If you are applying for a Florida motor vehicle dealer license, FLHSMV requires a Florida auto dealer bond — a $25,000 surety bond that stays on file for as long as you hold your dealer license. Ashton Agency is a licensed Florida surety bond agency based in Winter Park, FL. We issue Florida dealer bonds quickly, track your renewals, and work with our underwriting partners to get you competitive rates. Browse all Florida surety bonds →
Florida Auto Dealer Bond Requirements
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires a $25,000 surety bond for every Florida motor vehicle dealer license. Key requirements:
Bond amount: $25,000
Bond form: HSMV 86020 (issued by Ashton Agency on behalf of our underwriting partner)
Who needs it: All licensed Florida motor vehicle dealers — new car dealers, used car dealers, wholesale dealers, and rebuilt dealers
Required per location: Each licensed dealer location must carry its own $25,000 bond
Renewal: Annual — your bond must stay active to keep your dealer license in good standing
For a deeper dive on credit tiers, the HSMV 86020 form, and staying licensed, see our full guide to Florida motor vehicle dealer bond requirements →
How Much Does a Florida Auto Dealer Bond Cost?
The Florida auto dealer bond costs 1 to 3% of the $25,000 bond amount per year — typically $250 to $750 annually. Your exact rate depends on:
Credit score — the primary factor. A score above 700 typically puts you near the 1% rate.
Business history — newer businesses may see slightly higher rates
Prior bond claims — a clean history helps keep rates low
Ashton Agency shops our underwriting network to find the best available rate — not just the first quote that comes back. See how surety bond rates work →
How to Get Your Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer License
Getting a Florida motor vehicle dealer license requires several steps. Here is the overview:
1. Complete the pre-licensing dealer course (FADA or approved equivalent)
2. Secure your physical dealer location — zoning compliance, signage, and required office space
3. Obtain your $25,000 Florida auto dealer bond from a licensed surety agency
4. Submit your application to FLHSMV with the bond, liability insurance proof, and required fees
5. Pass the FLHSMV dealer location inspection
The surety bond is one of the first things to line up — it is required with your application. See our full Florida auto dealer license guide →
Why Work With a Local Florida Bond Agency?
Ashton Agency is based in Winter Park, FL — not a national bond mill processing paperwork from out of state. For a Florida dealer bond, that distinction matters.
We know FLHSMV. We know the bond form (HSMV 86020), the filing requirements, and what the department expects. No back-and-forth because we have done this hundreds of times.
We track your renewals. Florida dealer bonds are annual. If your bond lapses, your dealer license is at risk. We watch your expiration date and contact you well before the deadline.
We shop your renewal. At renewal time, we do not auto-renew at whatever rate the first carrier quotes. We go to market so you are always on a competitive rate. Learn more about Ashton Agency →
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Auto Dealer Bond
Do I need a separate bond for each Florida dealer location?
Yes. FLHSMV requires a separate $25,000 surety bond for each licensed dealer location. If you operate more than one lot, each location needs its own bond.
Can I get a Florida auto dealer bond with bad credit?
Yes, though the rate will be higher — typically 2 to 3% of the $25,000 bond amount rather than 1%. Ashton Agency works with underwriters who handle higher-risk applications.
What happens if a claim is filed on my Florida dealer bond?
The surety investigates and may pay the harmed party up to the bond amount. You are then required to reimburse the surety for any payout. Maintaining your license in good standing is the best protection.
How long does it take to get a Florida auto dealer bond?
Most Florida dealer bonds are issued within 1 to 2 business days. Contact Ashton Agency and we will get you a quote and an issued bond quickly so your application does not sit waiting.
Placeholder
