How to become a bail bondsman in Florida (2026)
How to become a licensed bail bondsman in Florida: the 2-34 Limited Surety Agent license, the 120-hour course, the DFS exam, the $50,000 bond, and getting appointed.
Who licenses bail bond agents in Florida
Florida licenses bail bond agents statewide through the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The license you're after is the 2-34 Limited Surety (Bail Bond) Agent license — one state credential, rather than Texas's county-by-county system. Everything runs through DFS: the required course, the exam and the application.
Florida eligibility requirements
To qualify for the 2-34 license, you must:
- Be at least 18, a Florida resident, and a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization;
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent;
- Be a person of high character and integrity with no felony, moral-turpitude, or one-year-plus criminal conviction;
- Maintain a place of business in Florida, in the county where you keep records and actively work bonds;
- Complete the education, exam and bond requirements below.
Steps to get licensed in Florida
- Complete the 120-hour course. An approved basic certification course in the criminal justice system, passing with a grade of at least 80%.
- Pass the DFS state exam.
- Secure a $50,000 surety bond — a financial guarantee of your professional conduct.
- Apply to DFS for the 2-34 Limited Surety Agent license.
- Get appointed by a licensed insurer or bail bond agency to begin writing bonds.
After you're licensed
Once you hold the 2-34 license, the work shifts to running a compliant agency. See how to start a bail bond agency and bail bond software in Florida for managing bonds, court dates, powers and payments across the counties you work.
FAQ
How do you become a bail bondsman in Florida?
Get the 2-34 Limited Surety (Bail Bond) Agent license from the Department of Financial Services: meet the residency, age and background requirements, complete the 120-hour course (80%+), pass the DFS exam, secure a $50,000 bond, apply, and get appointed by a licensed insurer or agency.
What is a 2-34 license in Florida?
It's Florida's Limited Surety (Bail Bond) Agent license, issued statewide by the Department of Financial Services — the credential you need to write bail bonds in Florida.
How much does it cost to become a bail bondsman in Florida?
Costs include the 120-hour course, exam and application fees, and a $50,000 surety bond. Confirm current fees with the Department of Financial Services and your surety.