Florida Seller of Travel Bond
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How much does a Florida seller of travel bond cost?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requires travel agents to post a surety bond in order to get a travel agent license in Florida. Travel agents who offer vacation certificates must post a $50,000 bond. Travel agents who DO NOT offer vacation certificates must post a bond between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on the amount of gross sales.
These bonds are subject to underwriting, which means the amount you’ll pay for your bond is based on a review of your personal credit report. With good credit, clients could pay a premium as low as 1% of the total bond amount. Even with less-than-stellar credit, our team works hard to get you bonded as a travel agent for the best rate possible.
Why do Florida travel agents need a surety bond?
As part of the Florida travel agent licensing process, all travel agents selling services to consumers are required to post a seller of travel bond, which protects the consumers doing business with them.
Specifically, these bonds are put in place to ensure that principals (sellers of travel) conduct business according to the provisions listed in Sections 559.926 through 559.939 of the Florida Statutes, which is also referred to as the Florida Sellers of Travel Act. Prohibited acts under this bond include:
- conducting business without annually registering with the Department
- selling or marketing a specific number of certificates exceeding the number allowed
- selling vacation certificates with expiration dates of 18 months or more from the date of issuance
- misrepresenting purchasers’ right to cancel with reimbursement
Seller of travel bonds protect consumers from financial loss resulting from any unethical and unlawful business practices the travel agent might conduct.
Can a Florida seller of travel bond be canceled?
Florida seller of travel bonds can be canceled by the surety if the surety gives the state written notice of cancellation 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation.
How to become a travel agent in Florida
Learn How To Get A Florida Travel Agent License by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
The Florida travel agent registration process includes a number of items to be sent to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Travel agents who do not offer vacation certificates must submit:
- a completed registration form
- $300 nonrefundable fee
- proof of a $25,000 seller of travel surety bond
Travel agents offering vacation certificates must submit:
- a completed registration form
- $300 nonrefundable fee
- $100 document submission fee
- proof of a $50,000 seller of travel surety bond
Exemptions from registering include:
- Independent contractors who are under a contract with a host who's registered with the state or exempt from registering (must pay an annual filing fee of $50 and file an annual statement of exemption)
- Applicants who have contracted with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for three or more years (must file a statement of exemption to obtain an occupational license)
Section 559.935 of the Florida Statutes lists all exemptions.
If you DO NOT offer vacation certificates…
and have no history of unresolved complaints, you may request a reduction in your surety bond amount by filling out the Security Reduction Application.
Have Questions?
Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert today.
