BAIL BOND AGENTS

F.S. Ch. 648

in effect

F.S. 648.24 Declaration of public policy.

It is the public policy of this state and the intent of the Legislature that a bond for which fees or premiums are charged must be executed by a bail bond agent licensed pursuant to this chapter in connection with the pretrial or appellate release of a criminal defendant and shall be construed as a commitment by and obligation upon the bail bond agent to ensure that the defendant appears at all subsequent criminal proceedings.

F.S. 648.25 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “Appointment” means the authority given by an insurer or the managing general agent of an insurer through the department to a licensee to transact insurance or adjust claims on behalf of the insurer or managing general agent. (2) “Bail bond agency” means: (a) The building where a licensee maintains an office and where all records required by ss. 648.34 and 648.36 are maintained; or (b) An entity that: 1. Charges a fee or premium to release an accused defendant or detainee from jail; or 2. Engages in or employs others to engage in any activity that may be performed only by a licensed and appointed bail bond agent. (3) “Bail bond agent” means a limited surety agent or a professional bail bond agent as hereafter defined. (4) “Bail bond agent in charge” means a licensed bail bond agent who is responsible for the overall operation and management of a bail bond agency location and whose responsibilities include hiring and supervising all individuals within that location. A bail bond agent may be designated as the bail bond agent in charge for only one bail bond agency location. (5) “Insurer” means any domestic, foreign, or alien surety company which has been authorized to transact surety business in this state. (6) “Limited surety agent” means any individual appointed by an insurer by power of attorney to execute or countersign bail bonds in connection with judicial proceedings who receives or is promised money or other things of value therefor. (7) “Managing general agent” means any individual, partnership, association, or corporation appointed or employed by an insurer to supervise or manage the bail bond business written in this state by limited surety agents appointed by the insurer. (8) “Professional bail bond agent” means any person who pledges United States currency, United States postal money orders, or cashier’s checks as security for a bail bond in connection with a judicial proceeding and receives or is promised therefor money or other things of value. (9) “Referring bail bond agent” means the limited surety agent who is requesting the transfer bond. The referring bail bond agent is the agent held liable for the transfer bond, along with the issuing surety company. (10) “Temporary bail bond agent” means a person licensed before January 1, 2024, who is employed by a bail bond agent or agency, insurer, or managing general agent, and such licensee has the same authority as a licensed bail bond agent, including presenting defendants in court; apprehending, arresting, and surrendering defendants to the proper authorities, while accompanied by a supervising bail bond agent or an agent from the same agency; and keeping defendants under necessary surveillance. However, a temporary licensee may not execute or sign bonds, handle collateral receipts, or deliver bonds to appropriate authorities. A temporary licensee may not operate an agency or branch agency separate from the location of the supervising bail bond agent, managing general agent, or insurer by whom the licensee is employed. This does not affect the right of a bail bond agent or insurer to hire counsel or to obtain the assistance of law enforcement officers. A temporary bail bond agent license expires 18 months after issuance and is no longer valid on or after June 30, 2025. (11) “Transfer bond” means the appearance bond and power of attorney form posted by a limited surety agent who is registered in the county where the defendant is being held in custody.

F.S. 648.26 Department of Financial Services; administration.

(1) The department shall administer the provisions of this chapter as provided in this chapter. (a) The department has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring powers or duties upon it. (b) The department may employ and discharge such employees, examiners, counsel, and other assistants as shall be deemed necessary, and it shall prescribe their duties; their compensation shall be the same as other state employees receive for similar services. (2) The department shall adopt a seal by which its proceedings are authenticated. Any written instrument purporting to be a copy of any action, proceeding, or finding of fact by the department, or any record of the department authenticated by the seal, shall be accepted by all the courts of this state as prima facie evidence of the contents thereof. (3) The papers, documents, reports, or any other investigatory records of the department are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until such investigation is completed or ceases to be active, unless the department or office files a formal administrative complaint, emergency order, or consent order against the individual or entity. For the purpose of this section, an investigation is considered active while the investigation is being conducted by the department with a reasonable, good faith belief that it may lead to the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings. An investigation does not cease to be active if the department is proceeding with reasonable dispatch and there is good faith belief that action may be initiated by the department or other administrative or law enforcement agency. This subsection does not prevent the department or office from disclosing the content of a complaint or such information as it deems necessary to conduct the investigation, to update the complainant as to the status and outcome of the complaint, to review the details of the investigation with the subject or the subject’s representative, or to share such information with any law enforcement agency or other regulatory body.

F.S. 648.27 Licenses and appointments; general.

(1) A license may not be issued except in compliance with this chapter, and may not be issued except to an individual. A firm, partnership, association, or corporation, as such, may not be licensed. (2) For the protection of the people of this state, the department may not issue, renew, or permit to exist any license or appointment except in compliance with this chapter. The department may not issue, renew, or permit to exist a license or appointment for any individual found to be untrustworthy or incompetent who has had his or her eligibility to hold a license or appointment revoked, or who has not established to the satisfaction of the department that he or she is qualified therefor in accordance with this chapter. (3) The department may propound any reasonable interrogatories to an applicant for a license or appointment under this chapter or on any renewal thereof, relating to his or her qualifications, residence, prospective place of business, and any other matters which are deemed necessary or expedient in order to protect the public and ascertain the qualifications of the applicant. The department may also conduct any reasonable inquiry or investigation it sees fit, relative to the determination of the applicant’s fitness to be licensed or appointed or to continue to be licensed or appointed. Upon the request of the department, a law enforcement agency shall inform the department of any specific criminal charge filed against any applicant and the final disposition of such charge. (4) If upon the basis of the completed application for a license or appointment and such further inquiry or investigation the department deems the applicant to be unfit as to character and background or lacking in one or more of the required qualifications for the license or appointment, the department shall disapprove the application. (5) The license of a bail bond agent shall continue in force, without further examination unless deemed necessary by the department, until suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated. (6) The original license issued to a licensee under this chapter shall remain outstanding and in effect for so long as the license represented thereby continues in force as provided in this section. The department may at any time require the licensee to produce his or her department-issued photo identification. (7) Any person who represents a surety company, whose duties are restricted to bail bonds, and who comes under the definition of “service representative” as provided in s. 626.015 shall be licensed and appointed as a bail bond agent. (8) An individual who is appointed as a managing general agent to supervise or manage bail bond business written in this state must also be licensed as a bail bond agent. In the case of an entity, at least one owner, officer, or director at each office location must be licensed as a bail bond agent. (9) If, upon application for an appointment and such investigation as the department may make, it appears to the department that an individual has been actively engaged or is currently actively engaged in bail bond activities without being appointed as required, the department may, if it finds that such failure to be appointed is an error on the part of the insurer or employer so represented, issue or authorize the issuance of the appointment as applied for, but subject to the condition that, before the appointment is issued, all fees and taxes which would have been due had the applicant been so appointed during such current and prior periods, together with a continuation fee for such current and prior terms of appointment, shall be paid to the department. Failure to notify the department within the required time period shall result in the appointing entity being assessed a delinquent fee of $250. Delinquent fees shall be paid by the appointing entity and shall not be charged to the appointee.

F.S. 648.29 Build-up funds posted by bail bond agent.

(1) All build-up funds pledged to indemnify an insurer which are posted by a bail bond agent or agency with the insurer must be held in an individual build-up trust account for the agent or agency in an FDIC-approved or FSLIC-approved bank or savings and loan association in this state, jointly in the name of the agent or agency and the insurer or in trust for the agent or agency by the insurer. Such account must remain open to inspection and examination by the department at all times. An accounting of all such funds shall be maintained which designates the amounts collected on each bond written. (2) Build-up funds may not exceed 40 percent of the premium as established by the agent’s contract agreement with the insurer or managing general agent. Build-up funds received shall be immediately deposited to the build-up trust account. Interest on such accounts shall accrue to the bail bond agent. (3) Build-up funds are maintained as a trust fund created on behalf of a bail bond agent or agency, held by the insurer in a fiduciary capacity to be used to indemnify the insurer for losses and any other agreed-upon costs related to a bail bond executed by the agent. The build-up funds are the sole property of the agent or agency. Upon termination of the bail bond agency or agent’s contract and discharge of open bond liabilities on the bonds written, build-up funds are due and payable to the bail bond agent or agency not later than 6 months after final discharge of the open bond liabilities. (4) Each insurer authorized to write bail bonds in this state and each managing general agent must furnish to the department a certified copy of a statement listing each build-up trust account and the balance therein by March 1 of each year. (5) Insurers must provide copies of build-up fund account bank statements to their agents and agencies.

