Florida Contractor Bonds 2026: Requirements, Costs & Application Steps

Complete guide to Florida contractor bonds in 2026. Learn state and local bond requirements, costs, credit score rules, and step-by-step application process.

TL;DR Florida eliminated statewide contractor bonds for licensees with 660+ credit scores in April 2022. If your credit is below 660, you need a $20,000 bond (Division I) or $10,000 bond (Division II). Your Financially Responsible Officer still needs a $100,000 bond regardless of credit. Many counties and cities require separate local bonds. This guide shows you the exact application steps, required documents, and real costs for 2026. What you need Before you apply for any Florida contractor bond, gather these items: Your contractor license number (or application number if pre-licensing) A recent credit report (pull from all three bureaus if you're near the 660 threshold) Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number Business formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, LLC Operating Agreement, etc.) Personal financial statements for all qualifying parties Copy of your Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) approval letter if you're a new applicant Local municipality bond requirements in writing (ordinance citation or letter from building department) Payment method (most surety carriers accept ACH, credit card, or check) Here's where most contractors get caught: you need separate applications for state-level bonds and local bonds. They don't talk to each other. Budget time accordingly. Step 1: Determine which bonds you actually need Florida Statute 489.115 sets the state requirements. Your credit score is the gatekeeper. If your credit score is 660 or higher**: You don't need a state contractor license bond. The CILB eliminated this requirement in 2022. You still need the $100,000 Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) bond under Florida Administrative Code 61G4-12.011. If your credit score is below 660**: You need a contractor…