Bail Bond Agent License Requirements

How does Florida regulate and authorize licenses?   

A “license” to regulate professions and occupations means any permit, registration, certificate, or license issued in Florida. An occupational license is a privilege accorded by the state or its subdivisions to conduct a business at a particular location and is not a property right protected by substantive due process; the denial of such license does not prevent the business owner from pursuing a lawful occupation but merely stops the business from operating at a particular location. Ammons v. Okeechobee County, 710 So. 2d 641 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).  

On July 1, 2021, the Florida Legislature passed Section 163.211 into law, which prevents any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of Florida from implementing additional licensing requirements for most occupations. Therefore, a prospective applicant only needs to satisfy state statutory requirements. 

Need help receiving, renewing, or defending your license? Schedule your consultation today with a top administrative law and licensing attorney.  

Which laws and regulations apply to bail bond agent licenses in Florida?  

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates bail bond agent licenses in Florida. DFS operates under the authority of the Florida Statutes Chapter 648, which sets forth the legal requirements for bail bond agents in Florida. 

Chapter 648 outlines the qualifications necessary for an individual to become a licensed bail bond agent. Additional regulations are in the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule 69B-221, which provides further guidance on licensing, conduct, and continuing education requirements for bail bond agents. 

Aside from state-level regulations, federal law also plays a role in the bail bond agent licensing process. For example, the Federal Bail Bond Act of 1984 sets specific standards for bail bond agents operating within the federal court system. 

What are the application and retention requirements for bail bond agent licenses in Florida? 

Application Requirements:

Applicants must meet several criteria to apply for a bail bond agent license in Florida. As specified in Chapter 648, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have no disqualifying criminal history, and be a state resident. Additionally, candidates must complete at least 120 hours of pre-licensing education at an approved institution, pass the state examination, and secure a $50,000 surety bond. 

Retention Requirements:

Once licensed, bail bond agents must meet ongoing requirements to maintain their license. These include completing 14 hours of continuing education every two years, as stated in FAC Rule 69B-221.051. Licensees must also submit an annual filing fee and maintain records of their transactions for at least three years.  

To ensure compliance with the law, the DFS conducts periodic inspections of bail bond agents’ records and business premises. Bail bond agents found violating statutes or regulations may face disciplinary actions, including fines, license suspension, or revocation, as outlined in Florida Statutes §648.45.  

To determine whether you meet bail bond agent license requirements, please contact our office to set up your initial consultation. 

Can the DFS’s license decision be appealed?  

Yes, an adverse license decision made by the DFS is appealable. The authority for appealing such decisions comes from the Florida Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes. The APA establishes the framework for challenging agency actions, such as licensing decisions, through administrative hearings and judicial review. The right to appeal derives from Florida Statutes §120.569 and §120.57.  

If an applicant or licensee receives an adverse decision from the DFS, they may request an administrative hearing to challenge it. The request for a hearing must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the agency’s notice, which is generally 15 days from the date of the notice, as provided in Section 120.569(2)(a), Florida Statutes. 

The administrative hearing process commences with submitting a petition for a hearing to the agency. The petition must comply with the requirements outlined in Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code. If the petitioner qualifies for an administrative hearing, the case is referred to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) and assigned to an administrative law judge (ALJ). 

The ALJ conducts the hearing, like a trial, with both parties presenting evidence and testimony. After the hearing, the ALJ issues a recommended order, which includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation for a final decision. The DFS then reviews the recommended order and issues a final order, either adopting, modifying, or rejecting the ALJ’s recommendations. 

Suppose the petitioner is unsatisfied with the DFS’s final order. In that case, they can seek judicial review by filing a notice of appeal with the appropriate District Court of Appeal, as provided in Section 120.68, Florida Statutes. The court reviews the case to determine if the agency’s decision follows from competent, substantial evidence and complies with the law. 

Have more questions about a professional licensing-related situation?  

Crucially, this overview of bail bond agent licenses does not begin to cover all the laws implicated by this issue or the factors that may compel the application of such laws. Every case is unique, and the laws can produce different outcomes depending on the individual circumstances. 

Jimerson Birr attorneys guide our clients to help make informed decisions while ensuring their rights are respected and protected. Our lawyers are highly trained and experienced in the nuances of the law, so they can accurately interpret statutes and case law and holistically prepare individuals or companies for their legal endeavors. Through this intense personal investment and advocacy, our lawyers will help resolve the issue’s complicated legal problems efficiently and effectively. 

Having a Jimerson Birr attorney on your side means securing a team of seasoned, multi-dimensional, cross-functional legal professionals. Whether it is a transaction, an operational issue, a regulatory challenge, or a contested legal predicament that may require court intervention, we remain a tireless advocate every step of the way. Being a value-added law firm means putting the client at the forefront of everything we do. We use our experience to help our clients navigate even the most complex problems and come out the other side triumphant. 

If you want to understand your case, the merits of your claim or defense, potential monetary awards, or the amount of exposure you face, you should speak with a qualified Jimerson Birr lawyer. Our experienced team of attorneys is here to help. Call Jimerson Birr at (904) 389-0050 or use the contact form to set up a consultation.