Surety Bonds in Florida | Contract, Permit & Commercial Bonds

Florida surety bonds for contract, license, and permit requirements

If your business needs a surety bond in Florida, chances are you’re dealing with a licensing requirement, contract obligation, or government mandate. Surety bonds are commonly required across the state for contractors, developers, transport businesses, and regulated professionals.

At American US Insurance, we help businesses secure surety bonds quickly and correctly across Miami, Kendall, Hollywood, Orlando, and all of Florida. Whether you need a bond to bid on a job, pull a permit, or stay compliant with state or local regulations, we guide you through the process from start to finish.

What Is a Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a three-party agreement that guarantees an obligation will be fulfilled:

  • Principal – the business or individual required to obtain the bond

  • Obligee – the government agency, court, or project owner requiring the bond

  • Surety – the bonding company backing the obligation

Unlike insurance, a surety bond protects the obligee, not the principal. If a valid claim is paid, the principal is typically responsible for reimbursing the surety.

Types of Surety Bonds We Offer in Florida

We provide a full range of surety bonds used throughout Florida, including the categories below.

Contract Bonds

Contract bonds are most commonly required in construction and public works projects. They provide assurance that a contractor will meet their contractual obligations.

Common contract bonds include:

  • Bid bonds – guarantee that a contractor will honor their bid if awarded

  • Performance bonds – guarantee completion of the project per contract terms

  • Payment bonds – help ensure subcontractors and suppliers are paid

  • Maintenance bonds – cover workmanship issues after project completion

  • Supply bonds – guarantee delivery of materials or equipment

Contract bonds are often required by municipalities, counties, developers, and public agencies across Florida.

Subdivision Bonds

Subdivision bonds are typically required for land development projects. These bonds guarantee that developers will complete required public or off-site improvements according to approved plans and specifications.

Subdivision bonds may cover:

  • Roads and sidewalks

  • Drainage and stormwater systems

  • Lighting, signage, and utilities

  • Other municipal or county infrastructure improvements

Bond requirements and wording vary by jurisdiction, which is why correct documentation is critical.

Commercial Surety Bonds

Commercial surety bonds cover a wide range of non-contract obligations tied to business operations and regulatory compliance. These bonds are common in industries where consumer protection or financial responsibility is required.

Commercial surety bonds often apply to:

  • Transportation and logistics businesses

  • Auto-related services

  • Financial and professional services

  • Regulated trades and occupations

If a business is required to “be bonded,” it usually falls into this category.

License and Permit Bonds

License and permit bonds are required for many professions and businesses operating in Florida. These bonds guarantee compliance with laws, rules, and regulations tied to a specific license or permit.

License and permit bonds are commonly required by:

  • State agencies

  • County and municipal licensing departments

  • Construction and permitting offices

  • Professional licensing boards

Using the correct obligee name and bond language is essential to avoid rejections or delays.

How to Get a Surety Bond in Florida

The bonding process is usually straightforward when handled correctly:

  1. Identify the bond type and required amount

  2. Confirm the obligee’s exact wording and form requirements

  3. Submit a short application

  4. Receive a quote and issue the bond

  5. File the bond with the appropriate agency or authority

Many Florida surety bonds can be issued quickly once the required details are confirmed.

Serving Miami, Kendall, Hollywood, Orlando & All of Florida

Surety bond requirements can vary by city, county, and agency. We regularly assist clients across:

  • Miami & Miami-Dade County

  • Kendall

  • Hollywood

  • Orlando & Central Florida

  • Statewide Florida operations

Whether your bond is required locally or statewide, we make sure it meets the correct specifications.

Related Insurance Coverage You May Need

Surety bonds are often required in conjunction with insurance policies. Depending on your business, you may also need:

  • Commercial auto insurance

  • Transporter tag insurance

  • General liability or business owners' policies

Florida Transporter Tag Insurance
https://amerinsured.com/business-insurance/florida-transporter-tag-insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance
https://amerinsured.com/business-insurance/commercial-auto-insurance

General liability / BOP coverage (for contractors and businesses)
https://amerinsured.com.com/business-insurance/liability-insurance

Get a Florida Surety Bond Quote

If you need a surety bond anywhere in Florida — whether for a contract, license, permit, or development requirement — our team can help you get bonded quickly and correctly.

Call Now for a Surety Bond Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About Surety Bonds in Florida

What is a surety bond in Florida?

A surety bond in Florida is a financial guarantee required by a government agency, court, or project owner to ensure a business or individual meets specific legal or contractual obligations.

Who needs a surety bond in Florida?

Surety bonds are commonly required for contractors, developers, licensed professionals, transportation businesses, and companies pulling permits or bidding on public or private projects across Florida.

What types of surety bonds are required in Florida?

Common Florida surety bonds include contract bonds (bid, performance, payment, maintenance), subdivision bonds, commercial surety bonds, and license and permit bonds.

How much does a surety bond cost in Florida?

Surety bond costs in Florida depend on the bond type, bond amount, and applicant qualifications. Many license and permit bonds are affordable, while contract bonds are priced based on risk and project size.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. A surety bond protects the obligee, not the business purchasing the bond. If a valid claim is paid, the bonded business is typically responsible for reimbursing the surety.

Do surety bond requirements vary by city in Florida?

Yes. Bond requirements and wording can vary by city, county, and agency. We regularly assist clients in Miami, Kendall, Hollywood, Orlando, and statewide Florida with city-specific bond requirements.

How fast can I get a surety bond in Florida?

Many Florida surety bonds can be issued quickly once the bond type, amount, and obligee details are confirmed. Processing time varies depending on the bond and underwriting requirements.