A bond guarantees that someone will do what they promised. The person who needs the bond is the principal. The person protected is the obligee, often the state or a court. The surety is the company that issues the bond. If a claim is paid, the principal is usually expected to pay the surety back. That last sentence is the one people do not hear the first time.
What it covers
The duty described in the bond. A license bond supports a duty to the public under that license. A probate bond supports a personal representative's duty to the estate. A notary bond supports the notary's duty under the commission. A contract bond, such as a performance bond, supports the work in a construction contract. Each bond's wording is the coverage. There is no general "bond policy" that does all of these.
What it doesn't cover
A slip and fall. That is liability insurance. An employee injury. A wind loss. A fight with a customer about a bill, unless the bond's wording reaches it. The principal's own loss. And it does not forgive the principal. Repayment to the surety is part of the underwriting, which is why a bond application asks about credit and finances.
Florida specifics
Contractor licensing runs through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Whether your trade needs a state license, a local license, or a bond is on their site and in the local building department's instructions. Jacksonville and Clay County do not always match. Bring the license application. Probate bonds follow the court in the county where the estate is open. Notary bonds follow the state notary rules.
How we help
Tell us which bond, the amount the form names, and the deadline. For a license bond, send the application the state gave you. For probate, send the order. We will say whether we can place it and what the surety will ask. Start a business quote and mention the bond, or call either office. A bond needed by Friday should be a phone call on Monday.