F.S. 648.30 Licensure and appointment required; prohibited acts; penalties.

(1)(a) A person or entity may not act in the capacity of a bail bond agent or bail bond agency or perform any of the functions, duties, or powers prescribed for bail bond agents or bail bond agencies under this chapter unless that person or entity is qualified, licensed, and appointed as provided in this chapter. (b) A bail bond agent may not sell a bail bond issued by an insurer for which the agent and the agent’s bail bond agency do not hold a current appointment. (c) Except as otherwise provided in this part, a person or entity, other than a bail bond agency or an employee of a bail bond agency, may not perform any of the functions of a bail bond agency without a bail bond agency license. (2) A person may not represent himself or herself to be a bail enforcement agent, bounty hunter, or other similar title in this state. (3) A person, other than a certified law enforcement officer, may not apprehend, detain, or arrest a principal on a bond, wherever issued, unless that person is qualified, licensed, and appointed as provided in this chapter or licensed as a bail bond agent or bail bond enforcement agent, or holds an equivalent license by the state where the bond was written. (4) Any person who violates this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (5) Any licensee under this chapter who knowingly aids or abets an unlicensed person in violating this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

F.S. 648.31 Appointment taxes and fees.

The department shall collect in advance all appointment taxes and fees for the issuance of any appointment to a bail bond agent as provided in s. 624.501. There is no fee for the issuance of any appointment to a bail bond agency.

F.S. 648.33 Bail bond rates.

(1) Bail bond rates are subject to the provisions of part I of chapter 627 of the insurance code. (2) It is unlawful for a bail bond agent to execute a bail bond without charging a premium therefor, and the premium rate may not exceed or be less than the premium rate as filed with and approved by the office. (3) Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

F.S. 648.34 Bail bond agents; qualifications.

(1) An application for licensure as a bail bond agent must be submitted on forms prescribed by the department. The application must include the applicant’s full name; date of birth; social security number; residence, business, and mailing addresses; contact telephone numbers, including a business telephone number; and e-mail address. (2) To qualify as a bail bond agent, it must affirmatively appear at the time of application and throughout the period of licensure that the applicant: (a) Is a natural person who has reached the age of 18 years and holds a high school diploma or its equivalent. (b) Is a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and is a resident of this state. An individual who is a resident of this state shall be deemed to meet the residence requirement of this paragraph, notwithstanding the existence, at the time of application for license, of a license in the applicant’s name on the records of another state as a resident licensee of such other state, if the applicant furnishes a letter of clearance satisfactory to the department that his or her resident licenses have been canceled or changed to a nonresident basis and that he or she is in good standing. (c) Will maintain his or her place of business 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 work with a licensed agency accessible to the public which is open for reasonable business hours. (d) Is vouched for and recommended upon sworn statements filed with the department by at least three reputable citizens who are residents of the same counties in which the applicant proposes to engage in the bail bond business. (e) Is a person of high character and approved integrity and has not 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 has been entered. (f) Within 2 years immediately before applying for the license, has successfully completed a basic certification course in the criminal justice system which consists of at least 120 hours of classroom instruction with a passing grade of 80 percent or higher and has successfully completed a correspondence course for bail bond agents approved by the department. (g) Has passed any required examination. (3) The department may collect a fee necessary to cover the cost of a character and credit report made by an established and reputable independent reporting service. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund. Any information so furnished is confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). (4) The applicant shall furnish, with his or her application, a complete set of his or her fingerprints in accordance with s. 626.171(4) and a recent credential-sized, fullface photograph of the applicant. The department shall not authorize an applicant to take the required examination until the department has received a report from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation relative to the existence or nonexistence of a criminal history report based on the applicant’s fingerprints. (5) The department shall conduct a comprehensive investigation of each applicant, including a background check. The investigation of the applicant’s qualifications, character, experience, background, and fitness shall include submission of the applicant’s fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and consideration of any state criminal records, federal criminal records, or local criminal records obtained from these agencies or from local law enforcement agencies. (6) The requirements for completion and submission of fingerprints under this chapter are deemed to be met when an individual currently licensed under this chapter seeks additional licensure and has previously submitted fingerprints to the department in support of an application for licensure under this chapter within the past 48 months. However, the department may require the individual to file fingerprints if it has reason to believe that an applicant or licensee has been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime related to the business of insurance in this or any other state or jurisdiction. (7) The provisions of s. 112.011 do not apply to bail bond agents or to applicants for licensure as bail bond agents.

F.S. 648.35 Professional bail bond agent; qualifications.

In addition to the qualifications prescribed in s. 648.34, to qualify as a professional bail bond agent an applicant shall: (1) File with his or her application for licensure and with each application for renewal or continuation of his or her appointment a detailed financial statement under oath; and (2) File with his or her application for licensure the rating plan proposed for use in writing bail bonds. Such rating plan must be approved by the office prior to issuance of the license.

F.S. 648.36 Bail bond agent’s records.

Each licensee must maintain in his or her office such records of bail bonds executed or countersigned by him or her to enable the department to obtain all necessary information concerning such bail bonds for at least 3 years after the liability of the surety has been terminated. Such records shall be open to examination, inspection, and photographic reproduction by the department or an authorized representative of the insurer or managing general agent, or agents of the department, at all times, and the department may at any time require the licensee to furnish to it, in such manner or form as it requires, any information concerning the bail bond business of such licensee.

F.S. 648.38 Licensure examination for bail bond agents; time; place; fees; scope.

(1) Upon approval by the department of a licensure application, the applicant for licensure as a bail bond agent shall appear in person to take a written examination prepared by the department, or by a person designated by the department for that purpose, testing the applicant’s ability and qualifications to be a bail bond agent. The department shall determine the minimum performance level required for passage of the examination in order to ensure that the applicant has an adequate level of competence and knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a bail bond agent. (2) The department or a person designated by the department shall provide notice of the time and place of the examination to each applicant for licensure required to take an examination who will be eligible to take the examination as of the examination date. The notice shall be e-mailed to the applicant at the e-mail address shown on his or her application for licensure. Notice shall be deemed given when so mailed. (3) Prior to being permitted to take an examination, each applicant must pay the department or a person designated by the department an examination fee. The fee for examination is not refundable. (4) The examination shall be held in an adequate and designated examination center in this state. (5) The applicant must appear in person and take the examination for licensure at the time and place specified in the written notice. (6) The examination shall be conducted by an employee of the department or a person designated by the department for that purpose. (7) All examinations shall be given and graded in a fair and impartial manner and without unfair discrimination in favor of or against any particular applicant. (8) The scope of the examination shall be as broad as the bail bond business. (9) Failure of the applicant to secure approval of the department does not preclude him or her from applying for licensure as many times as he or she desires, but an application may not be considered by the department within 30 days after the date upon which the department denied the last application. (10) Any bail bond agent who successfully passes an examination and is subsequently licensed as a bail bond agent must be appointed within 48 months after the date of licensure or be subject to another examination unless failure to be so appointed was due to military service, in which case the period of time in which another examination is not required may, in the department’s discretion, be extended to 12 months following the date of discharge from military service, if the military service does not exceed 3 years. An extension of more than 6 years may not be granted under this subsection.

F.S. 648.39 Termination of appointment of managing general agents, bail bond agents, and bail bond agencies.

(1) An insurer that terminates the appointment of a managing general agent, bail bond agent, or bail bond agency shall, within 10 days after such termination, file written notice thereof with the department together with a statement that it has given or mailed notice to the terminated agent or agency. Such notice filed with the department must state the reasons, if any, for such termination. Information so furnished to the department is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1). (2) Each insurer shall, within 5 days after terminating the appointment of any managing general agent, bail bond agent, or bail bond agency, give written notice thereof to each clerk of the circuit court and sheriff with whom such person is registered. (3) An insurer that terminates the appointment of a managing general agent or bail bond agent may authorize such person to continue to attempt the arrest and surrender of a defendant for whom a surety bond had been written by the bail bond agent before termination and to seek discharge of forfeitures and judgments as provided in chapter 903.

