Top-rated construction lawyers

What does a construction lawyer do?

A construction lawyer represents owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in contracts, payment disputes, construction liens, defect claims and delays.

• Construction contracts
• Construction liens and payment bonds
• Payment disputes
• Construction defect claims
• Delay and change order claims
• Licensing and permitting issues

When do you need a construction lawyer?

Bring in a construction lawyer before you sign the contract and as soon as payment stops or defects appear, because lien and notice deadlines are short.

• You have not been paid for work or materials
• A lien was filed against your property
• You found defects after completion
• The project is delayed or the contract was terminated

Who are the best construction lawyers in Florida?

The statewide ranking lists the top 25 of the 415 construction lawyers LexRanked tracks in Florida, in order of their LexRank score. See the best construction lawyers in Florida.

Where can I find a construction lawyer in Florida?

Construction rankings cover 17 Florida cities; Tampa has the most lawyers compared (63).

How much does a construction lawyer cost in Florida?

Construction lawyers usually bill by the hour, and some disputes can be handled on a hybrid or contingency basis. A contingent fee agreement must be in writing and state the percentage the lawyer receives (Rule 4-1.5(f)). Under The Florida Bar's rules, a lawyer who has not represented you before must explain the basis or rate of the fee and costs, preferably in writing, and no fee may be clearly excessive.

Florida construction rules to know

Florida's Construction Lien Law sets strict deadlines for notices and liens, and a construction defect claim needs written notice to the contractor before any lawsuit.

What does Board Certified in Construction Law mean?

It is a credential from The Florida Bar for lawyers with substantial experience in the field who have passed peer review and a written exam. Florida Bar board certification requires at least five years of practice, substantial involvement in the field, peer review by other lawyers and judges, continuing legal education and a written exam, and it must be renewed every five years. About 4.9% of Florida lawyers hold a board certification in any field.

How to choose a construction lawyer

Confirm the license in The Florida Bar's directory, then compare experience, certification and how often the lawyer handles cases like yours.

1. Look up the lawyer in The Florida Bar's directory: the license must show as eligible to practice, and public discipline is listed there.
2. Check for Board Certified in Construction Law, which requires peer review and an exam.
3. Ask for the fee agreement in writing before work starts.
4. Ask: What notices and deadlines apply to my claim now?
5. Ask: Do you represent owners, contractors or both?
6. Ask: How do you handle cases that go to arbitration?

How LexRanked ranks construction lawyers

By the LexRank score: experience, practice-area relevance, awards on record such as board certification, professional credentials, data quality and location, using only facts with a cited source. Client reviews do not affect the LexRank score: neither star ratings nor the number of reviews is scored. Data checked October 2026 against each lawyer's Florida Bar profile. Payment never changes a position. See how we rank.

Sources

• Florida Statutes, section 713.06 (notice to owner)
• Florida Statutes, section 713.08 (claim of lien)
• Florida Statutes, section 713.22 (duration of lien)
• Florida Statutes, section 558.004 (construction defects: notice and opportunity to repair)
• Florida Statutes, section 95.11 (limitations)
• Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Rule 4-1.5 (fees and costs for legal services)
• The Florida Bar: Find a Lawyer directory