What is the retainage cap in Georgia?

On public work the planning cap is 5% (cut from 10% in 2022). On private work it is No statutory cap. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.

When is retainage released in Georgia?

Public jobs typically release 60 days after acceptance. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.

How fast must a prime pay a sub in Georgia?

10 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 15 days after invoice in many cases. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on some public late pay.

Georgia · GA

Georgia retainage law and prompt-payment rules

Pay-if-paid clauses are generally enforceable in Georgia — read the subcontract. Start in the code: O.C.G.A. § 13-10-80; § 13-11-3.

Use this page when you are bidding or billing a job in Georgia. Public retainage is listed as 5% (cut from 10% in 2022); private as No statutory cap. Typical public release is 60 days after acceptance.

Then open the retainage calculator for the dollars, or the G702-style pay application if you need line-by-line previous certificates.

Where is the job?

State and project type drive retainage caps and payment clocks

State

Project type

Caps and clocks change with project type, contract value, and the year you signed. Planning table only — confirm the current statute before you rely on a date.

Georgia — private work

Retainage capNo statutory cap

Typical retainage releasePer contract

Interest / penalty1% monthly on some public late pay

Owner / agency to primePublic: 15 days after invoice in many cases

Prime to sub (after prime paid)10 days after the prime is paid

Start in the codeO.C.G.A. § 13-10-80; § 13-11-3

Pay-if-paid clauses are generally enforceable in Georgia — read the subcontract.

Summaries compiled for planning. This site is not a law firm.

Run the retainage dollars

Questions this page answers

What is the retainage cap in Georgia?: On public work the planning cap is 5% (cut from 10% in 2022). On private work it is No statutory cap. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.
When is retainage released in Georgia?: Public jobs typically release 60 days after acceptance. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.
How fast must a prime pay a sub in Georgia?: 10 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 15 days after invoice in many cases. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on some public late pay.

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