F.S. 648.40 Application for appointment of professional bail bond agents; termination.

(1) Upon licensure as a professional bail bond agent, the licensee shall file an application for appointment with the department together with the required appointment fees and taxes as prescribed in s. 624.501. (2) Any professional bail bond agent who discontinues writing bail bonds during the period for which he or she is appointed must notify each clerk of the circuit court and each sheriff with whom he or she is registered and the department within 30 days after such discontinuance.

F.S. 648.42 Registration of bail bond agents.

A bail bond agent may not become a surety on an undertaking unless he or she has registered in the office of the sheriff and with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the bail bond agent resides. The bail bond agent may register in a like manner in any other county, and any bail bond agent shall file a certified copy of his or her appointment by power of attorney from each insurer which he or she represents as a bail bond agent with each of such officers. Registration and filing of a certified copy of renewed power of attorney shall be performed by April 1 of each odd-numbered year. The clerk of the circuit court and the sheriff may not permit the registration of a bail bond agent unless such bail bond agent is currently licensed by the department and appointed by an insurer.

F.S. 648.43 Power of attorney; approval by office; filing of copies; notification of transfer bond.

(1) Every insurer engaged in the writing of bail bonds through bail bond agents in this state shall submit to the office for prior approval a sample power of attorney, which shall be the only form of power of attorney the insurer issues to bail bond agents in this state. (2) Every professional bail bond agent who authorizes a licensed professional bail bond agent directly employed and appointed by him or her to sign his or her name to bonds must file a copy of the power of attorney given to the appointed professional bail bond agent with the sheriff and the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which he or she resides and with the department. Such power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect until written notice revoking the power of attorney has been received by the above-named officials. (3) Every bail bond agent who executes or countersigns a transfer bond shall indicate in writing on the bond the name and address of the referring bail bond agent.

F.S. 648.44 Prohibitions; penalty.

(1) A bail bond agent or bail bond agency may not: (a) Suggest or advise the employment of, or name for employment, any particular attorney or attorneys to represent his or her principal. (b) Directly or indirectly solicit business in or on the property or grounds of a jail, prison, or other place where prisoners are confined or in or on the property or grounds of any court. The term “solicitation” includes the distribution of business cards, print advertising, or other written or oral information directed to prisoners or potential indemnitors, unless a request is initiated by the prisoner or a potential indemnitor. Permissible print advertising in the jail is strictly limited to a listing in a telephone directory and the posting of the bail bond agent’s or agency’s name, address, e-mail address, web address, and telephone number in a designated location within the jail. (c) Initiate in-person or telephone solicitation after 9:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. at the residence of the detainee or the detainee’s family. Any solicitation must comply with the telephone solicitation requirements in ss. 501.059(2) and (4), 501.613, and 501.616(6). (d) Wear or display any identification other than the department issued or approved license or approved department identification, which includes a citation of the licensee’s arrest powers, in or on the property or grounds of a jail, prison, or other place where prisoners are confined or in or on the property or grounds of any court. (e) Pay a fee or rebate or give or promise anything of value to a jailer, police officer, peace officer, or committing trial court judge or any other person who has power to arrest or to hold in custody or to any public official or public employee in order to secure a settlement, compromise, remission, or reduction of the amount of any bail bond or estreatment thereof. (f) Pay a fee or rebate or give anything of value to an attorney in a bail bond matter, except in defense of any action on a bond. (g) Pay a fee or rebate or give or promise anything of value to the principal or anyone in his or her behalf. (h) Participate in the capacity of an attorney at a trial or hearing of one on whose bond he or she is surety. (i) Loiter in or about a jail, courthouse, or where prisoners are confined. (j) Accept anything of value from a principal for providing a bail bond except the premium and transfer fee authorized by the office, except that the bail bond agent or bail bond agency may accept collateral security or other indemnity from the principal or another person in accordance with s. 648.442, together with documentary stamp taxes, if applicable. No fees, expenses, or charges of any kind shall be permitted to be deducted from the collateral held or any return premium due, except as authorized by this chapter or rule of the department or commission. A bail bond agent or bail bond agency may, upon written agreement with another party, receive a fee or compensation for returning to custody an individual who has fled the jurisdiction of the court or caused the forfeiture of a bond. (k) Write more than one power of attorney per charge on a bond, except in the case of a cosurety, unless the power of attorney prohibits a cosurety. (l) Execute a bond in this state on his or her own behalf. (m) Execute a bond in this state if a judgment has been entered on a bond executed by the bail bond agent or the bail bond agency is a named party on the judgment, which has remained unpaid for 35 days, unless the full amount of the judgment is deposited with the clerk in accordance with s. 903.27(5). (n) Make a statement or representation to a court, unless such statement or representation is under oath. Such statement or representation may not be false, misleading, or deceptive. (o) Attempt to collect, through threat or coercion, amounts due for the payment of any indebtedness related to the issuance of a bail bond in violation of s. 559.72. (p) Conduct bail bond business with any person, other than the defendant, on the grounds of the jail or courthouse for the purpose of executing a bond. (2) The following persons or classes may not be bail bond agents or employees of a bail bond agent or a bail bond agency and may not directly or indirectly receive any benefits from the execution of any bail bond: (a) Jailers or persons employed in any jail. (b) Police officers or employees of any police department or law enforcement agency. (c) Committing trial court judges, employees of a court, or employees of the clerk of any court. (d) Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs or employees of any sheriff’s department. (e) Attorneys. (f) Persons having the power to arrest or persons who have authority over or control of federal, state, county, or municipal prisoners. (3) A bail bond agent may not sign or countersign in blank any bond, give a power of attorney to, or otherwise authorize, anyone to countersign his or her name to bonds unless the person so authorized is a licensed and appointed bail bond agent directly employed by the bail bond agent giving such power of attorney. (4) A place of business, including a branch office, may not be established, opened, or maintained unless it is under the active full-time charge of a licensed and appointed bail bond agent. (5) Except as between licensed and appointed bail bond agents, a bail bond agent may not divide with others, or share in, any commissions payable on account of any bail bond. (6)(a) No bail bond agency shall advertise as or hold itself out to be a bail bond or surety company. (b) Any misleading or false advertisement or deceptive trade practice is prohibited as provided in part IX of chapter 626. (c) The advertisement of reduced premium rates is prohibited. (d) After October 1, 2002, a bail bond agency may not use a name that implies a reduced rate of premium. (e)1. A bail bond agent may not make material misrepresentations or omissions in statements or use advertisements that constitute material misrepresentations of facts, create unjust expectations concerning services, or make improper comparisons. 2. Bail bond agents may not own or advertise under firm names that are false, misleading, or deceptive, or use trade names that imply a connection with any government agency. 3. A bail bond agent may not use any advertisement or advertise under any name that includes the word “free”. 4. A bail bond agent may not advertise under a trade name unless the name and address appear on the agent’s letterhead or business cards. Such name must be registered with the department. (7) Any permissible advertising by a bail bond agent or agency must include the address of record filed with the department. (8)(a) A person who has been convicted of or who has pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony or 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, regardless of whether adjudication of guilt was withheld, may not act in any capacity for a bail bond agency or participate as a director, officer, manager, agent, contractor, or employee of any bail bond agency or office thereof or exercise direct or indirect control in any manner in such agency or office or own shares in any closely held corporation which has any interest in any bail bond business. Such restrictions on engaging in the bail bond business shall continue to apply during a pending appeal. (b) Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph (a) or any person who knowingly permits a person who has been convicted of or who has pleaded guilty or no contest to a crime as described in paragraph (a) to engage in the bail bond business as prohibited in paragraph (a) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (c) Any law enforcement agency, state attorney’s office, court clerk, or insurer that is aware that a bail bond agent has been convicted of or who has pleaded guilty or no contest to a crime as described in paragraph (a) shall notify the department of this fact. (d) Upon the filing of an information or indictment against a bail bond agent, the state attorney or clerk of the circuit court shall immediately furnish the department a certified copy of the information or indictment. (9)(a) Any person who violates any provisions of paragraph (1)(e), paragraph (1)(f), paragraph (1)(g), paragraph (1)(j), or paragraph (1)(n), or subsection (2) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (b) Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph (1)(a), paragraph (1)(b), paragraph (1)(c), paragraph (1)(h), paragraph (1)(k), paragraph (1)(m), paragraph (1)(o), paragraph (1)(p), subsection (3), subsection (4), or subsection (5) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

F.S. 648.45 Actions against a licensee; suspension or revocation of eligibility to hold a license.

