713.13 (1) (A) Except for an improvement that is exempt pursuant to S 713.02 (5) an owner or the owner’s authorized agent before commencing to improve any real property, or recommencing completion of any improvement after default or abandonment, weather or not a project has a payment bond complying with s. 713.23, shall record a Notice of Commencement in the Clerks Office and forthwith post either a certified copy thereof or a notarized statement that the Notice of Commencement has been filed for recording along with a copy thereof
F.S. 713.13 Therefore requires a NOC be filed to the start of work for all improvements where the cost of the improvement is over $2,500.00 (7,500 for mechanical work). The State of Florida requires the Building Department to keep on file a copy of the NOC. The first inspection for any project requiring a NOC will not be scheduled until a copy of the recorded NOC has been received by the Building Department.
Where the value of work is listed under $2,500.00 ($7,500 for mechanical work) on the permit application in order to avoid a Notice of Commencement constitutes fraud. Fraudulent permit applications my lead to referral to the Construction Trades Qualifying Board, which can levy fines, order suspension or revocation of your contracting license.