Question 1

What is a punch list in Florida construction?

Accepted Answer

A punch list is a document listing items that need to be completed or corrected before a construction project is considered finished. In Florida: the punch list is typically created during a walk-through inspection near the end of the project. Items include: cosmetic defects (scratches, paint touch-ups, uneven surfaces), incomplete work (missing fixtures, unfinished trim, incomplete landscaping), and code violations (items that do not meet building code requirements). The general contractor is responsible for completing all punch list items before final payment.

Question 2

How does the punch list relate to final payment in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Final payment: in Florida construction (Chapter 713): the owner may withhold payment for punch list items (up to 150% of the estimated cost to complete each item; Section 713.346). The contractor must complete the punch list within 30 days (or a reasonable time). If the contractor fails to complete the items: the owner can hire another contractor to complete the work and deduct the cost from the withheld funds. The punch list should be: specific (describing each item clearly), agreed upon (both parties should sign the punch list), and time-bound (with a deadline for completion).

Question 3

What are common punch list disputes in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Disputes: scope (the owner adds items that were not in the original contract; the contractor argues these are change orders, not punch list items), quality (the owner and contractor disagree on whether an item meets the contract specifications), timing (the contractor fails to complete items in a timely manner), and cost (the owner withholds more than the value of the incomplete items). Resolution: the parties should refer to: the contract (which defines the scope of work and quality standards), the building code (which sets minimum requirements), and the punch list agreement (which should specify deadlines and consequences).

Punch List

Punch Lists in Florida Construction

Contents

Payment

Disputes

Related Terms

Barnes Walker Construction Law

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