Key Facts
- The price is always 10% of whatever bail figure applies; state law sets the rate and forbids discounts.
- The bail amount itself comes from a county bond schedule or a judge at first appearance, not from the bondsman.
- The premium is not a deposit; it is earned and non-refundable.
- Larger bonds may also require collateral; smaller bonds usually do not.
- The only other way out is paying the full bail in cash to the court, refundable later but far larger up front.
What Sets the Bail Amount the 10% Is Based On
Your cost is a percentage, so the real question is what number it is a percentage of. In Florida the bail figure is driven by a handful of factors. The county's standard bond schedule assigns a baseline dollar amount to each charge. The severity of the offense matters most: a second-degree misdemeanor carries a fraction of what a first-degree felony does. A prior record, an open case, or a history of missed court dates pushes the figure higher. Some charges, such as certain violent felonies, can be held with no bond until a hearing. At first appearance, usually within 24 hours of the arrest, a judge reviews all of this and can keep the scheduled amount, lower it, raise it, or deny bond entirely.
Common Bail Amounts and What You Pay
Because the rate never changes, you can read your cost straight off the bail figure. These are the most frequently searched amounts:
| Bail Amount | Your Cost (10%) |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
What the 10% Covers and What It Doesn't
The premium pays the agent to post the full bond with the court, handle the paperwork, and carry the financial risk while the case is open. It does not cover court costs, fines, restitution, or any collateral you put up, which is a separate security returned to you when the bond is discharged. Think of the 10% as the price of the service, not a payment toward the case.
Get an Exact Number in Minutes
Tell a licensed Florida agent the bail amount and they will confirm your cost on the spot, 24/7.
Start the Bail Process →Related Questions
Is the 10% rate negotiable?
No. The rate is fixed in statute, and a licensed agent cannot legally charge more or less. An offer of a "discount rate" is a red flag, not a deal.
What if you cannot afford the 10% tonight?
Most agencies finance the premium with a down payment and installments. You can also ask the court for a bail reduction or release on recognizance.
Do you get the 10% back?
No. Unlike cash bail paid to the court, the bondsman's premium is an earned fee and is never refunded, regardless of how the case turns out.