FAQ
What is a bail bond?
Where can a bail bond be posted?
Where can I get a bail bond?
What hours do bail agencies operate?
How much does a bail bond cost?
How long will it be before the defendant is released?
Is the bail bond premium refundable?
How long is a bail bond good for?
Who is liable for the bail bond?
How much does a bail bond cost?
If I just cash bond the defendant, the jail says I will get my money back after the case is closed, is that correct?
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in each and every court appearance as the court directs. If the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of the court, then warrants can be issued and the bail bond can be forfeited.
Where can a bail bond be posted?
A bail bond can be posted at courts and jails. Most jails accept bail bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 of the year.
Where can I get a bail bond?
You can get a bail bond by calling us at
813-626-1901. One of our licensed bail agents will confidentially discuss your individual situation and assist with all of your bail bond needs.
What hours do bail agencies operate?
Because people are arrested both day and night, most bond agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us anytime at 813-626-1901.
How much does a bail bond cost?
Most bail bond premiums (fee) start at ten percent of the full bail amount. For example, if the full bail amount is $25,000.00, the premium for the bail bond is $2,500.00. These fees are established and regulated by the Department of Financial Services.
How long will it be before the defendant is released?
After all of the paperwork is completed, the bail agent will present the bail bond to the jail or court. The amount of time it takes the jail or court to processes the bail bond varies based on the workloads and size of the court. There also could be additional factors outside the control of the bail bond agency at the jail or court. Once the bail bond is presented to the jail or court, the bail bond agent will contact the indemnitor to advise the timeline for the defendant's release.
Is the bail bond premium refundable?
Once the bail bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail, liability is taken on the bail bond. At that point, the bail bond premium is fully earned and is not refundable.
How long is a bail bond good for?
A bail bond is good up to one year. If the case goes beyond the one year, the premium must be paid again in order to keep the bail bond current.
Who is liable for the bail bond?
The indemnitor is financially liable for the bail bond. The indemnitor's liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond. Note: It is very important the indemnitor feels confident the defendant will appear in all of his/her court appearances, or posting a bail bond is not recommended.
How much does a bail bond cost?
10% for bonds over $1,000 with a minimum of $100 for each bond $1,000 or less. This bond premium is nonrefundable; it pays for the services of the bondsman and surety company. The bail bond rate, or premium, in Florida is 10% and is set by the Department of Financial Services. Unlike in some other states, this rate is a flat rate and cannot be negotiated. You may come across other bondsmen who claim they will "discount" the rate; it is always safer to deal with a bondsman who charges the full 10% premium, as you know they are operating within lawful guidelines. Payment plans are sometimes offered on larger bonds.
If I just cash bond the defendant, the jail says I will get my money back after the case is closed; is that correct?
You should receive the balance after any unpaid fines or court costs, whether from that immediate case or past cases for the defendant, meaning that at times you receive little or nothing back. See below:
Title XLVII
CRIME AND CORRECTIONS
Chapter 903
BAIL
903.286 Return of cash bond; requirement to withhold unpaid fines, fees, and court costs. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 903.31(2), the clerk of the court shall withhold from the return of a cash bond posted on behalf of a criminal defendant by a person other than a bail bond agent licensed pursuant to chapter 648 sufficient funds to pay any unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties. In the event that sufficient funds are not available to pay all unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties, the clerk of the court shall immediately obtain payment from the defendant or enroll the defendant in a payment plan pursuant to s. 28.246.