How to Become a Bail Bondsman in Florida Online

Some parts of the bail bondsman licensing process are done online.

With the Internet, you can do many things in the comfort of your home, but there are some things that still require face-to face interactions with other people. And becoming a Florida bail bondsman (bail agent) is no exception.



The Florida Department of Financial Services oversees licensing bail bondsman. Obtaining a bail bondsman license involves online and offline activity. For instance, a pre-licensing course and the bail bondsman application are completed online. However, other aspects of becoming a bail bondsman, such as attending a criminal justice course and completing an internship, are done offline.

Instructions

1. Take a basic certification course. The Florida Department of Financial Services requires 120 hours of classroom instruction that covers the Florida criminal justice system. Florida Surety Agents Association (FSAA) offers this course. Register for the course online via the FSAA website. Pass the course with a score of 80 percent or better.

2. Take a pre-licensing correspondence course. The University of Florida (UF) offers the course online. Register for the course online through the UF website. The course covers topics such as the bail terminology, contracts, Florida statutes and regulations, writing bonds and underwriting bonds.

3. Apply for a temporary bail bond agent license. Make sure you include all requested documentation, such as three notarized letters from Florida citizens and an affidavit from a prospective bail bond employer who can vouch for your moral character and integrity. Complete the application online via the "MyProfile" account on the Florida Department of Financial Services website.

4. Work under the supervision of a licensed bail bond agent. Do this for 12 months and complete at least 1,540 hours of work as a temporary bail bond agent.

5. Apply for your limited surety agent (bail agent) license. Complete the application online through the "MyProfile" account on the Florida Department of Financial Services website.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be at least 18 years old with a high diploma or its equivalent.

• Undergo a LiveScan fingerprint background check. A list of authorized LiveScan providers is available on the Florida Department of Financial Services website. Your application is not complete until you pass the background check.

• You must be free of felony convictions.

References

• Florida Department of Financial Services: Temporary Limited Surety Agent
• Florida Department of Financial Services: Resident Limited Surety (Bail Bond) Agent
• University of Florida: Insurance Pre-licensing

Resources

• Florida Department of Financial Services: MyProfile Information
• Florida Department of Financial Services: Fingerprinting
• Florida Department of Financial Services: Individual Applicants