Athlete Agents ($15,000) Bond - Statewide in Florida
Table of Contents
Brief Summary
Florida stopped requiring a surety bond from athlete agents on July 1, 2002. Before you buy one, check whether anyone is actually asking for it. If a university, a sports organization or another state is requesting a $15,000 bond as part of its own process, get that request in writing so the bond names the right obligee and terms.
Florida once required every licensed athlete agent to post a $15,000 surety bond covering damages to a student athlete or a college or university. Senate Bill 332 eliminated that requirement effective July 1, 2002, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation now describes the bond as obsolete. Current licensure under Fla. Stat. 468.453 requires fingerprints, a criminal history check and fees, but no bond.
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How to Apply for an Athlete Agents ($15,000) Bond:
- Confirm who is requesting the bond, since Florida licensure no longer requires one.
- Get the requesting party's required amount, obligee name and bond wording in writing.
- Apply for the DBPR athlete agent license with fingerprints and the criminal history check.
- Pay the $250 application fee, $375 licensure fee and $5 unlicensed activity fee.
- Renew by May 31 of each even numbered year.
Detailed Information About the Florida Athlete Agents ($15,000) Bond:
The state bond was repealed in 2002
The Florida Legislature removed the athlete agent examination and the $15,000 surety bond in 2002. The Senate staff analysis of Senate Bill 332 says the bill eliminates the $15,000 surety bond requirement, and the law took effect July 1, 2002. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation's athlete agent FAQ says the bond became obsolete on that date. The current text of Fla. Stat. 468.453 does not contain a bond requirement.
What the old bond covered
Under the prior law, the bond stood behind an agent's conduct and paid damages incurred by a student athlete or a college or university because of the agent's violations. If a party you deal with still asks for a bond on those terms, it is a private or institutional requirement rather than a Florida licensing condition. Confirm the obligee, amount and wording with whoever is requesting it before the bond is issued.
What Florida licensure requires today
Anyone who recruits or solicits a student athlete to sign an agent contract, or seeks a team contract, endorsement or similar benefit for one, must hold a DBPR athlete agent license. Applicants must be at least 18, of good moral character and submit fingerprints for a criminal history check. DBPR lists a $250 application fee, a $375 licensure fee and a $5 unlicensed activity fee. Licenses renew May 31 of each even numbered year, and the renewal fee is $225. An unlicensed person contacted first by a student athlete may act as an agent but must apply for licensure within seven days.
Eligibility and Requirements for a Florida Athlete Agents ($15,000) Bond:
- No state bond under current Fla. Stat. 468.453.
- Applicant at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
- Fingerprints submitted for a criminal history records check.
- Any bond requested by a third party written to that party's stated terms.
Florida Athlete Agents ($15,000) Bond FAQs:
No. Senate Bill 332 eliminated the bond effective July 1, 2002, and DBPR now describes it as obsolete. Current Fla. Stat. 468.453 has no bond requirement.
A university, sports organization or other party may require one under its own rules or contract. In that case the bond follows their terms, so confirm the obligee and wording with them before it is issued.
DBPR lists a $250 application fee, a $375 licensure fee and a $5 unlicensed activity fee, plus the cost of the criminal history check. Renewal is $225 every two years.
May 31 of each even numbered year. DBPR sends notice by email 90 to 120 days before expiration.
