A lis pendens is a common tool used in Florida to put third parties on notice of a pending lawsuit against real estate. Lis pendens is a Latin term that literally means "lawsuit pending.A Florida Lis Pendens Notice is a legal document that alerts potential buyers and creditors of pending litigation on a property. A lis pendens is not a mechanics lien, but it is often required as part of the lien process. Remember that a lis pendens is a notice of a pending lawsuit. To file an Answer to the County's Complaint for Foreclosure. A mortgage foreclosure is founded on a duly recorded instrument and therefore a lis pendens for the foreclosure does not expire one year from recording. Common uses of a Lis Pendens are: Quit Title Action, Mechanic's Lien, Foreclosure, and part of a divorce proceeding. (1) This act may be cited as the "Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act.