The Lien Zone Podcast: A Podcast About Construction Law, Contracts, Liens and Bonds

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TheLienZone Podcast Hosted by Alex Barthet covers a wide variety of Florida construction law topics. - Alex has been described as the attorney most of his competitors aspire to be. Known for finding the best path among a variety of options to achieve a client’s particular goals, Alex serves as litigation counsel to several statewide and local contractors and material suppliers. Always good humored and on the go, Alex is the answer man for clients and employees alike on all sorts of technical and legal questions. Alex Barthet is a mechanical engineer by education and Board Certified in Construction Law.

Alexander E. Barthet

Miami, Florida


    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 421 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Lien Zone Podcast: A Podcast About Construction Law, Contracts, Liens and Bonds with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Lien Zone Podcast: A Podcast About Construction Law, Contracts, Liens and Bonds

    Mastering Waivers & Releases: The Art of Getting Paid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 11:00


    In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet breaks down everything contractors and subcontractors need to know about lien waivers and releases. Alex clarifies why the right (or wrong) wording in these documents can drastically affect your rights to payment. You'll learn exactly which release forms you should use, how to handle conditional releases, and … + Read More

    Lien & Bond Fundamentals – Securing Your Payment Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 10:22


    In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet walks you through the foundational principles of Florida's lien and bond law system. If you've ever asked when to record a lien, how to protect your right to payment, or what the difference is between a lien and a payment bond claim, this is the episode for … + Read More

    Tariffs Stressing You Out? 3 Contract Tips to Protect Your Profits

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 16:02


    In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet provides three critical steps construction professionals must take immediately to protect themselves from tariff-related risks. Learn how to quickly review existing contracts for hidden opportunities, submit timely claims for equitable adjustments, and future-proof new agreements with essential tariff-specific clauses. With clear examples and sample language, you'll leave ready to implement … + Read More

    Nonpayment Notices & Transfer Bonds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 6:41


    Navigating the complexities of Florida's lien laws has never been more crucial, especially with the 2023 updates coming into play. In our latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we delve deep into the nuances of Private Project Notices of Nonpayment (713.23), emphasizing the importance of serving the Notice of Nonpayment to both the contractor and … + Read More

    Chapter 558 & Construction Defect Masterclass (Part 3 of 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 20:09


    In the final episode of this three-part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet walks through the step-by-step process of handling a construction defect claim once it arrives. From initial notification to final resolution, he explains how to respond effectively, involve the right parties, and protect yourself from further liability. Alex also covers key legal defenses, … + Read More

    Chapter 558 & Construction Defect Masterclass (Part 2 of 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 20:40


    In the second installment of this three-part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet dives deeper into contract pitfalls, risk management, and legal strategies to protect yourself from excessive liability. From indemnity clauses to insurance misconceptions, he explains how to structure contracts and document your work to avoid getting stuck with unexpected claims and costs. Highlights … + Read More

    Chapter 558 & Construction Defect Masterclass (Part 1 of 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 20:21


    In this 3 part series, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet explains the in's and out's of Florida's Chapter 558, construction defects, and warranty claims and how to deal with them. Highlights in this episode: Construction Defects & Chapter 558: Why Chapter 558 is a notice-and-opportunity-to-inspect process, not a claim, and how it helps resolve defect … + Read More

    The AIA A312 Bond Form Sucks and Here’s Why

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 7:54


    Overview: In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet dives into the details of payment and performance bonds such as the AIA A312 (2010) bond form, and why it's often preferred by those providing the bond. He also contrasts it with “manuscript” or custom bond forms that enable faster resolutions and broader definitions of default. … + Read More

    Mastering Lien Laws: Essential Tools and Strategies to Protect Your Construction Payments

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 4:42


    In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet, a board-certified construction attorney with over 25 years of experience, breaks down the complexities of lien laws and bond claims to help construction professionals protect their payments and preserve their rights. Whether you're working on private or public projects, understanding the rules, deadlines, and tools available can make … + Read More

    Mastering Credit & Collections: Best Practices for Construction Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 26:33


    In this insightful episode of TheLienZone podcast, Alex Barthet, a board-certified construction attorney, dives into the essential strategies for extending credit and optimizing collections in the construction industry. As the new yar unfolds, understanding these principles are vital for maintaining cash flow, minimizing risk, and fostering strong business relationships. Highlights Include: Exploring the advantages of … + Read More

