Florida security deposit bonds.
From $100.

Instead of holding tenant security deposits in a separate account, a Florida landlord can post a surety bond with the clerk of the circuit court under §83.49, F.S. and keep the deposits as operating funds. Pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, with one soft credit pull — enter the amount and your exact price appears at the application.

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An option under §83.49, F.S. — post a bond instead of segregating deposits

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Amount is the total deposits and advance rent held, or $50,000, whichever is less (up to $250,000 for multi-county landlords)

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Soft credit pull only — never a hard inquiry, and pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum

2% of amount$100 minimumSoft pullnever a hard inquiryInstantapproval for most

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

Enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, and file the bond with the clerk. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the bond amount (your total deposits held, capped per statute), and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit check.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The soft pull never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

SAME DAY

File with the clerk of court

File the executed bond with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the dwelling is located. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the clerk insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the security deposit bond actually does

Florida’s residential landlord-tenant law, §83.49, F.S., requires a landlord who collects security deposits or advance rent to either hold the money in a separate non-interest account, hold it in a separate interest-bearing account, or post a surety bond. The bond lets you keep the deposits as operating funds rather than segregating them.

The bond is filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the dwelling is located, in the total amount of the deposits and advance rent held, or $50,000, whichever is less. A landlord renting in five or more counties may file a single statewide bond, in the total held or $250,000, whichever is less. Either way, the landlord also pays the tenant 5% simple interest per year.

The bond is conditioned on the landlord’s compliance with §83.49 and runs to the Governor for the benefit of any tenant injured by a violation. If you wrongfully keep a deposit and a tenant is harmed, they can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

§83.49, F.S. (filed with the clerk of court)Under §83.49(1)(c), F.S., a landlord may post a surety bond with the clerk of the circuit court in lieu of holding security deposits and advance rent separately, in the total amount held or $50,000, whichever is less. A landlord renting in five or more counties may post a single statewide bond up to $250,000. The bond runs to the Governor for the benefit of any tenant injured by a violation, and the landlord pays 5% simple annual interest.

You need this bond if you are

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A landlord or property manager who wants to use deposits as operating funds rather than segregating them

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Holding security deposits or advance rent on Florida residential rentals

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Renting in five or more counties and posting a single statewide bond up to $250,000

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Reducing administrative overhead of separate deposit accounts across a portfolio

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 security deposit bond?Pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The amount is the total deposits and advance rent you hold, capped at $50,000 (or $250,000 for a statewide bond if you rent in five or more counties). Enter that figure and your exact price appears at the application.

Why would I post this bond?So you can use tenant deposits as operating funds instead of segregating them in a separate account. §83.49 gives landlords that option in exchange for a bond filed with the clerk of court — plus paying the tenant 5% simple annual interest.

Where do I file it?With the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the dwelling is located. A landlord renting in five or more counties may instead file a single statewide bond.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score. It informs approval, not price — pricing stays 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, regardless of credit.

Who does the bond protect?It runs to the Governor for the benefit of any tenant injured by the landlord’s violation of §83.49. If you wrongfully withhold a deposit and a tenant is harmed, they can recover against the bond — and you repay the surety.

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.

Security deposit bond, issued today.

From $100. Enter your amount and file with the clerk the same day.

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