Florida HSMV Form 81402 Installer Performance Bond – If you plan to install mobile or manufactured homes in Florida, you must obtain a Mobile Home Installer License (IH) from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). A key requirement is the Florida HSMV Form 81402 – Installer Performance Bond, also known as the Performance Bond Mobile Home Installer. This $5,000 surety bond protects consumers and ensures proper installation and weather-sealing work.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 81402?
HSMV Form 81402 is the official Performance Bond form required for individuals or businesses seeking a license to install mobile or manufactured homes in the State of Florida. The form is issued by the Division of Motorist Services under the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The bond is a three-party agreement between:
- The principal (the mobile home installer)
- The surety company (a licensed bonding company authorized to do business in Florida)
- The obligee (the Director of the Division of Motorist Services, FLHSMV)
It guarantees that the installer will properly perform all mobile home installation and weather-sealing duties. If the installer fails to meet these standards and causes loss or damage, affected parties can make a claim against the bond up to the $5,000 limit.
The current revision of the form is HSMV 81402 (Rev. 05/2016). You can download the official PDF directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 81402 – Installer Performance Bond (PDF)
Legal Authority and Bond Amount
The requirement for this performance bond is established under Florida Statute 320.8249 – Mobile Home Installers License.
Key provisions include:
- Any person who installs a mobile home must hold a valid mobile home installer’s license issued by the FLHSMV Bureau of Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Construction.
- Applicants must hold a valid performance bond in an amount set by department rule, not to exceed $5,000, conditioned upon proper performance of mobile home installation and weather-sealing duties for a period of one year.
- The bond remains in favor of any person who suffers loss as a result of a violation of the bond conditions.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 15C-2.0073 further confirms that a $5,000 performance bond and $100,000 general liability insurance are mandatory and must be maintained throughout the licensing period.
The license period runs annually from October 1 to September 30.
Who Needs the Installer Performance Bond?
You need HSMV Form 81402 and the associated $5,000 bond if you:
- Install new or used mobile or manufactured homes in Florida
- Perform setup operations such as transporting, positioning, blocking, leveling, supporting, tying down, connecting utilities, or weather sealing
- Apply for an original Mobile Home Installer License (IH) or renew an existing one
Local licenses or other state credentials do not exempt you from this statewide requirement. Even if you hold a contractor license in another category, you must still obtain the specific mobile home installer license and post this bond when performing installation work.
Licensed dealers or manufacturers who subcontract installation work and later remedy faulty installations also have recourse against the installer’s performance bond.
Requirements for Obtaining a Mobile Home Installer License
In addition to the performance bond on Form 81402, applicants must meet these FLHSMV requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete a free 12-hour mobile home installation training course approved by FLHSMV
- Pass the FLHSMV examination with a score of 70 or higher (exam fee: $100)
- Carry a general liability insurance policy of at least $100,000 covering property damage during installation
- Submit the completed Manufactured/Mobile Home Installer License Application (Form HSMV 81401)
- Pay the applicable fees: $200 for an original application ($50 application fee + $150 license fee) or $150 for renewal (plus late fees if applicable)
The bond and insurance must remain active for the full license term. Failure to maintain either will result in license revocation. A 10-day window exists to reinstate by submitting new certificates, provided coverage is secured for the remainder of the license period.
For the latest training class schedule and application details, visit the official FLHSMV Mobile Home Installer page.
How to Complete and File HSMV Form 81402
The form is completed primarily by the surety company and the installer (principal). Key sections include:
- Bond number
- Name of the principal (installer)
- Name of the surety company (must be qualified to do business in Florida)
- Penal sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)
- Effective date and license term ending date
- Signature of the mobile home installer (principal)
- Signature of the Attorney-in-Fact for the surety
- Addresses and telephone numbers for the surety company and surety agent
The bond becomes effective on the stated date and may be continued annually by certificate. The aggregate liability of the surety in any one year cannot exceed $5,000. The surety may cancel the bond by providing 30 days’ written notice via registered mail to FLHSMV.
The original executed bond must be submitted with the license application (HSMV 81401) to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Division of Motorist Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room A-139, Mail Stop #66
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0640
Contact the Manufactured Housing section at 850-617-3004 or [email protected] for application packages or questions.
Cost of the Florida Mobile Home Installer Bond
The bond amount is fixed at $5,000. You do not pay the full $5,000; instead, you pay an annual premium to a surety company. Premiums typically range from $100 to a few hundred dollars per year, depending on the applicant’s credit score, experience, and the surety’s underwriting guidelines. Some providers offer multi-year discounts.
Shop around with licensed Florida surety providers to obtain competitive rates. The surety company will issue the completed Form 81402 after approval and payment.
Importance of Maintaining the Bond and Compliance
Maintaining a valid performance bond and liability insurance is essential. Lapses lead to automatic license revocation. Working without a current license is illegal and can result in penalties, including fines, license denial, or other disciplinary actions under Florida law.
The bond also provides important consumer protection. Homeowners, dealers, or manufacturers who suffer damages from improper installation or weather sealing can file claims against the bond, helping ensure accountability in the mobile home industry.
Where to Download Official Forms and Get Help
Always use the official FLHSMV forms to avoid processing delays:
- HSMV Form 81402 – Installer Performance Bond
- HSMV Form 81401 – Manufactured/Mobile Home Installer License Application
- Complete FLHSMV Forms List
For the most current licensing requirements, training schedules, and FAQs, refer to the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Mobile Home Installer page.
Conclusion
The Florida HSMV Form 81402 Installer Performance Bond is a mandatory $5,000 surety bond that every licensed mobile home installer in the state must maintain. It ensures compliance with Florida Statute 320.8249 and protects consumers from substandard installation work.
By obtaining the bond through a licensed surety, completing the required training and exam, carrying proper insurance, and submitting Form 81401 with the original bond, you can secure your Mobile Home Installer License and operate legally throughout Florida.