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Florida Bail Bond — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Bail Bond Agency License

Agency license distinct from the personal agent licenses. Initial agency licensure applies from January 1, 2024; registrations existing on July 1, 2024 converted automatically. No historical automatic-conversion route is emitted as a current issuance route.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Initial agency licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agent in charge
Designate a licensed and appointed full-time agent in charge for each location, satisfying the 24-month qualification in section 648.3875; file the designation through MyProfile.
Application information
Provide names and license numbers of controlling owners and officers, their residence addresses, agency and registered agent business and email addresses, branch addresses and opening dates, and the full-time agent in charge for each location.
Application signer
A listed owner or officer signs the application; an authorized third party may complete, submit and sign it, but the agency remains accountable for accuracy.
Appointments
Insurer or managing general agent appointments of agencies must be filed with DFS; the agency must hold a valid license and its owner signs the statutory attestation of no unpaid premium and discharge of outstanding forfeitures and judgments.
Consumer page conflict
The DFS consumer Bail Bonds Overview page states "Bail Bond Agencies are not required to be licensed." That lower-ranked statement conflicts with sections 648.285 and 648.30 of the 2026 Florida Statutes; the current agency license and application requirements are retained on the controlling statute’s terms.
License display
Display the issued agency license prominently at each location.
Owners
A person with ownership, control, management or another pecuniary interest must be licensed under section 648.27, appointed through DFS, and actively engaged as a bail bond agent for at least the preceding 24 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following suspension for noncompliant agency ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing agency
This route restores the existing suspended agency license; owner and agent-in-charge personal licenses remain separate applicant conditions.
Ownership compliance
An agency suspended under section 648.285(1) must achieve that subsection’s ownership, licensure, appointment and 24-month active-engagement requirements before operations resume.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a suspended agency license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agency qualifications
Restore the agency’s compliant ownership, valid underlying agent licenses and appointments, and agent-in-charge designation.
Department approval
File a reinstatement application and obtain DFS approval under section 648.49(1); circumstances causing suspension must no longer exist and must not be likely to recur.
Department training discretion
Section 648.49(1) permits DFS to require an approved criminal justice basic certification course of at least 80 hours of a former licensee; no separately identified examination is imposed by that reinstatement provision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Permit to Manage a Bail Bond Agency

Temporary permit for a personal representative or legal guardian to manage the affairs of a deceased or mentally incapacitated owner's bail bond agency for a maximum of 24 months; it does not authorize licensed bail bond agent activities.

Licensing authority: Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services · Application information

Legal guardian of mentally incapacitated agency owner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Activities
Manage agency affairs; do not engage in activities as a licensed bail bond agent.
Agent in charge
Appoint or maintain the appointment of a bail bond agent in charge and comply with section 648.387 while administering the estate or guardianship.
Applicant
Legal guardian of mentally incapacitated agency owner.
Application
Apply to DFS on prescribed forms with statements and affidavits; rule 69B-221.155(7) identifies Form DFS-H2-2083.
Duration
The temporary permit lasts a maximum of 24 months.
Retained qualifications
Meet the bail bond agent qualifications except residency, examination, education and experience, which section 648.285(8) expressly exempts. The remaining qualifications include natural-person status and age 18, citizenship or authorized alien status, character and criminal-history qualifications, required sworn references, and fingerprint/background requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Personal representative of deceased agency owner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Activities
Manage agency affairs; do not engage in activities as a licensed bail bond agent.
Agent in charge
Appoint or maintain the appointment of a bail bond agent in charge and comply with section 648.387 while administering the estate or guardianship.
Applicant
Personal representative of deceased agency owner.
Application
Apply to DFS on prescribed forms with statements and affidavits; rule 69B-221.155(7) identifies Form DFS-H2-2083.
Duration
The temporary permit lasts a maximum of 24 months.
