Florida General Contractor Practice Exam

If a contractor files a suit for a lien on March 1, 2006, how much is the owner liable if work was completed on August 25, 2004?

1. 0, if the debt was paid

2. 4,800, as stated in the lien

3. 2,400, for partial payment

4. 10,000, for interest and penalties

The correct answer is: 4,800, as stated in the lien

In this scenario, the contractor files a suit for a lien on March 1, 2006, for work that was completed on August 25, 2004. The amount the owner is liable for depends on the amount stated in the lien filed by the contractor. If the lien specifically states an amount of $4,800, then that is the amount the owner is liable for at the time the lien was filed, regardless of when the work was completed and any payments made prior to the filing of the lien. The filing of the lien serves to secure the contractor’s right to be compensated for the work performed. The lien amount is typically reflective of the unpaid balance owed to the contractor, and unless evidence shows that the debt was paid or settled in another way, the owner remains liable for the stated amount in the lien documentation. It's also important to consider the context of the other options. If the debt had been paid fully prior to the lien filing, then the owner wouldn't be liable for anything. However, without proof of payment, the stated amount in the lien takes precedence, thus affirming the owner’s liability for the $4,800 amount outlined in the lien.