Default rule and exceptions
Florida requires 60 days' written notice to the builder before filing a construction-defect suit (Ch. 558); the claim is barred no later than 7 years after the certificate of occupancy/completion, regardless of when the defect was discovered.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Builder/contractor | Must receive written notice and an opportunity to inspect/repair before being sued. |
| Homeowner | Must serve notice at least 60 days (120 for large associations) before filing, and sue within 7 years of certificate of occupancy. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 20, 2026.
In any event, the action must be commenced within 7 years after the date the authority having jurisdiction issues a temporary certificate of occupancy, a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate of completion, or the date of abandonment of construction if not completed, whichever date is earliest.
In actions brought alleging a construction defect, the claimant shall, at least 60 days before filing any action, or at least 120 days before filing an action involving an association representing more than 20 parcels, serve written notice of claim on the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design professional, as applicable, which notice shall refer to this chapter.
YOU MUST DELIVER TO THE OTHER PARTY TO THIS CONTRACT A WRITTEN NOTICE, REFERRING TO CHAPTER 558, OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE AND PROVIDE SUCH PERSON THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE ALLEGED CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS AND TO CONSIDER MAKING AN OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE ALLEGED CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS.
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Common questions
Who pays for new construction: builder defect warranty in General, FL?
The party at fault. Must receive written notice and an opportunity to inspect/repair before being sued.
What is this based on for General, FL?
This verdict is sourced to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(b) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(b)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Fla. Stat. § 558.004(1)(a): Notice and opportunity to repairstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Chapter 558, Florida Statutes: Construction Defects, § 558.004 Notice and Opportunity to Repairstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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