What Is a Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?
Florida law requires individuals to file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the state's motor vehicle dealer license application process. There are two bond forms depending on the type of vehicles being sold:
- An “Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond” is required if you sell used vehicles.
- A “Franchise Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond” is required if you sell new vehicles.
The bond form specifically requires that auto dealers comply with Florida statutes and fulfill written contracts when selling or exchanging vehicles.
Florida recreational vehicles dealers also need surety bond coverage depending on the number of supplemental licenses they hold:
- 4 or fewer supplemental licenses: $10,000 bond
- 5 or more supplemental licenses: $20,000 bond
Note: A separate Florida mobile home bond is required for those who sell, install, or manufacture mobile homes. If you need to register a vehicle without a title, you'll need a Florida title bond.
How Much Do Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bonds Cost?
Florida motor vehicle dealer bond costs start as low as $225 annually. We’ll provide your exact premium after a quick application review. State law requires that these bonds expire annually on April 30th or December 31st depending on your license type. Your personal premium will be prorated based on the date you purchase the bond. Request your free quote below.
Recreational vehicle dealer bonds in Florida start at $100 for the $10,000 bond or $200 for the $20,000 bond. Get your free quote below.
We offer free quotes and deliver official Florida auto dealer bonds faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed same-day with email delivery.
How Does a Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Work?
By filing this bond, you agree to comply with Florida Statutes Chapter 319 and 320 when operating your dealership(s). If you fail to do so and a valid claim is made against the bond, the issuing surety company will pay damages up to the full bond amount, which you must then reimburse.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Florida auto dealer bonding process.
How to Get a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond in Florida
You can apply for your free Florida auto dealer bond quote online 24/7. Simply select which bond type you need and provide the following information for filing approval:
- Dealer or dealership name
- Dealer or dealership address
- Dealer license number, if available
Once you pay your invoice, we’ll email your official bond documents within minutes.
If you have questions about your application, call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert.
When Do I Renew My Florida Auto Dealer Bond?
Your Florida auto dealer bond must be renewed whenever the current term expires.
- The independent motor vehicle dealer bond for dealers who sell used vehicles expires annually on April 30th.
- The franchised motor vehicle dealer bond for dealers who sell new vehicles expires annually on December 31st.
Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, we’ll email instructions so you can keep your bond active for the next license term.
How to Become a Licensed Car Dealer in Florida
To start a motor vehicle dealership in Florida, you must be licensed with the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department. Follow these steps to apply:
- Review the Florida Administrative Code 15C-7.003 motor vehicle dealer license requirements.
- Get a sales tax number and a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
- Submit a completed Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle, Motor Home, or Recreational Vehicle Dealer.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit proof of having Garage Liability Insurance for at least $25,000 combined single-limit liability coverage and $10,000 personal injury protection.
- Purchase a $25,000 Florida surety bond.
- Submit proof of registration with the Florida Division of Corporations.
- Submit a copy of a pre-licensing dealer training course completion certificate from an approved Dealer Training School.
- Submit electronic fingerprints from an approved registered submitter.
- Have the business location approved by a regional office's compliance examiner/officer and pay a $200 fee for each main location.
- Submit the lease agreement.
Submit all documents and forms to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department for licensing consideration. Find more details on recreational vehicle licensing in the resources section below.