Retained qualifications
Meet the bail bond agent qualifications except residency, examination, education and experience, which section 648.285(8) expressly exempts. The remaining qualifications include natural-person status and age 18, citizenship or authorized alien status, character and criminal-history qualifications, required sworn references, and fingerprint/background requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident Limited Surety (Bail Bond) Agent

Individual bail bond agent license. Insurer-appointed agent executing or countersigning bail bonds.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Late appointment renewal, continuation or reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Existing license
Hold a valid underlying agent license and an appointment eligible for renewal under section 648.383; maintain licensing qualifications and continuing education.
Filing
The appointing entity submits the lists, statements and information and applicable renewal fees and taxes.
Renewal period
The appointing entity files the renewal in the appointee’s birth month and every 24 months thereafter.
Timing
Submit the required information after the renewal date with appointment, late filing, continuation and reinstatement fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely appointment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Existing license
Hold a valid underlying agent license and an appointment eligible for renewal under section 648.383; maintain licensing qualifications and continuing education.
Filing
The appointing entity submits the lists, statements and information and applicable renewal fees and taxes.
Renewal period
The appointing entity files the renewal in the appointee’s birth month and every 24 months thereafter.
Timing
Submit the required information before expiration in the birth month; the renewed appointment takes effect on the first day of the succeeding month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation of existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
Maintain the required appointment; if unappointed for 48 months, the first-time requalification route applies.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Department discretion
Section 648.27(5) says "without further examination unless deemed necessary by the department". Its unnamed discretionary examination is recorded as an applicant condition; this continuation provision identifies no separate currently offered examination.
Existing license
Hold the existing agent license, which remains in force until suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated under section 648.27(5).
Ongoing qualifications
Continue to satisfy section 648.34 throughout licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Requalification after 48 months without appointment
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Inactive appointment
After 48 months without an appointment, qualify as a first-time applicant and file a new application under sections 648.315 and 648.384(2). Section 648.38(10) allows a discretionary military-service extension to 12 months after discharge when military service did not exceed three years, with no extension longer than six years.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Initial resident licensure by examination
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Reappointment of existing license before the 48 month requalification threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment qualification
Submit the required appointment application or insurer filing, character investigation certification, and sworn statement of no unpaid premium and discharge of outstanding forfeitures and judgments under section 648.382.
Collateral affidavit
If currently or previously appointed by another insurer, file the sworn, notarized collateral affidavit required by section 648.442(8).
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Department application discretion
DFS may specifically order a new application under section 648.315(1).
Existing license
Hold an existing agent license and seek reappointment before 48 months without appointment have elapsed; after 48 months use first-time requalification.
Former insurer
If a former insurer canceled the appointment because of unpaid forfeitures or judgments, reappointment requires its certification that those liabilities have been discharged.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure following reexamination
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prior exam attempt
Previously failed, missed, or did not complete the licensing examination; file a reexamination application and pay the applicable fees. After three failed examinations, retake the 120-hour course and obtain at least an 80-percent grade before sitting again.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Initial licensure after establishing Florida residence with another resident license on record
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Other state resident license
A Florida resident whose name remains on another state’s records as a resident licensee must furnish a clearance letter satisfactory to DFS showing cancellation or conversion of those resident licenses to nonresident status and good standing. This applicant remains subject to the Florida qualifications and licensing examination; the clearance clause is not an examination waiver.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
Obtain or restore the appointment needed to practice; after 48 months without appointment, first-time requalification applies.
Continuing education
Maintain continuing education credits during suspension under rule 69B-221.010(3).
Department training discretion
DFS may require the former licensee to complete an approved criminal justice basic certification course of at least 80 hours; this is a course condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Revocation
Section 648.49(2) prohibits a person whose license or license eligibility was revoked from applying for another license under Chapter 648.
Suspension
Apply for reinstatement of a suspended license or appointment; obtain DFS approval. DFS cannot approve if the circumstances causing suspension still exist or are likely to recur.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident Professional Bail Bond Agent

Individual bail bond agent license. Agent pledging currency, United States postal money orders or cashier’s checks as bail bond security.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Late appointment renewal, continuation or reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Existing license
Hold a valid underlying agent license and an appointment eligible for renewal under section 648.383; maintain licensing qualifications and continuing education.
