A plain-language guide to Miami-Dade Notice of Commencement requirements, recording, permit numbers and inspection timing.
What a Notice of Commencement does
Florida’s Construction Lien Law uses the Notice of Commencement, often called the NOC, to identify the property, owner, contractor and improvement and to establish important notice information for the construction project. It is recorded in the public records and posted or otherwise handled as required by law.
Miami-Dade explains that the NOC is required for real-property improvements greater than $5,000, with a specific exception described for certain HVAC repair/replacement work below $15,000.
Why the permit number and project information matter
The information on the NOC should match the actual project. Incorrect owner names, legal descriptions, contractor information or permit references can create delays when the document is reviewed against the permit record.
Miami-Dade also states that a separate Notice of Commencement must be filed for each individual permit issued, which is important on projects with multiple permit records.
Timing: do not wait until the inspection is already blocked
The recorded NOC is generally needed before the first required inspection stage when the project is subject to the requirement. Florida law also addresses the NOC’s effective period and what happens if work does not actually commence within the statutory timeframe.
Because lien-law documents can have legal consequences, owners should consult an attorney when they have questions about their rights, financing, liens, termination or unusual contracting arrangements.
Common administrative mistakes
Permit teams often see NOCs with incomplete project descriptions, mismatched contractor information, missing recording data or copies that are not linked to the correct permit. A change of contractor can also affect what NOC documentation is appropriate.
Treat the NOC as a controlled project document, not a generic form copied from a different job.
How MIA Express can assist
As part of permit processing, we can help coordinate the NOC workflow, permit information, notarization logistics and submission of the recorded document to the permit record. We do not provide legal advice regarding construction liens.
Official resources
Permit requirements change. For current forms, portal instructions and agency-specific rules, verify the project against the applicable government source: