Florida Yacht Broker Bond Application
A Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Surety Bond is required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for businesses licensed to buy, sell, or broker yachts and ships in the state of Florida. This bond guarantees compliance with Florida statutes governing vessel sales, title transfers, and consumer protection laws. Apply below, call our Commercial Department at 407-786-7770, or email us at [email protected] .
Why You Need A Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond
You need a Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond because it is a mandatory licensing requirement enforced by the FLHSMV. The bond must be posted before a yacht or ship dealer license is issued and must remain active to maintain licensure.
This bond protects consumers and the State of Florida by ensuring yacht and ship dealers:
- Properly transfer vessel titles and registrations
- Pay all required taxes and fees
- Comply with Florida marine dealer laws and regulations
- Conduct vessel sales honestly and lawfully
Without an active bond on file, your dealer license application will be denied or your existing license may be suspended or revoked.
Florida Yacht & Ship DealerBond FAQs
These are some of the most common questions asked about Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond FAQs and how they work.
A Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond is a state-required surety bond that acts as a financial guarantee that a licensed dealer will comply with Florida Statutes related to vessel sales and brokerage. The bond protects buyers from financial loss caused by fraud, misrepresentation, failure to deliver title, or other violations of dealer regulations.
If a dealer fails to meet their legal obligations, an injured party or the state may file a claim against the bond for financial compensation. The bond does not protect the dealer—it protects consumers and ensures regulatory compliance.
The cost of a Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond is a small annual premium—not the full bond amount—and is based on the dealer’s credit profile.
Most applicants pay 1%–3% of the bond amount annually
Florida typically requires a $25,000 bond for yacht and ship dealers
Dealers with strong personal credit qualify for the lowest rates
Your final premium depends on your credit score, financial history, and overall risk profile.
A Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond is a three-party agreement between the dealer (principal), the surety company, and the State of Florida (FLHSMV). The bond guarantees that the dealer will operate in accordance with Florida law and fulfill all licensing and financial responsibilities.
If a dealer violates regulations—such as failing to deliver proper title or engaging in deceptive sales practices—a claim may be filed against the bond. The surety investigates the claim and, if valid, pays damages up to the bond amount. The dealer is then legally required to reimburse the surety for all amounts paid, including investigation costs.
The bond must remain continuously active. Cancellation or lapse of the bond can result in immediate license suspension or revocation by the FLHSMV.
You need a Florida Yacht & Ship Dealer Bond if you are applying for or renewing a Florida license as:
A yacht dealer
A ship dealer
A vessel broker involved in the sale of yachts or ships
A business engaged in buying, selling, or brokering vessels in Florida
Both new applicants and existing license holders must maintain an active bond to remain compliant.
Complete the application below, or email [email protected] to renew your Farm Labor bond.