Florida tenant lease bonds.
From $100.

Instead of tying up a full cash security deposit, a Florida tenant can sometimes post a surety bond that backs the lease, sized to what your landlord requires. Florida’s §83.491 created a framework for deposit alternatives in 2023. The premium is 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

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Used as an alternative to a cash security deposit in the framework Fla. Stat. §83.491 created

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Sized to whatever your lease or landlord requires — typically one to two months of rent

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2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — enter your required amount and see your exact price at the calculator

2% rate$100 minimumExact pricebefore you paySoft pullnever a hard inquiry

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How it works

Apply to issued in one sitting.

Enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, and pay — then you have the executed bond. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the bond amount your landlord asked for, and the effective date — that is the application, plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

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

SAME DAY

Deliver to your landlord

Submit the executed bond to your landlord or property manager in place of the cash deposit. Wet-ink originals mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the tenant lease bond actually does

A tenant lease bond lets a renter back a lease with a surety bond instead of fronting a full cash security deposit. The bond runs in favor of the landlord, who can claim against it for things like unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — and, as with every surety bond, if the surety pays a claim, the tenant repays the surety.

In 2023 Florida enacted Fla. Stat. §83.491, which created a framework for landlords to offer a fee in lieu of a security deposit. The statute is careful: it does not require a landlord to accept a bond or insurance product, and a fee or bond accepted in lieu of a deposit is not itself a security deposit. Whether you can use a bond depends on what your landlord offers.

Because this is a private arrangement rather than a state license requirement, the amount is whatever your landlord or lease specifies — there is no statutory figure. Confirm with your landlord that they will accept a surety bond before you buy, then enter the amount — pricing is 2% of that amount, with a $100 minimum, set by the bond amount rather than a credit or underwriting tier.

Fla. Stat. §83.491 (fee in lieu of security deposit)Florida Statutes §83.491, effective July 1, 2023, lets a landlord offer tenants a fee in lieu of a security deposit and addresses insurance products and surety bonds accepted in that context. It does not require a landlord to accept a bond, and it provides that a fee or bond accepted in lieu of a deposit is not a security deposit. A tenant lease bond is a private, landlord-accepted arrangement — confirm your landlord accepts one before purchasing.

You might use this bond if you are

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A renter who would rather not tie up a full cash security deposit upfront

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Offered a deposit alternative by a landlord under the §83.491 framework

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Moving and short on cash but able to cover a small one-time premium instead

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A landlord or property manager standardizing on bonds in place of cash deposits

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Confirm your landlord accepts a surety bond before you buy.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the tenant lease bond?The premium is 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. Because there is no statutory figure, the amount is whatever your landlord or lease requires — often around one to two months of rent. Enter it at the application to see your exact price.

Does Florida require my landlord to accept this?No. Fla. Stat. §83.491 created a framework for deposit alternatives but does not require any landlord to accept a surety bond or insurance product. Confirm with your landlord that they will accept a bond in place of the cash deposit before you buy one.

Is this the same as my deposit coming back?No. The bond is not a refundable deposit — it is a guarantee that runs to your landlord. If your landlord makes a valid claim (for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear) and the surety pays, you repay the surety. The premium itself is not refundable.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. The price itself is set by the bond amount: 2% of it, with a $100 minimum.

What amount should I choose?Use the figure your landlord asks for. There is no statewide default, since this is a private arrangement rather than a state mandate. If you are not sure, ask your landlord for the exact amount and send it to us.

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.

Tenant lease bond, issued today.

Pricing from $100. Confirm your landlord accepts it, enter the amount, and deliver it the same day.

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