Florida citrus fruit dealer bonds.
From $100.

Florida requires a citrus fruit dealer to file a bond with FDACS before a license issues, under the Florida Citrus Code (F.S. 601.61). The bond protects the producers and other dealers you trade with — and the Department of Citrus sets the amount by rule. Premiums are 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

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Required for your FDACS citrus fruit dealer license under F.S. 601.61

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Amount is set by Department of Citrus rule — it scales with your volume of citrus handled

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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 citrus dealer license is waiting on this bond. Here's the whole process:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details, owner information, the bond amount the Department 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 citrus fruit dealer license application. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Department insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the citrus dealer bond guarantees

Florida regulates citrus fruit dealers under the Florida Citrus Code (Chapter 601), with licensing through FDACS. Before a dealer license issues, the applicant must file a cash bond, a certificate of deposit, or a surety bond under F.S. 601.61 — a producer-protection guarantee for the growers and dealers you trade with.

The bond runs to the Department of Agriculture for the benefit of every producer and every citrus fruit dealer you deal with in the purchase, handling, sale, and accounting of citrus fruit. The amount is set by the Department of Citrus by rule, and the aggregate liability under the bond cannot exceed its face amount.

It is not insurance for you. If a grower or dealer goes unpaid and recovers against the bond, you repay the surety. Dealers who settle their accounts on time treat the bond as a license formality, not a risk. Note: businesses that only grow or produce citrus are generally excluded from the dealer definition.

F.S. 601.61 (Florida Citrus Code)Florida Statutes 601.61, part of the Florida Citrus Code, requires a citrus fruit dealer to file a cash bond, certificate of deposit, or surety bond with FDACS before a license issues, in an amount set by the Department of Citrus by rule. The bond runs to the Department of Agriculture for the benefit of every producer and dealer the licensee deals with, and aggregate liability cannot exceed the bond amount. Confirm your required amount with FDACS.

You need this bond if you are

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A citrus fruit broker or commission merchant that FDACS licenses as a dealer

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A cash buyer of citrus fruit handling fruit for profit under Chapter 601

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Renewing your citrus dealer license for a new period that needs a current bond

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A packer or shipper of citrus that trades with Florida producers

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 citrus fruit dealer bond?Premiums are 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The bond amount itself is set by the Department of Citrus by rule, based on the volume of citrus you handle. Enter the figure on your FDACS notice and your exact price appears at the application.

Why does Florida require it?It protects the growers and dealers you trade with. Under the Florida Citrus Code, the bond runs to the Department of Agriculture for their benefit, so a producer who isn’t paid for citrus sold to a dealer can recover against it.

Do citrus growers need this bond?Generally no — businesses that only grow or produce citrus fruit are excluded from the dealer definition. The bond applies to brokers, commission merchants, cash buyers, and others who handle citrus for profit.

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.

What amount should I enter?Use the figure on your FDACS notice — the Department of Citrus sets it by rule. If you do not have it yet, send us your expected citrus 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.

FDACS is waiting on one document.

Premiums from $100, soft pull only. Enter the amount the Department set and file the same day.

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