(1) The department shall, upon receipt of an information or indictment, immediately temporarily suspend any license or appointment issued under this chapter when the licensee has been charged with a felony or 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. Such suspension shall continue if the licensee has been found guilty of, or has pleaded guilty or no contest to, the crime, whether or not a judgment or conviction has been entered, during a pending appeal. A person may not effect any additional bail bonds after suspension of his or her license or appointment. However, he or she may discharge any liability on bonds effected prior to such suspension. (2) The department shall deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any license or appointment issued under this chapter or the insurance code, and it shall suspend or revoke the eligibility of any person to hold a license or appointment under this chapter or the insurance code, for any violation of the laws of this state relating to bail or any violation of the insurance code or if the person: (a) Lacks one or more of the qualifications specified in this chapter for a license or appointment. (b) Has made a material misstatement, misrepresentation, or fraud in obtaining a license or appointment, or in attempting to obtain a license or appointment. (c) Has failed to pass any examination required under this chapter. (d) Has willfully used, or intended the use, of the license or appointment to circumvent any of the requirements or prohibitions of this chapter or the insurance code. (e) Has demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the bail bond business. (f) Has demonstrated lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and technical competence to engage in the transactions authorized by the license or appointment. (g) Has engaged in fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business under the license or appointment. (h) Is guilty of misappropriation, conversion, or unlawful withholding of moneys belonging to a surety, a principal, or others and received in the conduct of business under a license. (i) Is guilty of rebating or offering to rebate, or unlawfully dividing or offering to divide, any commission, in the case of a limited surety agent, or premiums, in the case of a professional bail bond agent. (j) Has willfully failed to comply with or willfully violated any proper order or rule of the department or willfully violated any provision of this chapter or the insurance code. (k) Has been found guilty of, or has 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 has been entered. (l) Has demonstrated lack of good faith in carrying out contractual obligations and agreements. (m) Has failed to perform a contractual obligation or agreement with a managing general agent or insurer which results in an unrecovered loss due to nonpayment of a forfeiture or judgment by the licensee. (n) Has failed to return collateral. (o)1. Has signed and filed a report or record in the capacity of an agent which the licensee knows to be false or misleading; 2. Has willfully failed to file a report or record required by state or federal law; 3. Has willfully impeded or obstructed such filing; or 4. Has induced another person to impede or obstruct such filing. Such reports or records shall include only those that are signed in the capacity of a licensed agent. (p) Has demonstrated a course of conduct or practices which indicate that the licensee is incompetent, negligent, or dishonest or that property or rights of clients cannot safely be entrusted to him or her. (3) The department may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any license or appointment issued under this chapter or the insurance code, or it may suspend or revoke the eligibility of any person to hold a license or appointment under this chapter or the insurance code, for any violation of the laws of this state relating to bail or any violation of the insurance code or for any of the following causes: (a) A cause for which issuance of the license or appointment could have been refused had it then existed and been known to the department. (b) Cheating on an examination required for licensure or violating test center rules or examination procedures published orally or in writing at the test site by authorized representatives of the examination program administrator. Communication of test center rules and examination procedures must be clearly established and documented. (c) Violation of any law relating to the business of bail bond insurance or violation of any provision of the insurance code. (d) Failure or refusal, upon demand, to pay over to any insurer the bail bond agent represents or has represented any money coming into his or her hands which money belongs to the insurer. (e) Being found to be a source of injury or loss to the public or detrimental to the public interest or being found by the department to be no longer carrying on the bail bond business in good faith. (f) Interfering or attempting to interfere with the administration of justice. (4) Any licensee found to have violated s. 648.44(1)(b), (d), or (i) shall, at a minimum, be suspended for a period of 3 months. A greater penalty, including revocation, shall be imposed if there is a willful or repeated violation of s. 648.44(1)(b), (d), or (i), or the licensee has committed other violations of this chapter. (5) Grounds for revocation of the license or appointment exist when any licensee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent. (6) Suspension, revocation, and refusal to renew a license or appointment issued under this chapter is subject to the procedures provided in s. 648.46.

F.S. 648.46 Procedure for disciplinary action against licensees.

(1) The department shall investigate the actions of a licensee when it receives a written complaint containing allegations of fact that, if true, show that a violation of this chapter, or a rule adopted pursuant thereto, has occurred. The department shall also investigate a licensee if the department is made aware that a possible violation of this chapter, or a rule adopted pursuant thereto, has occurred. If the department determines that a violation of this chapter or a violation of a rule adopted pursuant to this chapter has occurred, the department may file a formal complaint against the licensee and prosecute under chapter 120. (2) Any proceeding for the purpose of summary suspension of a license pursuant to s. 120.60(6) shall be conducted by the department, which shall issue the final summary order. (3) The complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation of the department are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) until such investigation is completed or ceases to be active. For the purpose of this section, an investigation is considered “active” while the investigation is being conducted by the department with a reasonable, good faith belief that it may lead to the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings. An investigation does not cease to be active if the department is proceeding with reasonable dispatch and there is good faith belief that action may be initiated by the department or other administrative or law enforcement agency. This subsection does not prevent the department or office from disclosing the complaint or such information as it deems necessary to conduct the investigation, to update the complainant as to the status and outcome of the complaint, or to share such information with any law enforcement agency or other regulatory body. (4) The expiration, nonrenewal, or surrender of licensure under this chapter does not eliminate the jurisdiction of the department or office to investigate and prosecute for a violation committed by a licensee while licensed under this chapter. The prosecution of any matter may be initiated or continued notwithstanding the withdrawal of a complaint.

F.S. 648.48 Witnesses and evidence.

(1) With respect to the subject of any examination or investigation being conducted by the department, the agent or examiner appointed by the department may administer oaths, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and receive oral and documentary evidence and shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance and testimony and require by subpoena the production of documents or other evidence which is deemed relevant to the inquiry. (2) If any person refuses to comply with any such subpoena or to testify as to any matter concerning which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, the Circuit Court for Leon County or of the county wherein such examination or investigation is being conducted, or of the county wherein such person resides, on the application of the department may issue an order requiring such person to comply with the subpoena and to testify; and any failure to obey such an order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. (3) Subpoenas shall be served and proof of such service made in the same manner as if issued by a circuit court. Witness fees and mileage, if claimed, shall be allowed the same as for testimony in a circuit court. (4) Any person willfully testifying falsely under oath as to any matter material to any such examination, investigation, or hearing shall upon conviction thereof be guilty of perjury and shall be punished accordingly. (5) If any person asks to be excused from attending or testifying or from producing any documents or other evidence in connection with any examination, hearing, or investigation being conducted by the department or its examiner on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to a penalty or forfeiture and shall notwithstanding be directed to give such testimony or produce such evidence, he or she must, if so directed by the department and the Department of Legal Affairs, nonetheless comply with such direction, but he or she shall not thereafter be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he or she may have so testified or produced evidence; and no testimony so given or evidence produced shall be received against him or her upon any criminal action, investigation, or proceeding. However, no person so testifying shall be exempt from prosecution or punishment for any perjury committed by him or her in such testimony, and the testimony or evidence so given or produced shall be admissible against him or her upon any criminal action, investigation, or proceeding concerning such perjury; nor shall he or she be exempt from the refusal, suspension, or revocation of any license, permission, or authority conferred, or to be conferred, pursuant to this chapter. (6) Any such individual may execute, acknowledge, and file in the office of the department a statement expressly waiving such immunity or privilege in respect to any transaction, matter, or thing specified in such statement; and thereupon the testimony of such individual or such evidence in relation to such transaction, matter, or thing may be received or produced before any judge or justice, court, tribunal, grand jury, or otherwise; and, if so received or produced, such individual shall not be entitled to any immunity or privileges on account of any testimony he or she may so give or evidence so produced. (7) Any person who refuses or fails, without lawful cause, to testify relative to the affairs of any person when subpoenaed and requested by the department to so testify commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

F.S. 648.49 Duration of suspension or revocation.