Filing
The appointing entity submits the lists, statements and information and applicable renewal fees and taxes.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Renewal period
The appointing entity files the renewal in the appointee’s birth month and every 24 months thereafter.
Timing
Submit the required information after the renewal date with appointment, late filing, continuation and reinstatement fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely appointment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Existing license
Hold a valid underlying agent license and an appointment eligible for renewal under section 648.383; maintain licensing qualifications and continuing education.
Filing
The appointing entity submits the lists, statements and information and applicable renewal fees and taxes.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Renewal period
The appointing entity files the renewal in the appointee’s birth month and every 24 months thereafter.
Timing
Submit the required information before expiration in the birth month; the renewed appointment takes effect on the first day of the succeeding month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation of existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
Maintain the required appointment; if unappointed for 48 months, the first-time requalification route applies.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Department discretion
Section 648.27(5) says "without further examination unless deemed necessary by the department". Its unnamed discretionary examination is recorded as an applicant condition; this continuation provision identifies no separate currently offered examination.
Existing license
Hold the existing agent license, which remains in force until suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated under section 648.27(5).
Ongoing qualifications
Continue to satisfy section 648.34 throughout licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Requalification after 48 months without appointment
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Inactive appointment
After 48 months without an appointment, qualify as a first-time applicant and file a new application under sections 648.315 and 648.384(2). Section 648.38(10) allows a discretionary military-service extension to 12 months after discharge when military service did not exceed three years, with no extension longer than six years.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Rating plan
File the proposed bail bond rating plan with the license application and obtain Office of Insurance Regulation approval before issuance. The DFS 2-37 checklist states "The department prior to issuance of the license must approve such rating plan and financial statement"; section 648.35 controls the legally required approval and filing obligations.
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Initial resident licensure by examination
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Rating plan
File the proposed bail bond rating plan with the license application and obtain Office of Insurance Regulation approval before issuance. The DFS 2-37 checklist states "The department prior to issuance of the license must approve such rating plan and financial statement"; section 648.35 controls the legally required approval and filing obligations.
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Reappointment of existing license before the 48 month requalification threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment qualification
Submit the required appointment application or insurer filing, character investigation certification, and sworn statement of no unpaid premium and discharge of outstanding forfeitures and judgments under section 648.382.
Collateral affidavit
If currently or previously appointed by another insurer, file the sworn, notarized collateral affidavit required by section 648.442(8).
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Department application discretion
DFS may specifically order a new application under section 648.315(1).
Existing license
Hold an existing agent license and seek reappointment before 48 months without appointment have elapsed; after 48 months use first-time requalification.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Former insurer
If a former insurer canceled the appointment because of unpaid forfeitures or judgments, reappointment requires its certification that those liabilities have been discharged.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure following reexamination
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Prior exam attempt
Previously failed, missed, or did not complete the licensing examination; file a reexamination application and pay the applicable fees. After three failed examinations, retake the 120-hour course and obtain at least an 80-percent grade before sitting again.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Rating plan
File the proposed bail bond rating plan with the license application and obtain Office of Insurance Regulation approval before issuance. The DFS 2-37 checklist states "The department prior to issuance of the license must approve such rating plan and financial statement"; section 648.35 controls the legally required approval and filing obligations.
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Initial licensure after establishing Florida residence with another resident license on record
Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety
Age
Be a natural person at least 18 years old.
Agent in charge and managing general agent
These are designations or appointments held by a licensed bail bond agent, rather than separate agent license identities. An agent in charge must satisfy section 648.3875, including 24 immediately preceding months of agent licensure; a managing general agent must satisfy sections 648.27(8) and 648.388.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and supporting materials and pay the applicable application and identification fees; obtain department approval and Authorization to Test before scheduling the licensing examination.
