Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency ($5,000) Bond - Statewide in Florida

Brief Summary

DBPR approves a Florida talent agency application first and then holds the license until the $5,000 bond arrives. Have the bond ready at approval and the license issues without a delay on your end. The same bond, renewed, goes back in with every biennial renewal.

Every licensed talent agency in Florida, including agencies that book Screen Actors Guild performers, must file a $5,000 surety bond with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation under section 468.408, Florida Statutes. The bond guarantees the agency will follow Part VII of Chapter 468, and any person harmed by the agency's misconduct can sue on it directly. Licenses expire May 31 of every even-numbered year, and each renewal requires a new bond or proof the existing bond was renewed.

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How to Apply for a Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency ($5,000) Bond:

Confirm you need a license: representing only yourself, a family member or exactly one artist is exempt.
Apply to DBPR with the $300 application fee, fingerprints and the other items required by section 468.403.
Wait for DBPR to approve the application.
Provide the agency's legal name exactly as shown on the DBPR application, plus owner details for the credit review.
Buy the $5,000 bond and submit it to DBPR with the $400 licensure fee so the license can issue.
Before May 31 of each even-numbered year, renew the license for $405 with a new bond or proof of bond renewal.

Detailed Information About the Florida Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency ($5,000) Bond:

Who has to post this bond

Section 468.403 says a person may not own, operate, solicit business or otherwise carry on the occupation of a talent agency in Florida without first getting a talent agency license from DBPR. Section 468.408 then requires a $5,000 bond for each talent agency license. The amount is flat. It does not change with the number of performers you represent, the agency's revenue, or whether your clients are union members.

Who is exempt

The license, and so the bond, is not required for a person who acts as an agent for herself or himself, for a family member, or exclusively for one artist. Once you represent a second unrelated artist, you need the license and the bond.

Timing

DBPR does not want the bond with the initial paperwork. Its FAQ states that upon approval of your application you will be required to submit a $5,000 surety bond before your license can be issued. Talent agencies have no licensing board. The talent agency unit within DBPR approves applicants directly.

What the bond guarantees

The bond is conditioned that the agency conform to and not violate any duty, term, condition or requirement of the talent agency law. Anyone aggrieved by the agency's misconduct may bring an action on the bond in their own name in any court with jurisdiction over the amount. Claims are assignable. The surety must notify DBPR of any claim and send a copy to the agency. If the surety pays, the agency repays the surety.

Fees and renewal

DBPR lists a $300 application fee, a $400 licensure fee (reduced to $200 if the license issues after May 31 of an odd-numbered year) and a criminal history check fee that varies by vendor. Licenses expire May 31 of every even-numbered year. Renewal is $405 plus either a new $5,000 bond or proof that the bond on file was renewed.

Name or location changes

Under section 468.404(3), a license does not protect business done under any other name unless DBPR consents, the surety on the original bond files written consent with DBPR, and the license is returned for the change to be recorded. DBPR charges $25 to record each change of name or location. Call your surety before you rebrand.

How premium is set

The surety prices the bond mainly from the owner's personal credit and the agency's claim history. The bond is written for the $5,000 penal sum set in the statute.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Florida Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency ($5,000) Bond:

Penal sum of exactly $5,000 for each talent agency license.
Surety authorized to do business in Florida and approved by DBPR.
Bond conditioned on compliance with Part VII of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes.
Surety's written consent filed with DBPR before operating under a changed name.
Owner credit review by the surety.

Florida Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency ($5,000) Bond FAQs:

Do I send the bond with my application?

No. DBPR asks for the $5,000 bond after it approves your application. The license is not issued until the bond is received.

I only represent my daughter. Do I need this bond?

No. Section 468.403(1) says a license is not required for a person who acts as an agent for himself or herself, a family member, or exclusively for one artist. No license means no bond.

Does the bond amount change for larger agencies?

No. Section 468.408 sets a flat $5,000 penal sum for each talent agency license.

When does the license expire?

May 31 of every even-numbered year. DBPR usually emails renewal notices 90 to 120 days ahead. Renewal requires the $405 fee and a new $5,000 bond or proof the existing bond was renewed.

Who can make a claim on the bond?

Any person aggrieved by the agency's misconduct can sue on the bond in their own name. The claim can also be assigned to someone else, who then has the same rights on the bond.