role: We assist property owners and contractors in timely claim evaluation, drafting demand letters, filing liens, and pursuing or defending lawsuits swiftly within this statutory window.

  • The statute of repose is an absolute deadline, barring claims regardless of when a defect is discovered.

  • The countdown starts on the earlier of the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy, a certificate of occupancy, a certificate of completion, or the abandonment of construction if unfinished.

  • This shortened period reflects the amendments in Florida Statutes section 95.11(3) and related statutes.

  • Owners must act swiftly to identify and file claims about construction defects within this seven-year window to avoid losing their rights to legal remedies.

  • The legislative intent behind this change was to reduce prolonged liability exposure for contractors and insurers, creating more certainty in the construction industry.

  • Statutory Authority: Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(b) (2025)

For anyone dealing with construction flaws or disputes in Fort Myers, Tampa, or Orlando, understanding this shortened period is imperative to safeguard legal rights. Our knowledgeable team provides strategic counsel to ensure no deadlines are missed.

New Change Order Documentation Rules: Ensure Compliance and Avoid Disputes

Another significant legislative development effective in 2025 involves stricter rules governing contract change orders on construction projects.

  • Prompt Processing: Local governments and private owners must respond to change order requests within 35 days with approval or clear, written denial.

  • Written Documentation: All change orders must be formalized in writing, signed by authorized parties, and comply with the contract and statutory protocols.

  • Why Comply: Failure to meet these requirements can lead to denied payments, project delays, and costly disputes.

  • Our Expertise: We guide contractors and owners through proper change order processes, help draft compliant documentation, and aggressively protect your rights when disputes arise.

  • Legal Reference: Florida Statutes § 218.755 (2025); House Bill 683 (2025)

Our Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando clients benefit from our thorough understanding of these rules, ensuring their contracts are airtight and risks minimized.

Additional frequently litigated law in Florida construction cases - Florida Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes)

In addition to the shortened defect lawsuit period and new change order rules, Florida’s Construction Lien Law remains one of the most frequently litigated and important areas in construction disputes. This law governs the rights of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties to place liens on real property when they have not been paid for labor, materials, or services provided on a construction project.

Key Points About Florida Construction Lien Law:

  • Who Can File a Lien: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who have contributed to the improvement of real property and have not received payment have the right to file a construction lien against the property.

  • Protection for Property Owners: Property owners should require lien waivers or releases from contractors before making progress payments to avoid surprise liens.

  • Lien Enforcement: If unpaid, lienholders can initiate foreclosure on the lien, which could force a sale of the property to recover owed amounts.

  • Importance of Notices: Florida requires strict compliance with “Notice to Owner” and other statutory notice provisions before filing a lien, with tight deadlines to preserve lien rights.

  • Legal Complexity: Construction lien laws are complex and litigated extensively in Florida courts, especially concerning lien validity, priority, and enforcement.

  • Our Assistance: The Law Offices of Adam G. Hill provides expert representation related to lien claims — whether defending against improper liens or helping contractors enforce lien rights properly.

Why Choose Law Offices of Adam G. Hill for Your Florida Construction Law Needs?

  • Litigation Experience Since 2011: Skilled in construction litigation and transactional matters across Southwest and Central Florida.

  • Comprehensive Representation: From demand letters and lien filings to mediation, arbitration, and courtroom trials.

  • Client-Focused Approach: Dedicated to tailored legal strategies for homeowners and contractors alike.

  • Local Knowledge: Deep familiarity with laws and courts in Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you face construction disputes or need proactive legal counsel in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Adam G. Hill. We can help you protect your rights under the new laws and achieve the best possible outcome.

Call us toll-free at 1-833-918-1877 to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable construction law attorney near you or send us a message through our Contact Page.

Legal References and Further Reading

  • Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(b) — Shortened Construction Defect Lawsuit Period (2025)

  • Florida Statutes § 218.755 — Prompt Processing of Change Orders (2025)

  • House Bill 683 (2025) — New Construction Change Order Requirements

  • Case Example: County of Brevard v. Miorelli Engineering, Inc. — Interpretation of Construction Claims Deadlines

With these legislative changes, timely legal advice and thorough procedural compliance have never been more important. The Law Offices of Adam G. Hill proudly serves construction law clients across Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando to navigate these complexities effectively.