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 […]
648.25 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. History.—s. 5, ch. 96-372.
648.285 Bond agency; ownership requirements.— (1) A person may not own, control, or otherwise have a pecuniary interest in a bail bond agency unless such individual is a licensed and appointed bail bond agent. Any agency that is not in compliance with this subsection shall be subject to the issuance of an immediate final order of suspension […]
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 […]
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 […]
648.30 Licensure and appointment required; prohibited acts; penalties.— (1) A person may not act in the capacity of a bail bond agent or temporary bail bond agent or perform any of the functions, duties, or powers prescribed for bail bond agents or temporary bail bond agents under this chapter unless that person is qualified, licensed, and appointed […]
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 or temporary bail bond agent, as provided in s. 624.501. History.—s. 5, ch. 29621, 1955; s. 2, ch. 59-326; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 177, ch. 70-339; s. 3, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
648.355 Temporary limited license as limited surety agent or professional bail bond agent; pending examination.— (1) The department may, in its discretion, issue a temporary license as a limited surety agent or professional bail bond agent, subject to the following conditions: (a) The applicant is a natural person at least 18 years of age and holds a high […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
648.382 Appointment of bail bond agents and temporary bail bond agents; effective date of appointment.— (1) Each insurer appointing a bail bond agent and each insurer, managing general agent, or bail bond agent appointing a temporary bail bond agent in this state must file the appointment with the department and, at the same time, pay the applicable […]
