⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, professional, engineering, construction, or code-compliance advice. Permit requirements, timelines, fees, procedures, interpretations, and enforcement practices vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. Always verify current requirements with your local building department and, when appropriate, consult a licensed contractor, architect, engineer, attorney, or other qualified professional before starting any project.
A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a legal document that officially notifies the county that construction is starting on a property. In Broward County, this step is vital for larger projects, as failing to record it properly is a leading cause of project delays.
The Recording and Certification Process:
In Broward, you can record your NOC electronically through the Broward County Clerk of Courts website or approved third-party e-recording vendors.
- Recorded: Once you submit the signed and notarized form, the Clerk enters it into the public record.
- Certified: After recording, the simplest option is to obtain a certified copy, the version with the official Clerk’s stamp. Florida law (F.S. 713.135(1)(e)) also accepts a notarized statement that the NOC was filed for recording along with a copy, or the Clerk’s official recording information (instrument number or book/page), as alternatives to a certified copy, but a certified copy is the most straightforward to get and to post.
- Site Requirement: In many cases, this stamped copy must be posted visibly at the job site before an inspector will perform a visit.
My Recommendation: eRecording USA
While there are several vendors, I personally process all my filings through eRecording USA. I recommend them because they are fast, reliable, and specialize in the Florida market. Using an e-recording service ensures your document reaches the official record without the delays of physical mail.
- Step 1: Upload your signed and notarized NOC to the eRecording USA portal.
- Step 2: They submit it to the County Clerk for recording.
- Step 3: You receive the Certified Copy (the one with the Clerk’s official stamp) electronically.
⚠️ Important Legal Note: Procedures, websites, and fees for the Broward Clerk of Courts change frequently. I recommend eRecording USA based on my professional experience; however, I am not responsible for their third-party services. Always verify current requirements directly on the Official Broward County Clerk website.