Appointment
Obtain an appointment for the license to authorize practice. A limited surety agent is appointed by an insurer or managing general agent; a professional agent applies for appointment with the department and pays the appointment fees and taxes.
Business location
Maintain the business and records in Florida in the county of business, actively work in the bail bond business, and work with a licensed agency accessible to the public during reasonable business hours.
Character and criminal history
Be of high character and approved integrity; no conviction or guilty or no-contest plea to a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, whether judgment was entered or withheld.
Character references
Submit sworn recommendations from at least three reputable citizens residing in the counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business.
Citizenship and work authorization
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien with work authorization.
Continuing education
Complete at least 14 hours of continuing education every two years under section 648.385.
Correspondence course
Within two years before application, successfully complete a department-approved bail bond correspondence course.
Criminal justice course
Within two years before application, complete at least 120 classroom hours of approved criminal justice basic certification with a grade of at least 80 percent.
Education
Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Examination authorization
The bail-bond-specific handbook gives an Authorization to Test valid for 12 months or three attempts, whichever comes first; a new authorization requires reapplication. Its specific authorization rule is retained alongside the general DFS page statement that five attempts of the same examination type are allowed in a 12-month period.
Financial statement
File a detailed financial statement under oath with the license application and each renewal or continuation of appointment.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and undergo the department background investigation; examination authorization awaits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI criminal-history reports. The department may accept fingerprints submitted within the past 48 months for an additional license, subject to its statutory power to require new fingerprints.
Local registration
Before acting as surety, register with the sheriff and circuit court clerk as required by section 648.42.
Other state resident license
A Florida resident whose name remains on another state’s records as a resident licensee must furnish a clearance letter satisfactory to DFS showing cancellation or conversion of those resident licenses to nonresident status and good standing. This applicant remains subject to the Florida qualifications and licensing examination; the clearance clause is not an examination waiver.
Prohibited roles
Do not be a jailer or jail employee, police or law-enforcement employee, committing trial court judge or court or clerk employee, sheriff or deputy or sheriff-department employee, attorney, or person having arrest power or authority over prisoners under section 648.44(2).
Rating plan
File the proposed bail bond rating plan with the license application and obtain Office of Insurance Regulation approval before issuance. The DFS 2-37 checklist states "The department prior to issuance of the license must approve such rating plan and financial statement"; section 648.35 controls the legally required approval and filing obligations.
Residence
Reside in Florida.
Score age
The DFS General License Examination Information page states: "A passing score is valid for one (1) year from the date that the score was earned." Complete licensing within that period or retake and pass the examination.
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
Obtain or restore the appointment needed to practice; after 48 months without appointment, first-time requalification applies.
Continuing education
Maintain continuing education credits during suspension under rule 69B-221.010(3).
Department training discretion
DFS may require the former licensee to complete an approved criminal justice basic certification course of at least 80 hours; this is a course condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Revocation
Section 648.49(2) prohibits a person whose license or license eligibility was revoked from applying for another license under Chapter 648.
