Qualified Bail Bondsman Under Florida Statute 648
If you or your loved one has been put in jail, then you’ll need the help of a bondsman. However, Florida State Law (Florida Statute Chapter 648) requires that your bail bondsman be fully licensed and certified by the state.
The best way for you to ensure that you’re getting legal, high-quality bail bondsman services is to work with Harrison Bail Bonds, which holds full Florida bail bondsman certification and licensure.
Basic Licensure Requirements
In order to be certified, your bail bondsman must meet the following requirements:
- Have high integrity and character
- Never have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (any state)
- Never been convicted of a crime punishable by a year or more in prison (any state)
How Your Bail Bondsman Earns Certification
If your bail bondsman meets the basic requirements, he must take the following steps:
- Complete a professional certification course (120 classroom hours)
- Pass a certification exam (80% or higher)
- File with the department of justice
- Obtain three sworn statements from reputable citizens supporting the application
- Complete a background check
Bail Bondsman Professional Requirements
After your bail bondsman has been certified, he must follow these rules:
- Maintain a record of all bail bonds executed or countersigned for 3 years
- Keep records readily available for assessment by the Department of Justice
- Charge a premium of exactly 10% of the bail amount
- Never charge a premium after a bond has been executed
