Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Bail Bondsman Explained
A bail bondsman (also called a bail bond agent) is a licensed professional who posts bail on behalf of defendants who can't afford the full bail amount.
How It Works
- A judge sets bail (e.g., $10,000)
- You contact a bail bondsman
- You pay the bondsman 10% ($1,000)
- The bondsman posts the full $10,000 bail with the court
- The defendant is released
What's the Risk?
If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman is responsible for the full bail amount. The bondsman may hire a bounty hunter (called a bail enforcement agent in Florida) to locate and return the defendant.