    Decoding ‘Pay-When-Paid': Navigating Contractual Pitfalls in Construction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 9:30


    In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet navigates the intricate maze of “Pay-When-Paid” clauses found in construction contracts. Uncover the ripple effects these stipulations can create, often resulting in prolonged payment timelines, economic pressures on subcontractors and suppliers, and the potential escalation to legal battles. Highlights include: Demystifying the nuances of “Pay-When-Paid” clauses and … + Read More

    Protect Your Profits: Essential Tips for Crafting Enforceable Payment Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 14:17


    Payment plans can be a valuable tool for resolving outstanding debts and avoiding litigation. However, it's crucial to approach them strategically to ensure they are legally sound and protect your interests. In this guide, we'll explore four key tips for crafting effective payment plans: getting it in writing and signed by the right person, including … + Read More The post Protect Your Profits: Essential Tips for Crafting Enforceable Payment Plans appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Unraveling Lien Rights in Florida: A Guide for Tenant Build-Out Projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 14:59


    Understanding lien rights, especially when dealing with tenant build-out work, is crucial. In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of lien laws and how they can impact your bottom line. We'll explore the challenges associated with tenant build-out projects, such as lease restrictions and the potential for limited lien rights. By understanding these complexities, … + Read More The post Unraveling Lien Rights in Florida: A Guide for Tenant Build-Out Projects appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Don’t Get Burned: Avoiding Common Subcontractor Payment Pitfalls

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 12:44


    Subcontractors often face challenges getting paid on time.  This episode of the podcast will explain the steps subcontractors can take to get paid faster.  We will explore the significance of well-drafted contracts, emphasizing the importance of avoiding problematic pay-when-paid clauses and incorporating stop-work provisions. Additionally, we will discuss the vital role of lien rights in … + Read More The post Don't Get Burned: Avoiding Common Subcontractor Payment Pitfalls appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Florida Construction Lien Law Traps: A Comprehensive Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 26:04


    Understanding the intricacies of lien laws and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for anyone involved in the construction industry. Today, we'll navigate the complexities of lien law traps, shedding light on potential missteps that can jeopardize your financial interests. By delving into the fundamental rules, timing requirements, and critical considerations, we'll equip you with the … + Read More The post Florida Construction Lien Law Traps: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Chargebacks and Bad Checks: How to Deal with Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 20:20


    Dealing with bad checks and credit card chargebacks is an unfortunate reality in business today. These financial setbacks can impact a company's bottom line. To mitigate these risks and ensure timely payments, it's essential to understand the legal implications and effective strategies for handling such situations. We'll delve into the civil and criminal penalties associated … + Read More The post Chargebacks and Bad Checks: How to Deal with Them appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Construction Lien Law Traps and Tricks (Part 4 of 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 23:25


    Florida's Construction Lien Law is filled traps for the unwary and tricks for the cunning.  In this episode, we will explain where and when the traps could be sprung as well as when and how to use the tricks.  We will explore things such as Notice of Contest of Liens, 20 Day Summons to Show … + Read More The post Construction Lien Law Traps and Tricks (Part 4 of 4) appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Construction Lien Waivers and Releases Basics (Part 3 of 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 26:43


    Construction lien waivers and releases are as essential to the construction process as hammers and nails.  If you want to get paid, you need to give a release.  If you have to pay someone, you better get a release.  And in both cases, because words matter, understanding what they say and how they work is … + Read More The post Construction Lien Waivers and Releases Basics (Part 3 of 4) appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Lien Law Basics in Florida (Part 2 of 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 13:05


    Florida's lien law is complicated!  In this episode, we outline the step-by-step procedures involved in filing a lien, including crucial deadlines, necessary documentation, and legal considerations. By carefully following these guidelines, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can increase the likelihood of getting paid. In this second part, we will discuss serving a notice to contractor, exceptions … + Read More The post Lien Law Basics in Florida (Part 2 of 4) appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Construction Contract Basics (Part 1 of 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 36:08


    Navigating the complex landscape of construction contracts in Florida requires a solid understanding of the legal framework governing agreements, lien rights, and essential contract terms. While verbal agreements are enforceable, the added security and clarity of written contracts are paramount in preventing disputes and ensuring a successful project outcome. This first part of the podcast … + Read More The post Construction Contract Basics (Part 1 of 4) appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    These Lien Release Errors Could Cost You

