A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Florida, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or services provided by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Florida Statute 713.585, mechanics and auto repair shops can impose a lien on a vehicle when the owner fails to pay for labor, services, or materials provided for the vehicle's repair. The lien gives the repair shop the right to retain possession of the vehicle until payment is made. To perfect the lien, the mechanic must comply with specific statutory requirements, including serving notice to the vehicle owner and applying for a lien with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If the debt remains unpaid, the mechanic may enforce the lien by selling the vehicle at a public auction after proper notice is given. It is important for vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Florida's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.