Are you signing away more than you should? In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet breaks down everything Florida contractors need to know about lien waivers and releases – and the costly mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a GC, subcontractor, or supplier, understanding the type of release you’re signing can mean the difference between protecting your rights or losing thousands.

Alex walks through the different types of release forms – statutory, custom, conditional – and explains when and how to use each. You’ll learn why matching your payment amount with the correct through date is absolutely critical, what traps to look out for in broad releases, and how to protect yourself with the “Make Me Conditional” stamp.

Highlights in this episode:

The Release Balancing Act: Why GCs want broad releases and subs want narrow ones—and how to protect your interests either way.

Statutory Release Forms Explained: What Florida Statute 713.20 requires and how to properly fill them out.

The Danger of Pre-Printed Forms: Why reading every release—every single time—is non-negotiable.

The One Rule You Must Follow: Always make sure your through date matches the payment amount.

The Power of Conditional Releases: Why a stamped release that’s “not effective until paid” can save your lien rights.

Contract Red Flags: How to negotiate release forms before you sign the contract.

Change Orders & Exceptions: How to preserve your right to unpaid work when the release is pushed in front of you.

Bonus Tool: Learn how to get your hands on the “Make Me Conditional” stamp to safely modify any release form.

Whether you’re submitting your first pay app or your fiftieth, this episode will sharpen your understanding of lien releases and ensure you don’t give away more than you bargained for.