Surety Bond Encyclopedia

House Mover Bond - Statewide in Florida

Brief Summary

Moving a building more than 14 feet wide over a Florida state road takes a $10,000 bond or letter of credit payable to FDOT before the district office approves the permit. A surety bond covers that requirement without tying $10,000 up in a bank letter of credit.

Florida Administrative Code rule 14-63.002 requires a permittee moving a building wider than 14 feet over a state road to provide a $10,000 security instrument, either a bond or a letter of credit, payable to the Florida Department of Transportation. It is submitted before the building movement permit is approved, along with a certificate of insurance naming the Department as additional insured.

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How to Apply for a House Mover Bond:

Measure the building. The $10,000 security applies when it is more than 14 feet wide.
Apply on Form 850-040-90 through FDOT One Stop Permitting or the District Maintenance Office.
Obtain a $10,000 bond payable to the Florida Department of Transportation, or a letter of credit in its place.
File a certificate of insurance naming FDOT as additional insured with the District Maintenance Office.
Pay the $25 single move or $50 special permit fee with the application.
Notify law enforcement, utilities, railroads and local governments at least 24 hours before the move.

Detailed Information About the Florida House Mover Bond:

Width decides whether you need it

The $10,000 security under rule 14-63.002 applies when the building being moved is more than 14 feet wide. Measure before you apply. A building at or under 14 feet still needs the movement permit, but the rule ties the security to the over 14 foot moves.

What counts as a building

The rule defines a building as a fixed structure with a foundation, walls and a roof. Mobile homes, modular buildings and manufactured housing are excluded from that definition. This bond is for movers of conventional structures.

Who issues the permit

FDOT District Maintenance Offices issue building movement permits for state roads, under authority of section 316.550, Florida Statutes. A route through more than one district needs a permit from each. Buildings may not be moved on limited access facilities. The application is Form 850-040-90, available through FDOT's One Stop Permitting site or the district office, and the fee is $25 for a single move or $50 for a special permit. Factory-built school buildings and public buildings moved by a government or its contracted mover pay no fee.

Bond and insurance are separate

The bond or letter of credit, provided under section 334.187, Florida Statutes, secures the Department against damage to state facilities. The permittee must also carry liability coverage of at least $100,000 bodily injury or death per person and $300,000 property damage, or combined coverage of at least $300,000, and file a certificate naming FDOT as additional insured.

Moving day rules

No moves between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. or between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and no weekend or nighttime moves without approval from law enforcement, the local government and the Department. At least three adults must work the move, and law enforcement, utilities, railroads and local governments must be notified at least 24 hours ahead.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Florida House Mover Bond:

Security of $10,000 for any building over 14 feet wide.
Payable to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Submitted before the permit is approved.
Liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 property damage, or $300,000 combined.
A permit from each FDOT district the route passes through.

Florida House Mover Bond FAQs:

Does this bond apply to moving a mobile home?

Rule 14-63.002 defines a building as a fixed structure with a foundation, walls and a roof, and excludes mobile homes, modular buildings and manufactured housing. This bond is for moving conventional buildings over state roads.

Can I use a letter of credit instead of a bond?

Yes. The rule accepts either a letter of credit or a bond, made payable to the Department and submitted before the permit is approved.

Does the amount go up for larger buildings?

No. Rule 14-63.002 sets one figure, $10,000, for any building wider than 14 feet.

Does the bond take the place of insurance?

No. The insurance requirement is separate. You still need a certificate of insurance naming FDOT as additional insured with at least the rule's minimum limits.

What about county and city roads on my route?

Rule 14-63.002 covers state roads permitted by FDOT district offices. If the route also uses county or city streets, ask those governments what they require before moving day.