(1) The department shall, in its order suspending a license or appointment or in its order suspending the eligibility of a person to hold or apply for a license or appointment, specify the period during which the suspension is to be in effect, but such period may not exceed 2 years. The license, appointment, or eligibility to hold or apply for a license or appointment remains suspended during the period so specified, subject, however, to any rescission or modification of the order by the department, or modification or reversal thereof by the court, before the expiration of the suspension period. A license or appointment that has been suspended may not be reinstated, nor shall the eligibility to hold such license or appointment be reinstated, except upon the filing and approval of an application for such reinstatement, but the department may not approve an application for such reinstatement if it finds that the circumstances for which the license or appointment was suspended still exist or are likely to recur. In each case involving suspension, the department has the discretion to require the former licensee to successfully complete a basic certification course in the criminal justice system, consisting of not less than 80 hours approved by the department. (2) Any individual who is licensed under any license which has been revoked or who has had his or her eligibility to hold a license revoked by the department may not apply for another license under this chapter. (3) During the period of suspension or revocation of the license and until the license is reinstated or a new license is issued, the former licensee may not engage in or attempt to profess to engage in any transaction or business for which a license or appointment is required under this chapter. A person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (4) Upon the termination for cause, surrender, suspension pursuant to s. 648.45(2), or revocation of a bail bond agent’s license, the appointing insurer or managing general agent shall immediately designate a licensed and appointed bail bond agent to administer all bail bonds previously written by the licensee.

F.S. 648.50 Effect of suspension, revocation upon associated licenses and licensees.

(1) Upon the suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew or continue any license or appointment or the eligibility to hold a license or appointment of a bail bond agent or bail bond agency, the department shall at the same time likewise suspend or revoke all other licenses or appointments and the eligibility to hold any other such licenses or appointments which may be held by the licensee under the Florida Insurance Code. (2) In case of the suspension or revocation of the license or appointment, or the eligibility to hold a license or appointment, of any bail bond agent, the license, appointment, or eligibility of any and all bail bond agents who are members of a bail bond agency, whether incorporated or unincorporated, who knowingly are parties to the act which formed the ground for the suspension or revocation may likewise be suspended or revoked. (3) A person whose license as a bail bond agent has been revoked or suspended may not be employed by any bail bond agent, have any ownership interest in any business involving bail bonds, or have any financial interest of any type in any bail bond business during the period of revocation or suspension.

F.S. 648.51 Surrender of license.

(1) Though issued to a licensee, all licenses issued under this chapter are at all times the property of the state, and upon notice of any suspension, revocation, refusal to renew, failure to renew, expiration, or other termination of the license, such license shall no longer be in force and effect. (2) This section shall not be deemed to require the surrender to the department of any license unless such surrender has been requested by the department.

F.S. 648.52 Administrative fine.

(1) If, pursuant to the procedure described in s. 648.46, the department finds that one or more causes exist for the suspension of, revocation of, or refusal to renew or continue any license or appointment issued under this chapter, the department may, in its discretion, in lieu of or in addition to such suspension, revocation, or refusal, and except on a second offense, impose upon the licensee an administrative penalty in an amount up to $5,000 or, if the department has found willful misconduct or willful violation on the part of the licensee, $20,000. The administrative penalty may, in the discretion of the department, be increased by an amount equal to any commissions or other pecuniary benefits received by or accruing to the credit of the licensee in connection with any transaction related to the grounds for suspension, revocation, or refusal. (2) The department may allow the licensee a reasonable period, not to exceed 30 days, within which to pay to the department the amount of the penalty so imposed. If the licensee fails to pay the penalty in its entirety to the department within the period so allowed, the licenses or appointments of the licensee shall stand suspended, revoked, or renewal or continuation refused, as the case may be, upon expiration of such period.

F.S. 648.53 Probation.

(1) If, pursuant to the procedure described in s. 648.46, the department finds that one or more causes exist for a fine, or for the suspension of, revocation of, or refusal to renew or continue any license or appointment issued under this chapter, the department may, in lieu of or in addition to such suspension, revocation, or refusal or in connection with any administrative monetary penalty imposed under s. 648.52, place the offending licensee on probation for a period, not to exceed 2 years, as specified by the department in its order. (2) As a condition to such probation or in connection therewith, the department may specify in its order reasonable terms and conditions to be fulfilled by the probationer during the probation period. If during the probation period the department has good cause to believe that the probationer has violated such terms and conditions or any of them, it shall forthwith suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or continue the license or appointment of the probationer, as upon the original causes referred to in subsection (1).

F.S. 648.55 All bail bond agents of same agency; licensed by same companies.

All bail bond agents who are members of the same agency, partnership, corporation, or association shall be appointed to represent the same companies. If any member of such agency, partnership, corporation, or association is licensed and appointed as a professional bail bond agent, all members thereof shall be so licensed and appointed. It is the responsibility of each insurer to require that each bail bond agent in an agency is appointed to represent that particular insurer.

F.S. 648.57 Penalty.

Any person or corporation, who is found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, unless a more severe criminal penalty is otherwise provided in this chapter with respect to the specific violation.

F.S. 648.58 Injunctive proceedings.

In addition to the penalties and other enforcement provisions of this chapter, if any person violates this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, the department may initiate a proceeding for injunction in the circuit court of the county where such person resides or has his or her principal place of business, and may apply for such temporary and permanent orders as the department deems necessary to restrain such person from committing such violation.

F.S. 648.279 Scope of license.

The issuance of a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall confer upon the holder the right to perform all duties and powers as authorized or conferred by the laws of this state.

F.S. 648.285 Bond agency; ownership requirements; applications for bail bond agency licenses.

(1) A person may not own, control, manage, or otherwise have a pecuniary interest in a bail bond agency unless such individual is licensed pursuant to s. 648.27, appointed through the department, and actively engaged as a bail bond agent for at least the preceding 24 months. Any agency that is not in compliance with this subsection is subject to the issuance of an immediate final order of suspension of its license and all operations until the agency achieves compliance. (2) Effective January 1, 2024, the department may issue a bail bond agency license to any person only after such person files a written application with the department and qualifies for such license. (3) An application for a bail bond agency license must be signed by an individual required to be listed in the application under paragraph (a). A bail bond agency license may permit a third party to complete, submit, and sign an application on the bail bond agency’s behalf; however, the bail bond agency is responsible for ensuring that the information on the application is true and correct, and the bail bond agency is accountable for any misstatements or misrepresentations. The application for a bail bond agency license must include: (a) The name and license number of each owner, partner, officer, director, president, senior vice president, secretary, treasurer, and limited liability company member who directs or participates in the management or control of the bail bond agency, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract, by ownership of any agency bank account, or otherwise. (b) The residence address of each person required to be listed in the application under paragraph (a). (c) The name, principal business street address, and valid e-mail address of the bail bond agency and the name, address, and e-mail address of the agency’s registered agent or person or company authorized to accept service on behalf of the bail bond agency. (d) The physical address of each branch bail bond agency, including its name, e-mail address, and telephone number, and the date that the branch location began transacting bail bond business. (e) The name of the full-time bail bond agent in charge of the agency office, including branch locations, and his or her corresponding location. (f) Such additional information as the department requires by rule to ascertain the trustworthiness and competence of persons required to be listed on the application and to ascertain that such persons meet the requirements of this code. However, the department may not require that credit or character reports be submitted for persons required to be listed on the application. (4) The department must issue a license to each agency upon approval of the application, and each agency location must display the license prominently in a manner that makes it clearly visible to any customer or potential customer who enters the agency location. (5) A bail bond agency that holds a current and valid registration number with the department shall have its registration automatically converted to a license on July 1, 2024. (6) Section 112.011 does not apply to bail bond agencies or to applicants for licensure as owners of bail bond agencies. (7) If the owner of a bail bond agency dies or becomes mentally incapacitated, a personal representative or legal guardian may be issued a temporary permit to manage the affairs of the bail bond agency. Such person must appoint or maintain the appointment of a bail bond agent in charge, as provided in s. 648.387, and may not engage in any activities as a licensed bail bond agent but must comply with s. 648.387 during the administration of the estate or guardianship. A temporary permit is valid for a maximum of 24 months. (8) Application for a temporary permit must be made by the personal representative or legal guardian upon statements and affidavits filed with the department on forms prescribed and furnished by it. The applicant must meet the qualifications for licensure as a bail bond agent, except for the residency, examination, education, and experience requirements.

