Can a bail bondsman charge less than 10% in Florida?

No. Florida law sets the premium at 10% of the bond, with a $100 minimum. A licensed bondsman cannot legally charge less. Anyone offering a lower rate is either unlicensed or running a scam.

Is the bail bond premium refundable if the case is dismissed?

No. The 10% premium is the bondsman’s non-refundable fee for posting the bond and assuming the risk. Collateral, however, is returned once the case is fully resolved.

Do you accept payment plans?

Yes. Coach Franklin Bail Bonds offers flexible payment plans for qualified Central Florida clients. A small down payment can start the release process, with the balance paid over time.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit and debit cards, cash, and electronic payments. Call (407) 321-2663 and we’ll walk you through the easiest option for your situation.

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Florida?

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Florida? (2026 Guide)

June 12, 2026·5 min read·Coach Franklin Bail Bonds

The single most common question we get from Sanford and Central Florida families is: how much does a bail bond actually cost? The good news is that Florida is a regulated state — the price is set by law, so no licensed bondsman can charge you more than the legal premium. Here is exactly how Florida bail bond costs work in 2026.

Need a bail bondsman in Central Florida right now? We answer 24/7.

The Florida Bail Bond Premium Is 10%

Florida law (Chapter 648, Florida Statutes) sets the bail bond premium at 10% of the full bond amount, with a minimum of $100 per bond. That premium is the bondsman’s fee — it is non-refundable and is what you pay in exchange for the bondsman posting the full bond with the court.

For example, a $5,000 bond costs $500. A $25,000 bond costs $2,500. A $1,000 bond costs $100 (the legal minimum).

Quick Cost Examples

$500 bond → $100 (minimum)
$1,500 bond → $150
$5,000 bond → $500
$10,000 bond → $1,000
$25,000 bond → $2,500
$50,000 bond → $5,000

Is the 10% Premium Refundable?

No. The premium is the fee the bondsman earns for taking on the risk of posting the full bond. Even if the case is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty, the 10% is non-refundable. This is true of every licensed bail bondsman in Florida.

What can be refundable is collateral — property, cash, or a car title you put up to secure a larger bond. Once the case is fully resolved, collateral is returned.

What If I Can’t Pay the Full 10% Up Front?

For qualified clients, we offer flexible payment plans on Sanford and Central Florida bail bonds. A typical plan looks like a smaller down payment to start the release process, plus weekly or monthly installments for the balance.

Approval is based on factors like ties to the community, employment, the cosigner’s situation, and the size of the bond. Call us at (407) 321-2663 and we’ll tell you in plain English what we can do.

What Are the Other Costs?

In most Florida cases, the 10% premium is the only fee. Some larger bonds may require collateral. The court itself does not charge an additional fee for accepting a surety bond.

Beware of any unlicensed person promising to "post bail for less than 10%." That is illegal in Florida and almost always a scam.

Cash Bond vs. Surety Bond

A cash bond requires you to pay the entire bond amount to the court (refundable when the case ends). A surety bond — what a bail bondsman posts — only requires the 10% premium, which makes it the affordable option for almost every family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Loved One Out of Jail — Fast

Coach Franklin Bail Bonds has served Central Florida families for over 30 years. Call any time — day, night, weekend, or holiday — and a licensed Florida bondsman will start the release process immediately.