Georgia retainage

Who and what this applies to

Public-works contracts entered on or after July 1, 2022 within O.C.G.A. §13-10-80, including its exclusions and July 1, 2025 amendment.

The rules

• Georgia §13-10-80 caps retainage at 5% on covered public-works contracts. It excludes state DOT road and highway work and contracts worth $250,000 or less or lasting 45 days or less. On substantial completion, or the contract’s applicable completion standard, qualifying retainage is due within 30 days after the required invoice and documentation; 200% of the value of incomplete items may remain withheld. Corresponding retainage generally passes to performing lower tiers within ten days of receipt, subject to the statutory assurances. Source

Primary sources

• 2025 supplement, printed pp. 145–147; §13-10-80(b)–(e)

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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