Suspension
Apply for reinstatement of a suspended license or appointment; obtain DFS approval. DFS cannot approve if the circumstances causing suspension still exist or are likely to recur.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Florida Agent’s Bail Bonds/Limited Surety

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Written examination administered by computer at a test center
Exam questions
60 scored questions plus 10 pretest questions
Time limit
75 minutes (2026 outline supersedes the 1-hour entry in the unchanged 2024 handbook)
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • BAIL AS SURETY; CRIMINAL DEFENDANT'S BONDS (5%)
    • A. Bail As Surety
    • A. Bail As Surety / 1. Regulation and regulatory authority
    • A. Bail As Surety / 2. The Surety Contract
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 1. Bail Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 2. Appeal Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 3. Supersedeas Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 4. Habeas Corpus Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 5. Extradition Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 6. Civil Contempt Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 7. Ne Exeat Bonds
    • B. Criminal Defendant's Bonds / 8. Criminal Contempt Bonds
    • C. Federal Bonds
  • LICENSING AND APPOINTMENT OF BAIL BOND AGENTS AND AGENCIES (5%)
    • A. Professional Bail Bond Agents
    • B. Limited Surety Agents
    • B. Limited Surety Agents / 1. Application
    • B. Limited Surety Agents / 2. Qualifications
    • B. Limited Surety Agents / 3. Effective Date and Term of License
    • B. Limited Surety Agents / 4. Prohibited Persons
    • B. Limited Surety Agents / 5. Continuing Education Requirements
    • C. Bail Bond Agencies
    • C. Bail Bond Agencies / 1. Application
    • C. Bail Bond Agencies / 2. Qualifications
    • C. Bail Bond Agencies / 3. Effective Date and Term of License
    • C. Bail Bond Agencies / 4. Prohibited Persons
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF CONTRACTS (10%)
    • A. Enforceability of contracts
    • B. Actions that Make a Contract Unenforceable
    • C. Creating A Valid Contract
    • D. Enforcing the Contract
    • E. Uniform Extradition Act
  • OPERATING A BAIL BOND BUSINESS (15%)
    • A. The Contract of Agency
    • B. Statutory Guidelines
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 1. Bail bond office
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 2. Supervision and Employees
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 3. Licenses and Appointments
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 4. Records
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 5. Advertising
    • B. Statutory Guidelines / 6. Change of Address
    • C. Payment of Premium
  • ARREST AND RELEASE (10%)
    • A. Arrest Procedures
    • B. Pre–Trial Release
    • C. Approval and Acceptance of Bail
    • D. GPS Monitoring
  • WRITING AND UNDERWRITING BONDS (10%)
    • A. Underwriting
    • B. The Surety/Defendant Contract (Bond)
    • C. The Surety Contract
    • D. Writing the Bond/Premium
    • E. Transfer Bonds
    • E. Transfer Bonds / 1. In state
    • E. Transfer Bonds / 2. Out–of–state
    • F. Out–of–County Bonds
  • THE COURTS (10%)
    • A. Jurisdictions
    • A. Jurisdictions / 1. Appellate jurisdiction
    • A. Jurisdictions / 2. Original jurisdiction
    • B. Fulfilling the obligation
    • B. Fulfilling the obligation / 1. Required court appearances
    • B. Fulfilling the obligation / 2. Court orders
    • B. Fulfilling the obligation / 3. Surrender of Defendant
    • B. Fulfilling the obligation / 4. Statutory discharge
  • FORFEITURES AND JUDGMENTS (15%)
    • A. Forfeitures
    • A. Forfeitures / 1. Procedural Guidelines
    • A. Forfeitures / 2. Notice of Forfeiture
    • A. Forfeitures / 3. Discharge of Forfeiture
    • A. Forfeitures / 4. Warrant/Capias for Defendant's Arrest
    • A. Forfeitures / 5. Locating and Arresting the Defendant
    • B. Judgments
    • B. Judgments / 1. Forfeiture to Judgment
    • B. Judgments / 2. Consequences of Unpaid Judgments
    • B. Judgments / 3. Motions to Set Aside Judgment
    • B. Judgments / 4. Remission
  • COLLATERAL AND INDEMNITY (10%)
    • A. The Indemnity Contract
    • B. Types of Collateral
    • C. Securing Collateral
    • D. Custody of Collateral
    • E. Return of Collateral After Fulfillment
    • F. After Forfeiture
    • G. Contractual Restrictions
    • H. Punishment for Violations
  • REGULATION OF BAIL BOND AGENTS (10%)
    • A. Criminal Charges and Violations
    • A. Criminal Charges and Violations / 1. Felony Violations
    • A. Criminal Charges and Violations / 2. Misdemeanor Violations
    • B. Department Authority
    • B. Department Authority / 1. Department Discipline
    • B. Department Authority / 2. Initiating a Departmental Investigation
    • B. Department Authority / 3. Evidence Gathering
    • B. Department Authority / 4. Disciplinary Actions and Other Consequences
Examination sources