The bail bond process in Florida can be intimidating and confusing. Action Plus Bail Bonds is here to answer all of your questions. If you do not find the answer you are looking for please contact us.
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond ensures that the accused will appear to have their “day in court”. It is a financial guarantee by a third-party that a defendant will return to court and appear to all of their criminal proceedings.
How Does the Bail Bond Process Work?
If a person is arrested and bail is set by the court, he or she can secure their release while the case is pending by securing a cash or property as collateral equal to the face amount of the bail. Once the case is concluded, the court will return the collateral to the individual.
If the person arrested does not have sufficient cash or property to cover the face bail amount, they can use the services of a bail agent or bail bondsman. The agent agrees to secure the release of the accused individual in return for a fee. The defendant is also required to provide a co-signor that will take responsibility for the face amount of bail. To learn more on how the bail bond process works, watch the video.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
Florida law requires that all bail bond companies to charge the EXACT SAME FEE. A bail fee is charged for each individual bond. For all bonds over $1,000 the fee is 10%. For all bonds under a $1,000 there is a minimum fee of $100. A transfer fee may be added if the agent is posting a bond out side of his county.
Do I Need Collateral?
It depends on a few factors. Collateral ensures your bondsman that you’ll appear in court when you need to. Sometimes collateral is required to secure the bond and most bail bond collateral is in the form of real estate or cash. Other times collateral may not be necessary.
What If I Don't Have Enough Cash?
If you do not have all the money, Action Plus can recommend affordable and convenient financing options to those who qualify so that you can get your loved one getting out of jail immediately.
Can I Post Bond Online?
Yes! You can apply for a bail bond using our online form. There will be some interaction with the bondsman that can’t be handled online and we make it as easy and convenient as possible.
Can You Bail Someone Out Anytime?
Arrangement for a bond can be done 24/7 either online or by phone. With Action Plus, you can expect fast results. Usually we can be at the jail within an hour with all the necessary paperwork.
However, posting it at the jail on your own is another story. The jail staff will not accept a bond if it is not completely in the system which may mean hours after arriving at the jail depending on the volume of those in booking.
If the defendant has gone to court the issue is similar. Advisories or court must be completed. Then the clerk of court must bring the results to the jail and they must enter everything before accepting a bond.
Can You Go To Jail For Not Paying a Bail Bondsman?
No, but lying on your application, using a stolen credit card or offering collateral that is not yours can.