Importance of Following Lien Law and Filing the Notice Commencement

Within the construction industry in Florida, deadlines and time frames are strongly enforced which means that general contractors need to have their paperwork in order. It’s also important for keeping the project on track, for example knowing the start date of a project is important, but how does one know the exact date? It’s available in the Notice of Commencement.

 

What is the Notice of Commencement?

The notice of commitment, also known as the “Affidavit of Commencement” or the “Notice of Project Commencement” is an official document that declares the starting date of a construction project. It’s the same day that the contractor, subcontractor, or support can start providing labor and materials for the project.

 

The NOC is thus an announcement that a project has started. It also contains information that is useful for different stakeholders at various stages of the project.

An NOC will usually contain:

• The property owner’s name and address
• A description of the property and the full address
• A brief description of the work that is to be done
• The general contractor’s name, address and contact information
• The contractor’s surety information
• The lender’s information
• Details of the property owner’s legal representatives
• The expiration date of the Notice
• The property owners’ signatures (helpful if payment issues arise)

 

For general contractors in Florida, this information, as well as the signatures from the property owners, is very important. The information can be used if payment issues arise. Additionally, pre-lien notices (such as the Notice to Owner and the mechanic's liens) will rely on this information. It is therefore recommended that general contractors, as well as subcontractors and suppliers, take note of the information provided in the Notice of Commencement.

 

Who files the Notice of Commencement?

The NOC is typically filed by the property owner, and in some cases, the general contractor. It is served just before or just after work is carried out on a project. It must be officially recorded at the local state office where the project is based, in Florida.

 

It must be signed by the property owner, and their legal name must be stated on the NOC. That person will also be required to sign the document. In situations where there are multiple numbers, for full compliance, it is recommended that all property owners provide their signatures.

 

Why is a Notice of Commencement Filed?

The lien laws in Florida explicitly require the property owner or the general contractor to file a notice of commencement. And in Florida, the Notice of Commencement is the starting point for the mechanic's lien process. The information found on the NOC will be used to fill pre-lien notices by participants on the project because a Notice to Owner is a legal requirement in Florida.

 

The NOC also allows a general contractor in Florida (as well as subcontractors and suppliers) to schedule the filing of other important documentation. For example, the preliminary notice needs to be sent within the first 15 days of the project, and that 15-day count begins on the date recorded in the notice.

 

Are There Consequences if An NOC is Not Filed?

In Florida, the general contractor will not be able to secure a building permit unless they are able to produce a correctly filed NOC. It may also lead to double payment for the property owner if the contractor leaves before paying subcontractors and suppliers because, without an NOC, the property owner will have violated Florida’s rulings on mechanics liens. This will then make them responsible for all payments to stakeholders even if the contractor has been paid in full. 

Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, FL, understands the importance of filing all required paperwork correctly and on-time. They help general contractors and other construction stakeholders ensure that all the documentation for a project is in order to ensure that their clients can focus on the project, rather than papers.

The next information was first published on Importance of Following Lien Law and Filing the Notice Commencement and is republished from Contractors Reporting Services. Read more on:} http://activatemylicense.com

Answering Questions for Prospective Vocational Rehabilitation Vendors

Vocational Rehabilitation (or VR) is a federal-state program. The program aims to help people with physical or mental disabilities to find and hold down a job. VR is focused on helping people with disabilities establish meaningful careers.

For individuals to become eligible for VR services, they must:

• Have a physical, mental, emotional or learning disability that is a barrier to gainful employment
• Need VR to help prepare the individual to gain or keep employment
• Be able to benefit from the VR services

 

What is a Vocational Rehabilitation Vendor?

Vocational Rehabilitation vendors are individuals or business that makes their services available to VR customers that will help contribute to the goal of employment. This includes services such as medical services, opportunities for training, and specialized equipment. Vocational Rehabilitation will register all vendors from whom services are purchased for VR customers. 

 

What are the Different Types of Services That Vocational Rehabilitation Offers?

As per their website, Vocational Rehabilitation offers:

• Medical and Psychological Assessment – to determine what the client needs in terms of medical and psychological support
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning – to determine what the client is capable of, and take steps to meet that potential
• Career Counselling and Guidance – here, vocational counselors will talk with VR clients to determine skills and interests and define work goals.
• Training and Education After High School – this can include programs and classes that teach specific job skills, 
• On-the-Job Training – including vocational training, clients, receive the skills they need to pursue a specific career
• Supported Employment Services – such as a job coach to help the client manage the requirements of their position
• Assistive Technology and Devices – special devices and accommodations will be provided to do the job. This includes enlarged print, TDD or raised desks for a wheelchair. 

 

What Kind of Remuneration Can Vendors Expect to Receive?

For healthcare-related services, Vocational Rehabilitation follows the amount payable as outlined by the Medicare Part B system. Per diem payment for hospitals are paid according to the amount payable under the Medicaid system. For all other services, the VR sets its highest allowable fee such that the fee is not too low to deny individuals the right to make an informed choice for themselves. 

 

How Can Businesses and Individuals Register as VR Vendors?

Vendor registrations is a 3-step process:

• The prospective vendor must register with MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP),
• They must then submit an electronic W-9 with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), 
• Lastly, they must register with VR

 

Do All Vendors Undergo Background Screening?

All individuals who provide direct services to VR customers are required to register with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (CLH). Here they will need to submit to and pass level 2 background screening.

 

Once the application to provide VR services is approved, the vendor will be sent an email with the instructions for background screening. This is done via email and will assist with the fingerprint registration process.

 

What are the Next Steps After the Application Has Been Submitted?

If all three steps have been completed, the processing time is around ten business days. This does not include the time taken for background screening. 

 

To check your application status, allow ten business days before enquiring, after which time an email can be sent to verify the status. Once the application has been processed, a registration determination will be made (either Approved, Denied, or Incomplete), and the prospective vendor will be notified of their status.

Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, FL, helps clients to register and get approval as Vocational Rehabilitation Vendors. Their experience in working with the program ensures that they can efficiently and effectively process their clients’ applications, giving their clients the best chance of being approved.

The following article was first seen on Answering Questions for Prospective Vocational Rehabilitation Vendors and is courtesy of Contractors Reporting Services. Find more on:} http://activatemylicense.com