Until your post I have never heard of the lien law. After some 'googling', I now know of the law, but I am racking my brain how this law makes any sense, although when you combine a strong construction lobby and a possibly unscrupulous legislative branch, I should not be surprised.
Maybe others will explain how the contractor is not
solely responsible here?
I also found this article:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/...bcontractors/2
An excerpt from the article describes how even having a release of lien does not keep you out of court.
"We paid him in three installments with one-third upfront," said Dennis Warren, association president. "He completed the job, and it looked fantastic. We made final payment and he gave us a lien release certifying that the job was complete, he was paid in full, and no liens would be placed on the property."
But Zurkuhlen's lien release – the "safeguard" – was worthless. The association received notice from a paver supplier in Jacksonville that it was placing a $7,000 lien on the condo for unpaid supplies. Zurkuhlen had said nothing about using a supplier.
I have luckily never had this happen to me or anyone I know, but will certainly ask more questions next time.
I hope all works out well for you...