Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

To sell cars in Florida, you need a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond. You file it with the FL DHSMV. You can get it fast.

Bond Amount
$25,000
Typical Premium
$175–$1,250/yr
Term
1 Year
Required By
FL DHSMV
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What Is the Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?

The Florida motor vehicle dealer bond stands behind your dealership. If you wrong a customer, they can file a claim. The surety covers it, and you pay that money back.

In Florida, the bond is $25,000.

Who Needs This Bond in Florida?

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

Florida dealer bond premiums are credit-based. Most established dealers with good credit pay $175 to $300 per year.

Credit ProfileAnnual PremiumApprox. Rate
Excellent Credit$175 – $2500.7% – 1%
Good Credit$250 – $4001% – 1.6%
Fair Credit$400 – $6251.6% – 2.5%
Credit Challenges$625 – $1,0002.5% – 4%
Past Credit Issues$1,000 – $1,250+4% – 5%+

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

  1. Apply for the bond on this page. Approval is quick for most dealers.
  2. Complete your dealer application.
  3. File the bond with the FL DHSMV.
  4. Receive your license and open for business.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

Plan to renew your Florida dealer bond every year. Renew ahead of time so your license never drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Florida bond protect me?

No. The bond protects your customers and the state, not you. If a claim is paid, you repay the surety. The bond is not your own insurance.

How fast can I get bonded in Florida?

We shop several sureties for you, often within a day. Many bonds are issued the same day for good credit.

How much does the bond cost?

You pay a yearly premium — a small percent of the bond amount. Good credit means a lower rate.

How a Surety Bond Works

A dealer bond is a type of surety bond. The picture below shows the three parties and what happens if someone files a claim.

Diagram of how a surety bond works: the obligee requires the bond, the principal applies and signs an indemnity agreement, and the surety issues the bond; if the principal fails, the obligee files a claim, the surety investigates and may pay, and the principal reimburses the surety.

Ready to get your Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?

Apply in 2 minutes. Most quotes returned same day.

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This Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond in other states
Alabama · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Louisiana · Maryland · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin
Other Florida surety bonds
Auctioneer Bond · Commercial Collection Agency Bond · Mortgage Broker / Lender Bond · Notary Public Bond

Related: All Florida surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated

Underwriting Disclosure. All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.