Nationwide reference
Mechanics Lien Laws by State
Deadlines, preliminary notices, and public-project bond claim rules for every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Maintained by Fred Shestopal and the My Lien Lawyer team for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who need a fast, accurate reference.
Want the firm to handle the filing? Find your state's mechanics lien attorney page or see why a law firm beats a notice service.
Featured state guides
Long-form coverage of the most active mechanics-lien jurisdictions.
Illinois
Illinois mechanics lien law (770 ILCS 60) requires careful tracking of the 90-day subcontractor notice and the 4-month recording window. Public projects fall under the Public Construction Bond Act (30 ILCS 550).
Read the Illinois guideCalifornia
California mechanics lien law is governed by Civil Code §§ 8000–9566. The 20-day Preliminary Notice is the gateway to all lien and stop-notice rights for subcontractors and suppliers.
Read the California guideTexas
Texas Chapter 53 lien law is notice-driven: subcontractors and suppliers must serve monthly 'Funds-Trapping' and 'Retainage' notices to preserve lien rights. Public projects fall under the McGregor Act (Government Code Chapter 2253).
Read the Texas guideFlorida
Florida Chapter 713 is built around the Notice to Owner: subcontractors and suppliers who fail to serve it within 45 days of first furnishing lose all lien rights — even if they are otherwise paid in full to date.
Read the Florida guideNew York
New York Lien Law Article 2 distinguishes between single-family residential, commercial, and public-improvement liens, each with its own filing window. Owners can also serve a 30-day demand to commence suit under § 59.
Read the New York guideAll 50 states + DC
Click any state for its mechanics lien deadlines, preliminary notice rules, and bond claim summary.
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