That thick subcontract the GC just sent over is loaded with clauses designed to protect them, not you. In this episode board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet lets you listen in on a live contract negotiation as he works to level the playing field for his client.

Hear the real back-and-forth on critical issues like securing the right to stop work for non-payment, capping exposure on unapproved change orders, limiting liability to your actual percentage of fault, and fighting back against insane insurance deductibles. Get a first-person perspective on contract negotiations, revealing the arguments, compromises, and leverage points that can transform a risky contract into a fair one.

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Have Questions?  Contact Board Certified Construction Expert Alex Barthet by email at [email protected] or give him a call at 305-347-5295.  Check out our resources at www.TheLienZone.com.

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.

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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.

In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet breaks down everything contractors and subcontractors need to know about lien waivers and releases. Alex clarifies why the right (or wrong) wording in these documents can drastically affect your rights to payment. You’ll learn exactly which release forms you should use, how to handle conditional releases, and smart strategies to protect unpaid change orders and claims—so you can confidently get paid without inadvertently giving away critical legal protections.

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In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet walks you through the foundational principles of Florida’s lien and bond law system. If you’ve ever asked when to record a lien, how to protect your right to payment, or what the difference is between a lien and a payment bond claim, this is the episode for you. Alex breaks down who has lien rights, the critical deadlines involved, how specially fabricated goods are treated, and what to do when working on bonded projects—whether private or public. This practical guide will help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers avoid costly mistakes and preserve their legal rights to payment.

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In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet provides three critical steps construction professionals must take immediately to protect themselves from tariff-related risks. Learn how to quickly review existing contracts for hidden opportunities, submit timely claims for equitable adjustments, and future-proof new agreements with essential tariff-specific clauses. With clear examples and sample language, you’ll leave ready to implement these practical strategies today and ensure your bottom line stays protected.

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Navigating the complexities of Florida’s lien laws has never been more crucial, especially with the 2023 updates coming into play. In our latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we delve deep into the nuances of Private Project Notices of Nonpayment (713.23), emphasizing the importance of serving the Notice of Nonpayment to both the contractor and the surety. But that’s not all. We also shine a light on the pivotal changes around Lien Transfer Bonds (713.24). With a significant rise in the bond value calculations and new obligations for the clerk’s office, understanding these shifts is essential for anyone in the construction sector.

About Alex Barthet

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

In the final episode of this three-part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet walks through the step-by-step process of handling a construction defect claim once it arrives. From initial notification to final resolution, he explains how to respond effectively, involve the right parties, and protect yourself from further liability. Alex also covers key legal defenses, including non-material code violations and failure-to-maintain arguments, and highlights the importance of securing a proper release to avoid getting pulled back into disputes after settlement.

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In the second installment of this three-part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet dives deeper into contract pitfalls, risk management, and legal strategies to protect yourself from excessive liability. From indemnity clauses to insurance misconceptions, he explains how to structure contracts and document your work to avoid getting stuck with unexpected claims and costs.

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In this 3 part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet explains the in’s and out’s of Florida’s Chapter 558, construction defects, and warranty claims and how to deal with them.

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