Florida Travel Agent Bond Guide
If you are applying for a travel agency license in Florida, you'll need to purchase a surety bond. Read on to learn all about the sellers of travel program registration and bonding process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect travel agency clients from theft, fraud or financial loss
- Who Needs It: All travel agents and agencies registered in Florida
- Regulating Body: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Required Amounts: $10,000–$50,000, based on gross sales and if you issue vacation certificates
- Premium Rates: Start at 1%, credit-based
How much does a Florida seller of travel surety bond cost?
Florida seller of travel bond costs start at $100 annually and vary based on the bond amount required for your travel license. Your personal travel agent surety bond cost will be provided after a quick application review. Save money on your travel service bond premium by choosing our multi-year discount during checkout.
How do I get a seller of travel bond in Florida?
You can apply for your Florida seller of travel bond online 24/7. Simply select the bond amount required for your travel agent license and provide the following information for Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services filing approval.
- legal name of applicant
- physical street address
- phone number
- email address
Once your order has been processed, your official Florida surety bond will be delivered to your email.
How long does it take to get a seller of travel bond?
Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official Florida seller of travel bond faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically issued with same-day emailed bond delivery.
If you have questions about the Florida seller of travel bond or your application, call 1(800)308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through the travel agency bond process so you can get back to running your business.
What is the purpose of a Florida seller of travel performance bond?
Florida Statutes 559.929 requires each seller of travel to file a performance surety bond with their state registration application. State form FDACS-10200 is officially titled the “Sellers of Travel Surety Bond” but is also known as the “seller of travel bond,” “travel agent bond,” or “travel agency bond.” This Florida surety bond specifically benefits the state and its consumers when injured by fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, financial failure, or any other violation committed by a seller of travel.
Who needs a Florida seller of travel surety bond?
All sellers of travel (also known as “travel agents” or “travel agencies”) who provide travel service to consumers must file this bond with their state travel registration application.
Who requires me to have a Florida seller of travel bond?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Sellers of Travel Program enforces the state's licensing requirements for travel agents. You can contact the FDACS by calling 1(850)410-3800 or by filling out their online contact form.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requires this bond for state travel agent licensing. If you work as a travel agent in other states, we offer other travel agency bonds nationwide, including the California seller of travel bond and Washington seller of travel bond.
What bond amount do you need for the Florida seller of travel surety bond?
Your required surety bond amount is determined based on the type of vacations you sell and your sales volume.
- $10,000: don't issue vacation certificates, new business/new ownership, less than $500,000 gross sales
- $15,000: don't issue vacation certificates, same business ownership for at least 1 year, gross sales $500,000 to $1,000,000
- $20,000: don't issue vacation certificates, same business ownership for at least 1 year, gross sales $1,000,000 to $2,000,000
- $25,000: don't issue vacation certificates, don't qualify for lower bond amount
- $50,000: required if you DO issue vacation certificates
How do I file my Florida sellers of travel surety bond form?
The state's official surety bond form FDACS-10200 specifically instructs that you submit your completed bond by mail to the following address.
FDACS
Sellers of Travel Program
2005 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399-6500
How do I update or change my seller of travel bond?
If the FDACS Sellers of Travel Program requires your bond to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating the following information to match your new application or existing state travel business license.
- legal name of applicant
- physical street address
- phone number
- email address
Does a Florida sellers of travel bond renew every year?
Yes, you must renew your Florida sellers of travel bond annually before its current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, instructions will be provided to keep your bond active for your next travel license term.
What is required to be a seller of travel in Florida?
Learn How to get a Florida Travel Agent License by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
Complete the steps below to apply for your Florida sellers of travel registration to become a licensed travel agent.
- Fill out your Sellers of Travel Registration Application (FDACS-10200).
- Purchase and file your Florida surety bond in the required bond amount. If you don't offer vacation certificates and have no history of unresolved complaints, you can request a reduced bond amount by completing the Security Reduction Application.
- Pay your $300 registration fee.
- If you offer vacation certificates, pay the $100 documentation fee.
Florida Statutes Section 559.935 outlines individuals exempted from Florida seller of travel license and registration requirements.
How are bond claims handled for travel agencies?
Florida Statutes require that all claims made against this bond be filed in writing to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The issuing surety company will pay valid claims to the state or harmed consumers up to the full bond amount, which the travel agent or travel agency must reimburse.