F.S. 648.295 Reporting and accounting of funds.

(1) All premiums, return premiums, or other funds belonging to insurers or others received by a person licensed pursuant to this chapter in transactions under her or his license are trust funds received by the licensee in a fiduciary capacity, and the licensee must account for and pay the same to the insurer, insured, or other person entitled to such funds. (2) A licensee shall keep and make available to the department books, accounts, and records as necessary to enable the department to determine whether such licensee is complying with this chapter. A licensee shall preserve the books, accounts, and records pertaining to a premium payment for at least 3 years after making such payment. Records that are preserved by computer or photographic reproduction or records that are in photographic form constitute compliance with this requirement. (3) Any licensee who unlawfully diverts or appropriates such funds or any portion thereof to her or his own use commits larceny by embezzlement, punishable as provided by law.

F.S. 648.315 Number of applications for licensure required.

After a license as a bail bond agent has been issued to an individual, the same individual is not required to file another application for a similar license unless: (1) Specifically ordered by the department to complete a new application; or (2) A period of 48 months transpires between the time the licensee’s last limited surety agent or professional bail bond agent’s appointment is terminated and the date an application for a similar appointment is received by the department.

F.S. 648.355 Limited surety agents and professional bail bond agents; qualifications.

(1) The applicant shall furnish, with the application for license, a complete set of the applicant’s fingerprints in accordance with s. 626.171(4). The department may not issue a license under this section until the department has received a report from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation relative to the existence or nonexistence of a criminal history report based on the applicant’s fingerprints. (2) The department may collect a fee necessary to cover the cost of a character and credit report made by an established and reputable independent reporting service. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund. (3) Effective July 1, 2023, any individual licensed by the department as a temporary bail bond agent may take the required bail bond agent licensure examination and may file an application for a bail bond agent license if otherwise qualified for licensure. (4) Effective July 1, 2023, the department may not issue a temporary bail bond agent license. An individual currently licensed as a temporary bail bond agent may continue to be licensed in accordance with this chapter. A temporary bail bond agent license may not be reinstated if the license expires or is terminated, suspended, or revoked.

F.S. 648.365 Statistical reporting requirements; penalty for failure to comply.

(1) Each insurer and each bail bond agent who writes bail bonds in this state, shall maintain and transmit the following information, based on their Florida bail bond business, to the department or office when requested and shall report the information separately for each company represented but only insurers shall report the information specified in paragraphs (a), (l), and (m): (a) Commissions paid. (b) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, bonds executed. (c) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, bonds declared forfeited. (d) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, forfeitures discharged, remitted, or otherwise recovered prior to payment for any reason. (e) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, forfeitures discharged, remitted, or otherwise recovered prior to payment due to the apprehension of the defendant by the bail bond agent. (f) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, judgments entered. (g) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, forfeitures paid and subsequently recovered from the court by discharge or remission or otherwise. (h) A list of every outstanding or unpaid forfeiture, estreature, and judgment, with the case number and the name of the court in which such forfeiture, estreature, or judgment is recorded and the name of each agency or firm that employs the bail bond agent. (i) The number of, and the total dollar amount of, bonds for which collateral was accepted. (j) The actual realized value of collateral converted, excluding the cost of converting the collateral. (k) The cost of converting collateral. (l) The underwriting gain or loss. (m) The net investment gain or loss allocated to the flow of funds associated with Florida business. (n) Such additional information as the department or office may require in order to: 1. Evaluate the reasonableness of rates or assure that such rates are not excessive or unfairly discriminatory. 2. Evaluate the financial condition or trade practices of bail bond agents and sureties executing bail bonds. 3. Evaluate the performance of the commercial bail bond industry in accordance with appropriate criminal justice system goals and standards. Each bail bond agent shall submit a copy of such information to each insurer he or she represents. (2) Any person who intentionally fails to provide the information in this section when requested by the department or office, intentionally provides incorrect or misleading information, or intentionally omits any required information commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

F.S. 648.381 Reexamination.

Any applicant for licensure who has taken an examination and failed to make a passing grade, has failed to appear for the examination, or has failed to take or complete the examination at the time and place specified in the notice of the department may take additional examinations upon the filing of an application for reexamination, with applicable fees. The failure of an applicant to pass an examination or the failure to appear for the examination or to take or complete the examination does not preclude the applicant from taking subsequent examinations. 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.

F.S. 648.382 Appointment of bail bond agents and bail bond agencies; effective date of appointment.

(1)(a) Each insurer or managing general agent appointing a bail bond agent or bail bond agency in this state must file the appointment with the department and, at the same time, pay the applicable appointment fees and taxes. A person appointed under this section must hold a valid bail bond agent or bail bond agency license. There is no fee for the issuance of any appointment of a bail bond agency. (b) Effective July 1, 2025, each insurer or managing general agent appointing a bail bond agency in this state must file the appointment with the department. An entity appointed under this section must hold a valid bail bond agency license. (2) Before any appointment, an appropriate officer or official of the appointing insurer must submit: (a) A certified statement or affidavit to the department stating what investigation has been made concerning the proposed appointee and the proposed appointee’s background and the appointing person’s opinion to the best of his or her knowledge and belief as to the moral character and reputation of the proposed appointee. In lieu of such certified statement or affidavit, by authorizing the effectuation of an appointment for a licensee, the appointing entity certifies to the department that such investigation has been made and that the results of the investigation and the appointing person’s opinion is that the proposed appointee is a person of good moral character and reputation and is fit to engage in the bail bond business; (b) An affidavit under oath on a form prescribed by the department, signed by the proposed appointee, stating that premiums are not owed to any insurer and that the appointee will discharge all outstanding forfeitures and judgments on bonds previously written. If the appointee does not satisfy or discharge such forfeitures or judgments, the former insurer shall file a notice, with supporting documents, with the appointing insurer, the former agent or agency, and the department, stating under oath that the licensee has failed to timely satisfy forfeitures and judgments on bonds written and that the insurer has satisfied the forfeiture or judgment from its own funds. Upon receipt of such notification and supporting documents, the appointing insurer shall immediately cancel the licensee’s appointment. The licensee may be reappointed only upon certification by the former insurer that all forfeitures and judgments on bonds written by the licensee have been discharged. The appointing insurer or former agent or agency may, within 10 days, file a petition with the department seeking relief from this paragraph. Filing of the petition stays the duty of the appointing insurer to cancel the appointment until the department grants or denies the petition; (c) Any other information that the department reasonably requires concerning the proposed appointee; and (d) Effective January 1, 2025, a certification that the appointing entity obtained from each appointee the following sworn statement: Pursuant to section 648.382(2)(b), Florida Statutes, I do solemnly swear that I owe no premium to any insurer or agency and that I will discharge all outstanding forfeitures and judgments on bonds that have been previously written. I acknowledge that failure to do this will result in my active appointments being canceled. An appointed bail bond agency must have the attestation under this paragraph signed by its owner. (3) By authorizing the effectuation of an appointment for a licensee, the appointing insurer certifies to the department that the insurer will be bound by the acts of the bail bond agent or bail bond agency acting within the scope of the agent’s or agency’s appointment. (4) Each appointing insurer or managing general agent must advise the department in writing within 5 days after receiving notice or learning that an appointee has been arrested for, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of, a felony or other offense punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of any jurisdiction, whether judgment was entered or withheld by the court. (5) A list of current appointments must be submitted to the department each month but in no case later than 45 days after the date of appointment. All appointments are effective as of the date indicated on the appointment form. (6) Failure to notify the department within the required time period shall result in the appointing entity being assessed a delinquent fee of $250. Delinquent fees shall be paid by the appointing entity and shall not be charged to the appointee.

F.S. 648.383 Renewal, continuation, reinstatement, and termination of appointment; bail bond agents.

(1) The appointment of a bail bond agent shall continue in force unless suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated, subject to a renewal request filed by the appointing entity in the appointee’s birth month and every 24 months thereafter. A renewal request must be filed with the department or person designated by the department to administer appointments along with payment of the renewal appointment fee and taxes as prescribed in s. 624.501. (2) Each appointing person or person designated by the department to administer appointments must file the lists, statement, and information as to each bail bond agent whose appointment is being renewed, accompanied by payment of the applicable renewal fees and taxes as prescribed in s. 624.501. (3) An appointment may be renewed without penalty if the information required under subsection (2) is received prior to the expiration of the appointment in the licensee’s birth month, and such appointment shall be renewed, effective on the first day of the month succeeding the month in which the appointment was scheduled to expire. (4) If the information required under subsection (2) is received after the renewal date, the appointment may be renewed if the appointment, late filing, continuation, and reinstatement fees accompany the application as required under s. 624.501.

