Every Florida notary needs the $7,500 bond under F.S. §117.01 — Florida has no carve-outs like some states do for certain notary categories. The bond stays in effect for the full 4-year commission.
Florida Surety Bonds
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It’s easy with our simple 3-step process:
- Apply Online
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Florida requires a surety bond for hundreds of licenses, from notaries to auto dealers to unbonded contractors. Whether you need a $7,500 notary bond or a $25,000 dealer bond, the process and cost depend on your specific license type.
Most Common Florida Surety Bonds
Florida requires several types of surety bonds depending on your profession, license, or situation. Below are the most common ones for contractors, dealers, notaries, and vehicle owners.
This list covers the bonds we see most often — reach out if your situation calls for something not listed here.
costs
Surety Bond Florida Cost: What You'll Pay in FL
Your premium is a small percentage of the full bond amount, not the amount itself. Insurers set that percentage using your credit score, time in business, and the bond type — construction bonds are tied to your FICO score, priced differently than flat-rate bonds like the notary or dealer bond.
| Credit Tier | FICO Range | Rate | Example ($25,000 dealer bond) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 720+ | 1%–3% | $250–$750/year |
| Good | 660–719 | 3%–5% | $750–$1,250/year |
| Fair | 600–659 | 5%–7% | $1,250–$1,750/year |
| Challenged | Below 600 | 7%–10% | $1,750–$2,500/year |
Construction and performance bonds price differently since they’re tied to contract value — contact us for a project-specific quote.
Florida Surety Bond Requirements: What DBPR, FLHSMV, and the Department of State Require
Three different Florida agencies regulate the bonds on this page, and each has its own filing rules.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — regulates contractor licensing bonds under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. File at myfloridalicense.com.
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — regulates dealer bonds and title bonds. File at flhsmv.gov.
- Florida Department of State — regulates notary bonds under F.S. §117.01. File through the Division of Corporations.
- Dealer bonds renew annually; independent dealer licenses expire April 30, franchise dealer licenses expire December 31. A lapsed bond suspends your license immediately.
- Notary bonds run for the full 4-year commission term and don’t renew separately — you’ll buy a new one only when you reapply.
- Anyone harmed by a bonded party’s misconduct can file a claim directly with the surety, which investigates before paying out.
- Florida’s title bond amount is unusual nationally — it’s set at exactly 2x Kelley Blue Book value, not a flat statutory figure like most other license bonds on this page.
step by step guide
How to Get a Surety Bond in Florida
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Choose Your Bond Type
Select the bond you need — commercial, contract, or any specialized bond. We help you find exactly what is required in your state.
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Submit a Quick Application
Complete a short online form. It only takes a few minutes, with no extra paperwork or long verification steps.
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Get Approved & Receive Your Bond
Get fast approval and receive your bond instantly by email. Your document is ready to use right away.
Getting bonded in Florida takes five steps, whether you need a notary bond or a dealer bond.
- Confirm your bond type and amount — check with DBPR, FLHSMV, or the Department of State based on your license or situation.
- Get a quote — submit basic business and personal details, plus a soft credit check for credit-based bonds.
- Review your rate — your premium depends on the tier your credit score falls into.
- Sign and pay — most bonds under $25,000 issue the same day with no hard credit pull.
- File your bond — submit it to the correct agency (DBPR, FLHSMV, or Department of State) to activate your license.
faq
Florida Surety Bond FAQ
Does every Florida notary need a $7,500 bond, or are there exceptions?
How long does it take to get bonded in Florida?
Most bonds under $25,000, including notary and dealer bonds, are issued the same day with no hard credit check. Contractor bonds tied to a FICO review can take 1–3 business days.
What happens if my Florida contractor bond lapses?
DBPR can suspend your license immediately if your required bond lapses, since the bond is a condition of maintaining active status. Reinstatement requires a new bond and can add weeks to your timeline.
Can I use one surety bond across multiple Florida license types?
No. Florida requires a separate bond for each license or activity — a dealer bond doesn’t cover notary work, and a notary bond doesn’t cover contracting. Each agency (DBPR, FLHSMV, Department of State) files its own bond independently.
Is a Florida bonded title the same as a clear title?
No. A Florida bonded title carries a “BT” brand for 3 years and generally can’t be financed during that window. After 3 years with no claims, FLHSMV issues a standard clear title.
Check Out
Most Popular Florida Bonds
Choose Surety Bond Type You Need in Florida
Commercial Bonds
- Business Service Bonds
- Employee Dishonesty Bonds
- Fidelity Surety Bonds
- Financial Institution Bonds
- Janitorial Bonds
License & Permit Bonds
Court Bonds
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