Bonded Title in Florida
A bonded title lets you register and own a vehicle when you cannot provide complete ownership documentation. In Florida, the required bond is 1.5× Fair Market Value and the title is branded "BONDED" for 3 Years.
What Is a Bonded Title?
A bonded title (also called a surety bond title or certificate of title with bond) is issued when you possess a vehicle but cannot prove complete, unbroken ownership history through traditional documentation such as a signed title, bill of sale, or inheritance records.
The surety bond protects any previous owner who might later make a valid claim to the vehicle. If a prior owner appears and can prove their ownership during the 3 Years bond period, the bond pays their claim. After the bond period expires with no claims, Florida will issue you a clean, unbranded title.
Who Issues the Bond in Florida?
Florida requires an authorized Florida surety insurer; out-of-state bonds are not accepted
Search for "Licensed Florida surety company" in Florida to find authorized insurers. National companies like Western Surety, Lexon Insurance, and IndemniCo are commonly used. Premiums are typically 1–3% of the bond amount annually.
Required Documents in Florida
VIN inspection is mandatory. Florida has one of the stricter VIN verification requirements nationally.
Available at any Florida Tax Collector office or flhsmv.gov
When Does the Bond Release?
After 3 years, FLHSMV issues a standard title. Contact the nearest Tax Collector office to initiate the clean title process.
Florida's high title fee ($75.25+) makes it especially important to confirm a bonded title is the right path before applying. The VIN inspection is non-negotiable and must be done by a Florida-authorized inspector.
Bonded Title FAQ — Florida
A bonded title in Florida is a certificate of title issued when you cannot prove complete ownership history through standard documentation. You purchase a surety bond (1.5× Fair Market Value) and the state issues a title branded "BONDED." After 3 Years with no adverse claims from prior owners, the bond is released and you can get a clean title.
In Florida, the title fee is $75.25+. The surety bond premium — purchased separately from a licensed insurer — is typically 1–3% of the bond amount per year. For a $10,000 vehicle, the bond amount would be approximately $15,000 and the annual premium would be $150–$450.
Yes, you can sell a vehicle with a bonded title in Florida. However, buyers will see the "BONDED" brand on the title and may be unwilling to pay full market value. Full disclosure to the buyer is required. After 3 Years without adverse claims, you or the buyer can apply for a clean title.
A bonded title in Florida is valid for 3 Years. After 3 years, FLHSMV issues a standard title. Contact the nearest Tax Collector office to initiate the clean title process.