What is a Notice of Commencement?

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) or mechanic's lien is a document that marks the official start of a construction or renovation project on a property.

It’s required in some states—most commonly Florida—and helps make sure everyone involved in the project (such as contractors and suppliers) is identified upfront. This helps reduce the risk of unexpected liens being filed later.

Only certain states require a Notice of Commencement, including:

Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

Having an NOC on file doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem—it simply shows that construction work has been formally recorded.