Construction law is a general reference to various areas of law as applied to the design, engineering, and construction of buildings—including residential buildings and commercial buildings—as well as bridges, roads, pipelines, railroads, water transmission and distribution systems, electrical power transmission systems, sewerage systems, and other structures.
In addition to the law governing the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as contractor liens), construction law includes contract law, employment law, personal injury law, insurance law, zoning law, and real estate law.
In Florida, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the creation and enforcement of construction contracts, which detail the rights and obligations of the parties involved in construction projects. Florida's construction law also covers the use of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens, which are legal claims made by contractors and suppliers for payment for services rendered or materials provided. These liens must be filed and removed in accordance with Florida statutes, specifically Chapter 713 of the Florida Statutes, which governs construction liens. Employment law aspects include compliance with labor regulations and workplace safety standards. Personal injury law is relevant in cases of accidents and injuries on construction sites. Insurance law plays a role in the requirement for contractors to carry certain types of insurance, such as liability and workers' compensation insurance. Zoning and real estate laws affect the approval and development of construction projects, ensuring they meet local land use and building codes. Each of these areas of law is integral to the legal framework that governs the construction industry in Florida.