FL S1150

Owner/control of bail bond agencies now requires 1 year as temporary bail bond agent plus 4 years as licensed limited surety or professional bail bond agent, increased from simple licensure requirement.

Bail bond agent applicants must be at least 18 with high school diploma and either an associate degree or 2 years continuous full-time experience in law enforcement/military with honorable discharge.

Primary bail bond agents must complete 2 years continuous full-time experience (at least 30 hours/week) as licensed limited surety agent before designation.

Internet advertising for bail bond services must prominently display physical address on front page; first offense for unlawful solicitation results in up to $10,000 fine and 6-month license suspension, second offense results in license revocation.

Criminal surety bail bond breach now occurs only upon defendant's failure to appear at criminal proceedings (not all bond conditions); court must discharge bond forfeiture within 60 days if defendant was in custody, deceased, or if arrest was impossible due to circumstances beyond defendant's control.