It is typically not required to seek the Department’s approval of your agency name. However, the use of a name that would be misleading or deceptive in any way should be avoided. Names chosen should not imply that the agency is an insurance company (including bail bond and surety companies), governmental agency, or any other national or state organization.  They should also not imply a reduced rate of premium or have the word "free" in it.

Any bail bond agent who intends to conduct business under any business name, other than his or her own individual name, is required to create a secure MyProfile Bail Bond Agency account type and designate a primary bail bond agent before they may operate or advertise. [ss. 648.44(6), F.S.]

Each location of a bail bond agency is required to designate a licensed and appointed primary bail bond agent. This is done after you create a secure MyProfile Bail Bond Agency account type. Further, if there is a change in the primary bail bond agent, the owner or new primary agent must notify us within 10 working days of the change. The primary bail bond agent is responsible for the overall operation and management of a bail bond agency location, whose responsibilities may include hiring and supervising of all individuals within the location, whether they deal with the public in the solicitation or negotiation of bail bond contracts or in the collection or accounting of money. A person may be designated as a primary bail bond agent for only one location. [s. 648.387, F.S.]

For more instructions, please see our Bail Bond Agency Primary Agent User Guide.

On a related matter, a bail bond agent must notify us within 10 working days if you change your name, residence address, principal business street address or mailing address, e-mail address, or contact telephone numbers.  This is quickly and easily done by logging in to your MyProfile account.  [s. 648.421, F.S.]

The bail bond agency must be open and accessible to the public for at least 8 hours during the normal work day, which is defined as 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. [Rule 69B-221.051, F.A.C.]

All bail bond agents who are members of the same agency must be appointed to represent the same surety companies (insurers). Also, if any agent of a bail bond agency is licensed and appointed as a professional bail bond agent, all the agents in the agency must be licensed as one. [s. 648.55, F.S.]

A temporary bail bond agent is a person who is employed by a bail bond agent or agency, insurer, or managing general agent. The temporary licensee has similar authority as a licensed bail bond agent. The temporary licensee can: present defendants in court; apprehend, arrest, and surrender defendants to the proper authorities, while accompanied by a supervising bail bond agent or an agent from the same agency; and keep defendants under necessary surveillance.

A temporary licensee may not execute or sign bonds, handle collateral receipts, deliver bonds to appropriate authorities, or operate an agency or branch agency separate from the location of the supervising bail bond agent, managing general agent or insurer by whom the licensee is employed. The temporary agent must be paid a salary or wages as required by law. [ss. 648.25(8) and ss. 648.355(8), F.S.; Rule 69B-221.051(4)(b), F.A.C.]

Be aware when getting ready to advertise the business. A bail bond agent may not use any verbiage that could be interpreted as a reduced premium rate in any advertisement. When placing any type of advertisement (billboard, telephone book, flyers, etc.) you must include the business name and address you have filed with the department. [ss. 648.44(6)(7), F.S.]