F.S. 648.384 Effect of expiration of appointment; bail bond agents.

(1) Upon the expiration of any person’s appointment as provided in s. 648.383, such person is without any authority to engage or attempt to engage in any activity requiring such appointment. (2) If a bail bond agent fails to maintain an appointment with an insurer during any 48-month period, the bail bond agent may not be granted a reappointment until he or she qualifies as a first-time applicant.

F.S. 648.385 Continuing education required; requirements.

(1) The purpose of this section is to establish requirements and standards for continuing education courses for persons authorized to write bail bonds in this state. (2) Each person subject to this chapter must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education courses every 2 years as specified in s. 626.2815.

F.S. 648.386 Qualifications for prelicensing and continuing education schools and instructors.

(1) DEFINITION OF “CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION”. — As used in this section, the term “classroom instruction” means a course designed to be presented to a group of students by a live instructor using lecture, video, webcast, or virtual or other audio-video presentation. (2) SCHOOLS AND CURRICULUM FOR PRELICENSING SCHOOLS. — In order to be considered for approval and certification as an approved limited surety agent and professional bail bond agent prelicensing school, such entity must: (a)1. Offer a minimum of two 120-hour classroom-instruction basic certification courses in the criminal justice system per calendar year unless a reduced number of course offerings per calendar year is warranted in accordance with rules promulgated by the department; or 2. Offer a department-approved correspondence course pursuant to department rules. (b) Submit a prelicensing course curriculum to the department for approval. (c) If applicable, offer prelicensing classes which are taught by instructors approved by the department. (3) SCHOOLS AND CURRICULUM FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOOLS. — In order to be considered for approval and certification as an approved limited surety agent and professional bail bond agent continuing education school, such entity must: (a) Provide a minimum of three classroom-instruction continuing education classes per calendar year. (b) Submit a course curriculum to the department for approval. (c) Offer continuing education classes that comprise a minimum of 2 hours of approved classroom-instruction coursework and are taught by an approved supervising instructor or guest lecturer approved by the entity or the supervising instructor. (4) GEOGRAPHIC REQUIREMENTS. — Any provider approved under this section by the department to offer prelicensing courses or continuing education courses shall be required to offer such courses in at least two geographic areas of the state until such time that the department determines that there are adequate providers statewide to provide these courses to applicants and licensees. (5) INSTRUCTOR’S DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS. — (a) Each course must have a supervising instructor who is approved by the department. The supervising instructor shall be present at all classes. The supervising instructor is responsible for: 1. All course instructors. 2. All guest lecturers. 3. The course outlines and curriculum. 4. Certification of each attending limited surety agent or professional bail bond agent. 5. Completion of all required forms. 6. Assuring that the course is approved. Either the entity or the supervising instructor may approve guest lecturers. (b) In order to obtain department approval as a supervising instructor, the following qualifications must be met: 1. During the past 15 years, the person must have had at least 10 years’ experience as a manager or officer of a managing general agent in this state as prescribed in s. 648.388; 2. During the past 15 years, the person must have had at least 10 years’ experience as a manager or officer of an insurance company authorized to and actively engaged in underwriting bail in this state, provided there is a showing that the manager’s or officer’s experience is directly related to the bail bond industry; or 3. The person has been a licensed bail bond agent in this state for at least 10 years. (c) In order to obtain department approval as an instructor or guest lecturer, the person must be qualified by education or experience in the specific area of instruction as prescribed by department rules. (d) A person teaching any approved course of instruction or lecturing at any approved seminar and attending the entire course or seminar shall qualify for the same number of classroom hours as would be granted to a person taking and successfully completing such course, seminar, or program. Credit shall be limited to the number of hours actually taught unless a person attends the entire course or seminar. (e) The department shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the duties conferred upon it under this section.

F.S. 648.387 Bail bond agent in charge; duties.

(1) The owner or operator of a bail bond agency shall designate a bail bond agent in charge for each location, and shall file with the department the name and license number of the person and the address of the location on a form approved by the department. The designation of the bail bond agent in charge may be changed if the department is notified immediately. Failure to notify the department within 10 working days after such change is grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to s. 648.45. (2) The bail bond agent in charge is responsible for the overall operation and management of a bail bond agency location, whose responsibilities may include, without limitations, hiring and supervising of all individuals within the location, whether they deal with the public in the solicitation or negotiation of bail bond contracts or in the collection or accounting of moneys. A person may be designated as the bail bond agent in charge for only one agency and location. (3) The department may suspend or revoke the license of the owner, bail bond agent in charge, and bail bond agency if the bail bond agency employs, contracts with, or uses the services of a person who has had a license denied or whose license is currently suspended or revoked. However, a person who has been denied a license for failure to pass a required examination may be employed to perform clerical or administrative functions for which licensure is not required. (4) An owner, a bail bond agent in charge, or a bail bond agency may not employ, contract with, or use the services of any person in a bail bond agency who has been charged with, found guilty of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a crime punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of any jurisdiction, without regard to whether judgment was entered or withheld by the court. (5) A bail bond agency location may not conduct surety business unless a bail bond agent in charge is designated by, and provides services to, the bail bond agency at all times. If the bail bond agent in charge designated with the department ends his or her affiliation with the bail bond agency for any reason and if the bail bond agency fails to designate another bail bond agent in charge within the 10-day period under subsection (1) and such failure continues for 90 days, the bail bond agency license automatically expires on the 91st day after the date the designated bail bond agent in charge ended his or her affiliation with the agency.

F.S. 648.388 Insurer must appoint managing general agent.

Any insurer regularly engaged in the execution of bail bonds in this state shall have a managing general agent in this state to supervise its agents. Upon the appointment of a managing general agent, the insurer shall file with the department an affidavit under oath, executed by the appointee, certifying that the appointee does not owe any unpaid premiums to any insurer and does not have any unpaid judgments or forfeitures in any state. A managing general agent shall maintain an office in this state and maintain all records relating to bonds issued in this state.

F.S. 648.421 Notice of change of address or telephone number.

Each licensee under this chapter shall notify in writing the department, insurer, managing general agent, and the clerk of each court in which the licensee is registered within 10 working days after a change in the licensee’s principal business address or telephone number. The licensee shall also notify the department within 10 working days after a change of the name, address, or telephone number of each agency or firm for which he or she writes bonds and any change in the licensee’s name, home address, e-mail address, or telephone number.

F.S. 648.441 Furnishing supplies to unlicensed bail bond agent prohibited; civil liability and penalty.

(1) An insurer, managing general agent, bail bond agent, or bail bond agency appointed under this chapter may not furnish to any person any blank forms, applications, stationery, business card, or other supplies to be used in soliciting, negotiating, or effecting bail bonds until such person has received from the department a license to act as a bail bond agent and is appointed by the insurer. This section does not prohibit an unlicensed employee, under the direct supervision and control of a licensed and appointed bail bond agent, from possessing or executing in the bail bond agency, any forms, except for powers of attorney, bond forms, and collateral receipts, while acting within the scope of his or her employment. (2) Any insurer, licensee, or appointee who furnishes to any bail bond agent or other person not named or appointed by the insurer represented any of the supplies mentioned in subsection (1) and accepts any bail bond business from or writes any bail bond business for such bail bond agent, person, or agency is subject to civil liability to any insured of such insurer or indemnitor to the same extent and in the same manner as if such bail bond agent or other person had been appointed or authorized by the insurer, managing general agent, or bail bond agent to act in its or his or her behalf by the department. (3) Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, except that the violator is subject to a fine not to exceed $5,000 in addition to, or in lieu of, any term of imprisonment.

F.S. 648.442 Collateral security.

