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 2× Current Retail 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?
Required by § 319.23(7), which mandates a bond 'executed by the owner as principal and by a surety company authorized to do business in this state.' Out-of-state bonds are not accepted.
Search for "Licensed surety company authorized to do business in Florida" 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
CORRECTED — HSMV 82040 is the VIN verification form, not the bonded title application. The primary bond form is HSMV 82033. VIN inspection is mandatory and is one of the stricter verification requirements nationally.
CORRECTED from HSMV 82040 (which is the VIN verification form, not the bond form). Confirm current form at flhsmv.gov before filing.
When Does the Bond Release?
The standard 3-year release assumption used across states; Fla. Stat. § 319.23(7) does not itself state release conditions — confirm current release process with FLHSMV or your county Tax Collector before relying on this timeline.
Florida requires a 2× current retail value bond (Fla. Stat. § 319.23(7)) — higher than the 1.5× used by most other states. VIN verification is mandatory and non-negotiable, performed by a Florida-authorized inspector. Applications are filed through your county Tax Collector office, not directly with FLHSMV.
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 (2× Current Retail 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. The standard 3-year release assumption used across states; Fla. Stat. § 319.23(7) does not itself state release conditions — confirm current release process with FLHSMV or your county Tax Collector before relying on this timeline.
Florida HSMV — processed through county Tax Collector offices and License Plate Agencies
https://www.flhsmv.gov/