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 22:33


    In this episode, we're unpacking three common yet avoidable lien release mistakes that can have costly implications. The post These Lien Release Errors Could Cost You appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 26:21


    Join Alex Barthet for an insightful discussion with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, Founder & CEO of SubBase, and Elizaveta Taylor, Founder of Beyond Books Solutions, as they delve into the critical role of cost codes in construction project management and profitability. In this episode, we cover: Accounting Essentials: The backbone of financial management in construction. … + Read More The post Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    How to Get the Bonding Company to Pay You.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 21:38


    In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex Barthet covers the critical topic of "How to Get the Bonding Company to Pay You." The post How to Get the Bonding Company to Pay You. appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Contractors’ Guide to Insurance Coverage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 7:29


    The construction field often presents unforeseen challenges and costs, such as a client who admires your work but expects you to handle additional expenses like carpet cleaning. The post Contractors' Guide to Insurance Coverage appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    ICYMI: Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 16:49


    In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, titled "Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro" host Alex Barthet, a board-certified construction attorney in Florida, shares essential tips for securing payment plans that expedite payment and minimize litigation risk.  The post ICYMI: Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    The SoFla Construction and Real Estate Market with Bryan Gorrita

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 23:10


    Alex Barthet sits down with Bryan Gorrita to discuss the current state of the South Florida construction and real estate market. The post The SoFla Construction and Real Estate Market with Bryan Gorrita appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Do You Know These Hidden Conditions in Construction Contracts?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 2:37


    As a contractor, navigating the complex terrain of construction projects can often lead you to unexpected roadblocks. The post Do You Know These Hidden Conditions in Construction Contracts? appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Follow These Steps to Protect Your Projects from Liens

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 30:04


    In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex provides a comprehensive guide for developers on managing and preventing liens on their projects. The post Follow These Steps to Protect Your Projects from Liens appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    ICYMI: New Public Project Payment Protocols in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 6:59


    In this episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we deep dive into Florida's freshly updated regulations regarding public project payments. The post ICYMI: New Public Project Payment Protocols in Florida appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 26:21


    Join Alex Barthet for an insightful discussion with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, Founder & CEO of SubBase, and Elizaveta Taylor, Founder of Beyond Books Solutions, as they delve into the critical role of cost codes in construction project management and profitability. In this episode, we cover: Accounting Essentials: The backbone of financial management in construction. … + Read More The post Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Manage Legal Challenges in 2024 with Beyond Books Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 22:00


    This episode features a crossover with Elizaveta Taylor of Beyond Books Solutions, where Alex Barthet shares his insights on navigating the complex world of construction law. The post Manage Legal Challenges in 2024 with Beyond Books Solutions appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    How to Grow Your Construction Business in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 28:51


    In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet is joined by JP Berdejo to discuss an invaluable strategy for construction business growth in 2024: claiming your Google Business Profile. This conversation covers the what, how, and why of Google Business Profiles, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing business visibility and credibility online. Key Topics Discussed: … + Read More The post How to Grow Your Construction Business in 2024 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 19:01


    This week's episode of The Lien Zone Podcast Alex Barthet, dives into Common Lien and Release Traps, focusing on critical aspects of Florida's Lien Law. The post Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 16:49


    In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, titled “Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro” host Alex Barthet, a board-certified construction attorney in Florida, shares essential tips for securing payment plans that expedite payment and minimize litigation risk. Alex outlines four crucial strategies for effective payment agreements: Documentation and Authorization: Emphasize the need for … + Read More The post Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    How to Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 19:01


    This week's episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, hosted by Alex Barthet, dives into “Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them,” focusing on critical aspects of Florida's Lien Law. Here's what was discussed: Lien Law Traps: The importance of the “last work” definition, emphasizing that it does not include repair, punchlist, or … + Read More The post How to Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Embrace the Suck: Growing a Construction Business is Hard

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 28:48


    Alex Barthet interviews James Terry, founder of  GreenTeam Building Services, exploring the hurdles and strategies of expanding a construction business. The post Embrace the Suck: Growing a Construction Business is Hard appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Grow Your Construction Business in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 28:51


    Alex Barthet is joined by JP Berdejo to discuss an invaluable strategy for construction business growth in 2024 The post Grow Your Construction Business in 2024 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Hey Developers! Follow These Steps to Protect Your Projects from Liens