(1) Collateral security or other indemnity accepted by a bail bond agent, except a promissory note or an indemnity agreement, shall be returned upon final termination of liability on the bond. Such collateral security or other indemnity required by the bail bond agent must be reasonable in relation to the amount of the bond. Collateral security may not be used by the bail bond agent for personal benefit or gain and must be returned in the same condition as received. A bail bond agent may accept collateral security in excess of $50,000 cash per bond, provided any amount over $50,000 cash is payable to the insurer in the form of a cashier’s check, United States postal money order, certificates of deposit, or wire transfer and is remitted to and held by the insurer. A copy of IRS Form 8300 must be retained as part of the defendant’s file if it is otherwise required. A quitclaim deed for property may not be taken as collateral. Other acceptable forms of security or indemnity may consist of the following: (a) A promissory note; (b) An indemnity agreement; (c) A real property mortgage in the name of the insurer; (d) Any Uniform Commercial Code filing; or (e) Any other type of security approved by the department. The department may approve other security only if, after considering the liquidity and other characteristics of the security, it determines that the security is of a type which increases the probability that the defendant will in fact appear in court or increases the probability that the defendant will be subsequently apprehended by the bail bond agent. (2) When a bail bond agent accepts collateral, a written, numbered receipt shall be given, and this receipt shall give in detail a full account of the collateral received. The bail bond agent shall also give copies of documents rendered under subsection (1) to the indemnitor. (3) Collateral security shall be received and held in the insurer’s name by the bail bond agent in a fiduciary capacity and, prior to any forfeiture of bail, shall be kept separate and apart from any other funds or assets of such bail bond agent. When collateral security in excess of $5,000 cash or its equivalent is received by a bail bond agent, the entire amount shall be immediately forwarded to the insurer. Such collateral security may be placed in an interest-bearing account to accrue to the benefit of the person giving the collateral security, and the bail bond agent, insurer, or managing general agent may not make any pecuniary gain on the collateral security deposited. Any such account shall be in a depository office of a financial institution located in this state. The insurer shall be liable for all collateral received. If the bail bond agent or managing general agent fails to return the collateral to the indemnitor upon final termination of liability on the bond, the surety shall be liable for the collateral and shall return the actual collateral to the indemnitor or, in the event that the surety cannot locate the collateral, the surety shall pay the indemnitor pursuant to the provisions of this section. (4) When the obligation of the surety on the bond or bonds has been released in writing by the court, the collateral shall be returned to the rightful owner named in the collateral receipt unless another disposition is provided for by legal assignment of the right to receive the collateral to another person. (5) If a forfeiture occurs, the agent or insurer shall give 10 days’ written notice of intent to convert the collateral deposit into cash to satisfy the forfeiture to the indemnitor and principal. Notice shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the indemnitor and principal. (6) The bail bond agent or insurer must convert the collateral to cash within a reasonable period of time and return that which is in excess of the face value of the bond minus the actual and reasonable expenses of converting the collateral to cash. In no event shall these expenses exceed 20 percent of the face value of the bond. However, upon motion and proof that the actual, reasonable expenses exceed 20 percent, the court may allow recovery of the full amount of such actual, reasonable expenses. If there is a remission of a forfeiture, which had required the surety to pay the bond to the court, the surety shall pay to the indemnitor the value of any collateral received for the bond, minus any actual expenses and costs permitted herein. (7) No bail bond agent or insurer shall solicit or accept a waiver of any of the provisions of this section or enter into any agreement as to the value of the collateral. (8) Prior to the appointment of a bail bond agent who is currently or was previously appointed by another insurer, the bail bond agent must file with the department a sworn and notarized affidavit, on a form prescribed by the department, stating that: (a) There has been no loss, misappropriation, conversion, or theft of any collateral being held by the agent in trust for any insurer by which the agent is currently or was previously appointed; and (b) All collateral being held in trust by the agent and all records for any insurer by which the agent is currently or was previously appointed are available for immediate audit and inspection by the department, the insurer, or the managing general agent, and will upon demand of the department or insurer be transmitted to the insurer for whom the collateral is being held in trust. (9) The department shall establish by rule the form of the affidavit and the statement identifying the amount and source of the security as specified in s. 903.14. (10) An indemnity agreement may not be entered into between a principal and either a surety or any agent of the surety, and an application may not be accepted either by a bail bond agent engaged in the bail bond business or by a surety company for a bail bond in which an indemnity agreement is required between a principal and either a surety or any agent of such surety, unless the indemnity agreement reads as follows: “For good and valuable consideration, the undersigned principal agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the surety company or its agent for all losses not otherwise prohibited by law or by rules of the Department of Financial Services.” (11) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

F.S. 648.525 Civil assessment.

(1) The department may initiate a civil administrative proceeding against a licensee who fails to comply with the solicitation requirements of this chapter. (2) The burden of proof in such proceedings is by a preponderance of the evidence. Upon a finding that a licensee has failed to properly comply, an assessment of $5,000 shall be ordered for each act of improper solicitation which assessment shall be payable within 30 days after the date of the final order. (3) The civil assessment is a civil remedy for conduct that harms the consuming public and that is considered an unfair method of competition, and is not a penalty or administrative fine. Remedies under this section are in addition to any other remedies available at law.

F.S. 648.571 Failure to return collateral; penalty.

(1) A bail bond agent who has taken collateral or an insurer or managing general agent who holds collateral as security for a bail bond shall, upon demand, make a written request for a discharge of the bond to be delivered to the surety or the surety’s agent. A copy of the written request for discharge must be given to the indemnitor or the person making the request for the collateral, and a copy must be maintained in the agent’s file. If a discharge is provided to the surety or the surety’s agent pursuant to chapter 903, the collateral shall be returned to the indemnitor within 21 days after the discharge is provided. (2) Upon demand, following the written request for discharge and upon diligent inquiry by the surety or surety’s agent to determine whether the bond has been discharged, the failure of the court to provide a written discharge to the surety or surety’s agent pursuant to chapter 903 within 7 days automatically cancels the bond, and the collateral shall be returned to the indemnitor within 21 days after the written request for discharge. (3)(a) Fees or charges other than those provided in this chapter or by rule of the department or commission may not be deducted from the collateral due. (b)1. The bail bond agent may charge the credit card fee imposed in connection with the use of the credit card for payment of collateral if the fee is clearly shown on the collateral receipt and is acknowledged by the person tendering the credit card. 2. The prevailing schedule of credit card fees must be conspicuously posted in the lobby of the bail bond agency, and a copy must be provided to the person tendering the credit card. (c) Allowable expenses incurred in apprehending a defendant because of a bond forfeiture or judgment under s. 903.29 may be deducted if such expenses are accounted for. The failure to return collateral under these terms is punishable as follows: 1. If the collateral is of a value less than $100, as provided in s. 775.082(4)(a). 2. If the collateral is of a value of $100 or more, as provided in s. 775.082(3)(e). 3. If the collateral is of a value of $1,500 or more, as provided in s. 775.082(3)(d). 4. If the collateral is of a value of $10,000 or more, as provided in s. 775.082(3)(b). (4) In addition to the criminal penalties and any other penalties provided in this chapter, the department shall impose against any person violating this section an administrative fine of five times the dollar amount of the collateral.

F.S. 648.3875 Bail bond agent in charge; qualifications.

(1) An application for designation as a bail bond agent in charge must be submitted on forms prescribed by the department. The application must include the applicant’s full name and the applicant’s license number issued pursuant to s. 648.27. (2) To qualify as a bail bond agent in charge, it must affirmatively appear that, at the time of application and throughout the period of licensure, the applicant has complied with s. 648.285 and that the applicant has been licensed as a bail bond agent for the 24 months immediately preceding the appointment as the bail bond agent in charge.

F.S. 648.4425 Notice.

(1) Upon issuing a bond, the bail bond agent shall provide to the principal and, if applicable, to the party rendering collateral or indemnifying the surety an informational notice which shall include: (a) A statement noting with particularity the restrictions, if any, placed on the principal as a condition of the bond; (b) A statement of the bail bond agent’s powers relating to the cancellation of the bond and recommitment of the principal; and (c) The name, address, and telephone number of the department for complaints or inquiries. (2) Any bail bond agent that surrenders or recommits a defendant must provide the defendant with a statement of surrender on a department-prescribed form. The statement must be signed by the agent and must state the reason for surrender. The statement must be attached to the surrender form with a copy provided to the defendant and a copy maintained by the agent in the defendant’s file. (3) The department shall prescribe forms to administer this section.

Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter648/AllFetched: 7/8/2026