Bail Bond FAQ
The questions families actually ask us at 2 a.m. — answered plainly, including the ones where the honest answer is 'that's a question for an attorney.'
Cost and payment
What a bond actually costs in Florida and how people pay for it.
How much does a bail bond cost in Florida?
The bail bond premium is set by Florida law and is generally 10% of the face amount of the bond, subject to a statutory minimum on small bonds. That rate is the same in every Florida county — anyone quoting a dramatically cheaper rate is worth a second look.
Is the premium refundable?
No. The premium is the fee for posting the bond and is fully earned once the defendant is released. Collateral, if any was required, is a separate thing and is returned once the court discharges the bond.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Zelle, and cash. Payment arrangements are discussed case by case before anything is signed.
Do you require collateral?
Not always. Whether collateral is requested depends on the bond amount, the charges, and the defendant's ties to the area. Many routine bonds are written without it.
What is an indemnitor?
The indemnitor is the person who signs for the bond. They are responsible for making sure the defendant appears at every court date and are financially responsible if the defendant fails to appear. We explain this in full before anyone signs.
The process
From the arrest to the moment somebody walks out.
How do I find out if someone is in jail?
Start with the sheriff's office inmate search for the county where the arrest happened. Our Defendant Search page links the county rosters and VINElink, which covers Florida statewide. If they were only just booked, they may not appear online yet.
How long does it take to get released after the bond is posted?
That is controlled by the jail, not by us. Booking volume, medical screening, staffing, and holds from other agencies all affect it. We post as soon as paperwork and payment are complete and stay in contact until release, but anyone promising you an exact time is guessing.
What information do you need to start?
The defendant's full legal name, date of birth, the county where they are held, and the bond amount if it has been set. If bond has not been set yet, we can still prepare everything and watch for it.
Can the whole thing be done over the phone?
In most cases yes. Paperwork can usually be completed by phone with electronic signatures, including from out of state. You are also welcome at our North Fort Myers office.
What is a first appearance hearing?
A hearing held shortly after booking where a judge addresses probable cause and conditions of release, including bond, on charges that do not carry a preset bond amount. Until that hearing happens, there may be no bond amount to post.
After release
What the defendant and the person who signed are on the hook for.
What happens if the defendant misses court?
The court can issue a warrant and move to forfeit the bond. The indemnitor can become financially responsible for the full bond amount. If a court date is missed, call us immediately — the situation is far more fixable early than late.
Can a bond be revoked?
Yes. A bond can be surrendered or revoked, for example if the defendant violates conditions of release, picks up new charges, or becomes unreachable. Conditions set by the court are orders, not suggestions.
Does the defendant have to check in with you?
We stay in contact through the life of the case and may ask for periodic check-ins and updated contact information. Keeping us reachable is the single easiest way to avoid problems.
When does the bond end?
When the court discharges it — generally at the conclusion of the case. Any collateral held is returned after discharge.
Special situations
Federal cases, immigration holds, DUI holds, and out-of-state arrests.
Why can't someone arrested for DUI be released right away?
Florida provides for a hold after a DUI arrest until the person is no longer impaired or a set number of hours has passed. The bond can be arranged during that period so it is ready the moment the hold clears.
There is an ICE hold — will posting the bond get them out?
Possibly not. An immigration detainer is separate from the criminal case, and posting the county bond can result in transfer into immigration custody instead of release. Call us before paying anything.
Are federal bonds different?
Very. Federal release is decided by a magistrate judge at a detention hearing and typically comes with supervision conditions rather than a county-style bond schedule. Federal bonds also require underwriting review, so calling early matters.
Can you help with an arrest in another state?
In most states, yes, through a transfer bond coordinated with a licensed agent there. A few states do not allow commercial bail at all, and we will tell you that plainly rather than take your money.
What about domestic violence charges?
Florida domestic violence cases are generally addressed at first appearance, and release often carries a no-contact condition. That condition is a court order — including indirect contact through other people — and violating it can lead to a new arrest.
About our agency
Who you are actually calling.
Are you licensed?
Yes. We are a licensed Florida bail bond agency and our license number is published on this site so you can verify it directly with the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Where are you located?
705 Pondella Road, Unit E2, North Fort Myers, FL 33903, in Lee County.
What counties do you serve?
We are based in Lee County and write bonds across Florida, with the deepest local knowledge in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties.
Do you answer the phone at night?
Yes. Arrests do not keep business hours. Call (239) 478-3707 at any hour.
Can you give me legal advice?
No. We are licensed bail agents, not attorneys. We can explain the bail process clearly, but questions about charges, defenses, or the outcome of a case belong with a criminal defense attorney, and we will say so.
Question not covered here? Ask Aluro, our assistant, in the corner of the screen — or just call. A licensed agent answers, any hour.