Florida agricultural products dealer bonds.
From $100.

Florida requires most dealers in agricultural products to file a surety bond with FDACS before a dealer license issues, under F.S. 604.19–604.21. The bond protects the producers you buy from — and the Department sets the amount, from $5,000 up to $100,000. Premiums are 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum; your exact price appears at the application.

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Required for your FDACS agricultural products dealer license under F.S. 604.19–604.21

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Amount is set by the Department, from $5,000 to $100,000 — it scales with your purchase volume

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A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score — pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, set before you apply

1% of bond amount$100 minimumClearpricing — instant issuanceSoft pullnever a hard inquiry

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How it works

Three steps to a filed bond.

Your dealer license is waiting on this bond. Here's the whole process — no broker phone tag:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details, owner information, the bond amount FDACS set, and an effective date. The only extra step is a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The soft pull never affects your score and informs approval, not price. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

SAME DAY

File with FDACS

Receive the executed bond ready to file with your agricultural products dealer license application. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Department insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the dealer bond actually guarantees

Florida licenses dealers in agricultural products through FDACS under the Florida Statutes Chapter 604 framework. If you buy Florida agricultural products for resale and pay with anything other than cash or a cash equivalent, the state generally requires you to be licensed and bonded — the bond is a producer-protection guarantee.

It runs to the Commissioner of Agriculture for the benefit of every producer you deal with. If a dealer fails to pay a grower for products purchased, the harmed producer can file a claim against the bond. The Department sets the amount based on your annual dollar volume — no less than $5,000 and no more than $100,000 — and a new bond is required for each one-year license period.

It is not insurance for you. If the surety pays a producer's claim, you repay the surety. Dealers who pay their growers on time treat the bond as a license formality, not a risk.

F.S. 604.19–604.21 (FDACS)Under Florida Statutes 604.19–604.21, a dealer in agricultural products must file a bond (or an assigned certificate of deposit) with FDACS before a license issues. The bond runs to the Commissioner of Agriculture for the benefit of producers, in an amount set by the Department between $5,000 and $100,000, and a separate bond is required for each one-year license period. Confirm your exact amount on your FDACS notice.

You need this bond if you are

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A buyer of Florida agricultural products for resale paying with anything other than cash

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A broker, commission merchant, or cash buyer that FDACS licenses as a dealer

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Renewing your dealer license for a new one-year period that needs a fresh bond

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A packer or shipper handling producers’ products for profit under Chapter 604

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Florida agricultural products dealer bond?Premiums are 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The bond amount itself is set by FDACS — no less than $5,000 and no more than $100,000 — based on your annual purchase volume. Your exact price appears once you enter the figure on your notice.

Why does Florida require it?It protects the producers you buy from. Under Chapter 604, the bond runs to the Commissioner of Agriculture for the benefit of growers, so a producer who isn't paid for products sold to a dealer can recover against it.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. Your price is set by the bond amount, not the check — 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

Do I need a new bond every year?Generally, yes — Florida requires a separate bond for each one-year license period. We send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out so your license never lapses over a missed email.

What amount should I enter if I am not sure?Use the figure on your FDACS notice — the Department calculates it from your annual dollar volume of purchases. If you do not have it yet, send us your expected volume and we will confirm before issuing.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Florida bonds.

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