Contractor License Bond

Florida Contractor License Bond

DBPR - CILB financial responsibility when FICO is below 660

Florida does not require a flat contractor license bond for all applicants. When FICO-derived credit is below 660 (or other financial-responsibility triggers apply), CILB requires a surety bond or letter of credit sized by division — plus a separate FRO bond when a financially responsible officer is designated.

Overview

What Is a Florida Contractor License Bond?

A Florida contractor financial-responsibility bond is the surety security DBPR - CILB may require under Chapter 489 and FAC 61G4 when an applicant cannot satisfy credit-based financial responsibility, or when an FRO bond is required.

Key Provisions
  • Guarantees compliance with Fla. Stat. ch. 489
  • FAC 61G4-15.006
  • FAC 61G4-15.0021
  • Protects the obligee named on the Florida bond form
  • Remains subject to the penal sum and bond conditions
Surety Obligation Overview

What Does This Bond Guarantee?

The surety bond guarantees that the principal will perform the duties required under Fla. Stat. ch. 489; FAC 61G4-15.006; FAC 61G4-15.0021 up to the penal sum.

Principal
The party required to obtain the bond and perform the underlying obligation.
Obligee
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board - DBPR
Surety
The company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the obligation to the obligee.

When a claim may arise

A claim may arise if the principal fails to comply with the bonded Florida obligation or causes covered loss to the obligee or protected parties.

If a claim is valid

If a claim is valid, the surety may pay up to the bond penalty according to the bond terms; the principal remains liable to reimburse the surety.

Scope of the Obligation
  • Comply with Fla. Stat. ch. 489
  • FAC 61G4-15.006
  • FAC 61G4-15.0021
  • Satisfy Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board - DBPR filing conditions
  • Maintain the bond for the required term
Bond terms

Bond summary

Amount, premium, term, and the authority that requires this filing.

Eligibility

Who Needs This Bond?

Division I or Division II contractor applicants or renewals who do not meet the 660+ credit path, and entities that designate a Financially Responsible Officer under Fla. Stat. § 489.1195.

Who Is Required to File
  • Applicants required by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR - CILB)
  • Florida businesses renewing or expanding licensed activity
  • Out-of-state firms filing into Florida markets
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

Confirm whether you qualify on credit alone, need a sub-660 bond, and - or need the $100,000 FRO bond, then file the DBPR-acceptable form with the exact penal sum.

Required Documentation
  1. Legal entity name matching the license or filing
  2. Bond amount: Sub-660 path: $20,000 Division I or $10,000 Division II (often reduced 50% after a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course). FRO bond: $100,000 when a financially responsible officer is used. Not required for applicants who satisfy credit-based financial responsibility.
  3. Florida obligee form or statute citation
  4. Owner or officer identification for underwriting
Filing

How this filing works

  1. 01

    Confirm the Florida requirement

    Share your license type, court order, or obligee form and the exact penal sum required by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR - CILB).

  2. 02

    Underwrite and price

    We review credit and filing details, then quote premium options through licensed surety markets.

  3. 03

    Issue and file

    Once approved, we issue the bond for delivery to Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board - DBPR or for your Florida filing package.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required amount for a Florida contractor license bond?

The amount is Sub-660 path: $20,000 Division I or $10,000 Division II (often reduced 50% after a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course). FRO bond: $100,000 when a financially responsible officer is used. Not required for applicants who satisfy credit-based financial responsibility., as set under Fla. Stat. ch. 489; FAC 61G4-15.006; FAC 61G4-15.0021 and confirmed with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR - CILB).

Who is the obligee on a Florida contractor license bond?

The obligee is typically Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board - DBPR. Always match the exact name on the Florida form.

How long does it take to get the bond?

Many Florida filings can be underwritten the same day when documents and credit are complete; complex amounts may take longer.

Does bad credit prevent approval?

Not always. Premium and collateral options vary by credit and bond size — ask for markets that still write the risk.

How do I renew the bond?

Most bonds renew on the term shown (1 Year). Keep continuity so your Florida license or filing does not lapse.

Authority Resources

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR - CILB)

myfloridalicense.com

Next step

Ready to file this bond?

We’ll match the requirement and route the application.

Apply for this bond

Or call (877) 477-7578