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 30:04


    In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex provides a comprehensive guide for developers on managing and preventing liens on their projects. The post Hey Developers! Follow These Steps to Protect Your Projects from Liens appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Legal Issues with Beyond Books Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 22:00


    Hey there, construction pros! Dive into a unique episode of The Lien Zone Podcast titled “Legal Issues with Beyond Books Solutions.” This episode features a crossover with Elizaveta Taylor of Beyond Books Solutions, where Alex Barthet shares his insights on navigating the complex world of construction law. They tackle essential topics like the importance of … + Read More The post Legal Issues with Beyond Books Solutions appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Red or Black. Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 26:21


    Join Alex Barthet for an insightful discussion with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, Founder & CEO of SubBase, and Elizaveta Taylor, Founder of Beyond Books Solutions, as they delve into the critical role of cost codes in construction project management and profitability. In this episode, we cover: Accounting Essentials: The backbone of financial management in construction. … + Read More The post Red or Black. Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 19:01


    This week's episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, hosted by Alex Barthet, dives into “Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them,” focusing on critical aspects of Florida's Lien Law. Here's what was discussed: Lien Law Traps: The importance of the “last work” definition, emphasizing that it does not include repair, punchlist, or … + Read More The post Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    The Most Effective 1 Hour You Can Spend to Grow Your Construction Business in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 28:51


    In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet is joined by JP Berdejo to discuss an invaluable strategy for construction business growth in 2024: claiming your Google Business Profile. This conversation covers the what, how, and why of Google Business Profiles, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing business visibility and credibility online. Key Topics Discussed: … + Read More The post The Most Effective 1 Hour You Can Spend to Grow Your Construction Business in 2024 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 18:10


    Hey there, construction pros! Wrapping up our series on The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex Barthet dives into the crucial final tips 6 and 7, plus an extra bonus tip for mastering construction contract negotiations. The post Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 3 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 8:28


    Hey there, construction pros! This episode of The Lien Zone Podcast with Alex Barthet dives into tips 4 and 5 of the 3-part series on mastering construction contract negotiations. The post Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 2 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 32:42


    In this episode, Alex dives into the art of negotiating construction contracts. We're looking at the first three tips out of seven, and trust me, these are game-changers. The post Negotiate Like a Boss – Tips to Score the Best Construction Contract Part 1 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    New Public Project Payment Protocols in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 6:59


    In this episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we delve deep into Florida's freshly updated regulations regarding public project payments. We begin with a closer examination of the “Public Project Notices of Nonpayment, Sections 255.05 and 337.18.” Here, the introduction of a provision allows claimants to assert their right to bond protection if a bond … + Read More The post New Public Project Payment Protocols in Florida appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Florida’s Construction Claims & Building Code Violations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 5:43


    Dive into our latest episode where we unpack significant legal updates affecting Florida's construction industry. The Statute of Limitations for Negligence (627.756(1)), effective March 24, 2023, shortens the limitation period for claims based on negligence from 4 years to 2 years. However, the 4-year period remains for actions rooted in design, planning, or construction of improvements to real property. The post Florida's Construction Claims & Building Code Violations appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    Nonpayment Notices & Transfer Bonds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 6:41


    Navigating the complexities of Florida's lien laws has never been more crucial, especially with the 2023 updates coming into play. In our latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we delve deep into the nuances of Private Project Notices of Nonpayment (713.23), emphasizing the importance of serving the Notice of Nonpayment to both the contractor and … + Read More The post Nonpayment Notices & Transfer Bonds appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 17:20


    We've arrived at the final installment of our riveting series on contract provisions! In Part 3, Alex covers these pivotal clauses: Liquidated Damages: Discover the significance of setting pre-agreed damages and when it's beneficial. Caps on Damages: Learn how these limits can influence project risks and the balance of power in contract negotiations. Indemnity, Defense, … + Read More The post ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 3 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 12:26


    We're back with Part 2 of our series on construction contract provisions! Building on our exploration from Part 1, Alex dives deeper into three more critical topics that every construction professional should be familiar with The post ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 2 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

    ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 20:26


    Get ready for a comprehensive journey through the intricate world of construction contract provisions. The post ICYMI: Deep Dive Contract Provisions: Part 1 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

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