Surety bonds explained

The court sets a bond amount. A bail bond agentBail bond agentA person licensed by the state to post surety bonds. In Florida, licensing and conduct are regulated under Chapter 648, Florida Statutes. posts that amount with the court and becomes liable for it if the defendant does not appear.

The family pays the agent a premiumPremiumThe fee paid to a bail bond agent for posting a surety bond. It is the agent's charge for the service and is generally not refundable. for that service and usually signs an indemnity contract. Bail bond licensing and conduct in Florida are regulated under Chapter 648, Florida Statutes.

An indemnitorIndemnitorA person, often a family member, who signs a contract with a bail bond agent agreeing to be financially responsible if the defendant does not appear. promises to reimburse the agent for losses if the defendant fails to appear, and often provides collateral. Read the contract before signing; the obligations continue until the bond is discharged.

The court can enter a bond forfeitureBond forfeitureThe court's judgment claiming the bond amount after a defendant fails to appear. Florida law gives the surety a period to locate and surrender the defendant. and issue a capiasCapiasA warrant issued by the court directing law enforcement to take a person into custody, commonly issued after a missed court date.. Florida law gives the surety a defined period to locate and surrender the defendant, after which the judgment may become final.