Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Quick Answer: A bail bondsman (also called a bail agent or bail bond agent) is a licensed professional who posts bail on behalf of defendants. They charge a non-refundable 10% fee and guarantee the full bail amount to the court. In Florida, bail bondsmen must be licensed by the Department of Financial Services.
What a Bail Bondsman Does
- Assesses the risk — Reviews the charges, bail amount, defendant's history, and flight risk
- Collects the premium — Charges 10% of the bail amount (set by Florida law)
- Posts the bond — Submits paperwork and financial guarantee to the court/jail
- Monitors the defendant — Ensures the defendant attends all court dates
- Recovers defendants — If a defendant skips court, the bondsman may use recovery agents (bounty hunters) to locate them
Licensing Requirements in Florida
Florida bail bondsmen must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete a 200-hour training course
- Pass a state licensing exam
- Obtain a license from the Florida Department of Financial Services
- Be appointed by a licensed surety insurance company
- Maintain continuing education credits
Verify any bondsman's license at myfloridacfo.com.
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