What is the retainage cap in Louisiana?

On public work the planning cap is 10%. On private work it is 10%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.

When is retainage released in Louisiana?

Public jobs typically release 45 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 Louisiana?

14 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: Per contract.

Louisiana · LA

Louisiana retainage law and prompt-payment rules

Both public and private have a 10% statutory backdrop. Start in the code: La. R.S. 38:2248; 9:4811.

Use this page when you are bidding or billing a job in Louisiana. Public retainage is listed as 10%; private as 10%. Typical public release is 45 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.

Louisiana — private work

Retainage cap10%

Typical retainage releasePer contract

Interest / penaltyPer contract

Owner / agency to primePublic: 45 days after invoice

Prime to sub (after prime paid)14 days after the prime is paid

Start in the codeLa. R.S. 38:2248; 9:4811

Both public and private have a 10% statutory backdrop.

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 Louisiana?: On public work the planning cap is 10%. On private work it is 10%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.
When is retainage released in Louisiana?: Public jobs typically release 45 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 Louisiana?: 14 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: Per contract.

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