RESIDENT PROFESSIONAL BAIL BOND AGENT

TYPE AND CLASS:

• 2-37 Professional Bail Bond

Florida Statutes 648.25 defines a “Professional Bail Bond Agent” as any person who pledges United States currency, United States postal money orders or cashier’s check as security for a bail bond in connection with a judicial proceeding and receives or is promised therefore money or things of value.

Application Qualifications:

• Complete an online application for License and submit appropriate fees. Apply for license
• Must have obtained a Temporary license for Limited Surety Agent or Professional Bail Bond Agent and have worked under that license for at least 12 months prior to applying for this permanent license pursuant to s. 648.355, Florida Statutes.
• Be a natural person at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Be a resident of the state of Florida.
• Be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services.
• You must be fingerprinted. [Click here and follow the instructions]
• Must submit a recent credential-sized, full-face photograph.
• Be a person of high character and approved integrity and has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of any state, territory or country whether or not a judgment or conviction is entered.
• Must have a place of business located in this state and in the county where the applicant will maintain his or her records and be actively engaged in the bail bond business and maintain an agency accessible to the public which is open for reasonable business hours.
• Be vouched for and recommended upon statements filed with the Department by at least (3) reputable citizens who are residents of the same counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business. This is sent in with the temporary license application; however, if the person has changed counties, they must furnish new statements on Form DFS H2 1500
• Must file with his or her application for licensure and with each application for renewal or continuation of his or her appointment E-Appoint; and
• Must file the rating plan proposed for use in writing bail bond and a detailed, sworn financial statement, using forms approved by the Department. The department prior to issuance of the license must approve such rating plan and financial statement. Form for rate filing, Form for financial statement

Special Notes

• A person who fails an examination three times must retake the 120-hour course and obtain a grade of 80 percent or higher before sitting for the examination again. [Section 648.381, Florida Statutes]
• Applicant cannot be any of the following:
  • Jailer or persons employed in any jail.
  • Police officers or employees of any police department or law enforcement agency.
  • Committing magistrates, employees of a court, or employees of the Clerk of Court.
  • Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs or employees of any sheriffs department.
  • Attorneys
  • Person having the power to arrest or person who have authority over or control of federal, state, county, or municipal prisoners.