Written by our Subject Matter Experts, Updated on September 26, 2019
Are you looking for a bail bond in Florida or information on bail? We have a list of the most trusted bail bonds companies in Florida so you can get in touch with a nearby licensed bondsman. Our bail experts also answer many important questions on how bail bonds work in Florida and how much bail bonds cost.
- How do bail bonds work in Florida?
- How much is bail in Florida?
- Find a bail bondsman near you in Florida
How do bail bonds work in Florida?
To better understand how bail bonds work in Florida, you need to understand the options you have for jail release and how the process works. Upon arrest anywhere in the state of Florida, a person must be processed at the local county jail. To be released from jail, several steps must occur, including being “booked in” and posting bail.
A bail amount can be decided by the judge, especially on larger violations, or the jail may have a ‘schedule’ in place with set bail amounts for common offenses. A hearing with a judge is set within 24 hours of arrest in Florida. If the arrested person can’t afford the bail amount, they can wait for the “first appearance” hearing with the judge to discuss a potential bond reduction. This takes time, and does not guarantee a bail bond reduction.
If you want to be released quickly from jail, you have a few options in Florida, with the main option being a bail bondsman. Once the bail bond amount is decided, a bail bonds agent in Florida can post the bond at the local jail. At this time the release process begins and typically can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete.
Even though cash bonds are allowed in Florida, they are not commonly used due to the high up-front expense. If you use your own cash, you need to pay the full bail amount, although you will get the entire amount returned to you after the case.
Before considering using a bail bondsman or your own cash, the jail can release you on Own Recognizance (OR) which is typically used on smaller crimes committed, where the judge perceives you as low risk and has strong confidence that you will show up to court. You simple sign a promissory note that you will appear in court and you don’t have to pay a bail amount to be released.
Florida Bail Bonds agents can aid you with all your bail needs:
- Florida Surety Bail Bonds
- Florida Property Bail Bonds
- Florida Immigration Bail Bonds
How much is bail in Florida?
Florida’s bail bond fee structure has a few components to it. You will be paying at least 6.5% of the bail amount to the bondsman which is non-refundable. The typical amount is 10% but in some cases there are higher fees. In Florida, you have a minimum $100 fee per bail bond. If your bail is set to $750, then you will technically pay over 10% since the $100 minimum will kick in.
It’s also important to note that in Florida each charge may have its own bail amount set. If you have 2 charges at $750 each, then your bail premium will cost you $200 ($100 minimum per charge). Federal bail bonds and immigration bonds cost 15% in most cases due to the higher risk of not appearing in court.
Bail Bonds Near You in Florida
Search for Florida bail bonds companies via our form above; please make sure to enter the city AND state.
You can also check our city pages for a nearby Florida bondsman.
Our Team of Subject Matter Experts
We dedicate ourselves to providing information that is accurate and expertly written in order to assist individuals through a difficult time. Our staff at Bail Bonds Network is highly educated, having obtained prestigious degrees in law, business, accounting, and finance. Our editorial staff includes professional lawyers, bail bondsmen, and lending experts who understand local jurisdictions and intricacies of legal matters dealing with bail bonds.An award-winning criminal defense attorney. He previously served as a state and federal prosecutor and magistrate, making his content contributions extremely relevant on legal and bail related topics.
How can I get help with bond funds?
Hi Ashley, you can contact one of our Florida bail bondsmen to ask about options. Depending on the crime, person in question, and financial support, different options will be available, varying in down % and fees. If you have property, you can use that as an option to pay for bail. Please check the nearest city to you in Florida and call some of our bondsman to ask for options. You can also visit our Bail Funds page, although we currently don’t have any charitable bail funds in Florida.
My husband is in jail in Okaloosa County, and we are trying to get him bonded out. We live in Alabama but we have two sons that live in Niceville, Milton FL – the bond is $7,000. I would like to know how go about getting him out.