In Florida, a car owner or lienholder (like a bank) will need to file a Release of Mechanic’s Lien Bond before the mechanic can—no surprise here—release a vehicle that has a mechanic’s lien on it into the custody of whoever filed the bond. The Release of Mechanic’s Lien Bond is conditioned that the judgment of the circuit court will be paid.
The Release of Mechanic Lien Bond would grant the owner/lienholder possession of the vehicle instead of being stored by the mechanic during a disputed transaction. The circuit court will decide whether the vehicle was stored or withheld unlawfully. If judgment rules in favor of the party that filed the bond (aka the car owner or lienholder), there is no further action for the bond.
However, if the judgment is in favor of the mechanic, the court will instruct the owner or lienholder to pay the mechanic—this can include what was owed for the lien and reasonable attorney fees. If this payment is not fulfilled, the mechanic would claim payment from the Release of Mechanic’s Lien Bond.
The amount of the bond is equal to the amount that is still owed to the mechanic based on the invoice given and any applicable storage costs (not including any payment already made) according to Section 599.917 of the Florida Motor Vehicle Service Act.
To apply for the Release of Mechanic’s Lien Bond or find further information, please contact our office at (855) 296-2663.