Bail Bond Release Center of the Palm Beaches

What bail actually is

Bail is not a punishment and it is not a fine. It is security that the defendant will come back to court. If they appear at every hearing, the bond does its job, whatever the case's outcome.

The premium is 10 percent, and it is set by law

Florida sets the bail bond premium at 10 percent of the bond amount, with a minimum of $100 per charge. It is not negotiable and it is not a market rate.

The premium is fully earned once the defendant is released. It is not refunded when the case is dismissed, dropped or won. That surprises people, so it is worth saying plainly before you pay rather than after.

What the co-signer takes on

The co-signer, or indemnitor, guarantees the defendant's appearance. If the defendant fails to appear, the co-signer can be liable for the full face value of the bond, plus the costs of locating and surrendering them.

On a $25,000 bond, a co-signer who paid a $2,500 premium could be looking at $25,000 if the defendant runs. This is the single most important thing to understand before signing.

Collateral

On larger bonds we may ask for collateral in addition to the premium. Collateral is security, not payment, and it is returned when the bond is discharged.

Every item of collateral we take is receipted on a pre-numbered receipt, as Florida requires. Keep that receipt. It is how you get your property back.

When the bond ends

A bond is discharged when the case concludes and the court releases the surety's obligation. At that point collateral comes back. The premium does not.

A bond can also end early if the defendant is surrendered, violates the conditions of release, or is taken into custody on another matter.

Who we are

Bail Bond Release Center of the Palm Beaches is a licensed Florida bail bond agency operating throughout Palm Beach County. Florida licence P204302.

We answer the phone at any hour. If you call at three in the morning, a person picks up.