Upon filing a complaint for discharge of lien, how many days does the lienor have to show cause against it?

The correct answer is based on Florida statutes governing the discharge of liens. When a property owner files a complaint for discharge of a lien, the lienor, who is the person or entity that placed the lien on the property, is given a specific time frame within which to respond. According to Florida law, the lienor has 20 days to show cause against the discharge of the lien.

This 20-day period is critical because it ensures that the lienor has ample opportunity to present any dispute regarding the validity of the lien and to demonstrate why the lien should not be discharged. This legal framework is designed to balance the interests of property owners seeking clarity on their title and the rights of lienors who may have a legitimate claim against the property. Understanding this timeframe is essential for practitioners in the field, as it dictates the necessary steps to ensure proper legal process is followed in lien disputes.