Florida HSMV 82033 Title Surety Bond Guide

What Is Florida HSMV Form 82033?

HSMV Form 82033 is the official Title Surety Bond for a Motor Vehicle prescribed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It is a three-year surety bond issued by a company authorized to conduct surety business in Florida.

The bond serves as financial protection. It indemnifies all prior owners and lienholders, as well as subsequent purchasers and persons who acquire a security interest in the vehicle, against any expense, loss, or damage (including reasonable attorney fees) that may arise from the issuance of the certificate of title or from any defect or undisclosed security interest in the applicant’s right, title, or interest in the vehicle.

The form must be completed accurately and signed by both the Principal (vehicle owner/applicant) and the Surety Agent. Alterations or missing signatures render the form null and void.

When Do You Need a Florida Title Surety Bond?

You may need Form 82033 when you apply for a Florida certificate of title but cannot provide a certificate of title that properly assigns the prior owner’s interest. Common situations include:

• Private (casual) purchase where the seller lost or never provided the title
• Incomplete or defective title documentation from a private sale
• Inability to obtain a duplicate title from the previous owner

Important: Bonded titles are available only under specific conditions defined by FLHSMV procedure. Not every vehicle without a title qualifies.

Vehicles Eligible for a Florida Bonded Title

According to the official FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual (TL-70), bonded titles may be issued only in these cases:

• Private (casual) sale involving an automobile, truck weighing less than 8,000 pounds (net weight), or motorcycle
• The vehicle has a current Florida paper title with no security interests, liens, or encumbrances
• The model year falls within the eligible range (generally vehicles that are at least 10 years old but not more than 29 years old as of January 1 of the current year, subject to federal odometer disclosure rules)

The applicant must be a Florida resident or a Florida-based business.

Vehicles Not Eligible for a Bonded Title

FLHSMV will not issue a bonded title for:

• Vehicles with an electronic title
• Model years 2011 or newer (subject to current year eligibility charts)
• Vehicles more than 29 years old as of January 1 of the current year
• Vehicles titled out-of-state
• Vehicles with any National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) record other than Florida
• Vehicles with existing security interests, liens, or encumbrances
• Vessels, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or off-highway vehicles
• Trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or more (net weight)
• Transfers resulting from inheritance, gift, divorce, transfer between spouses, even trade, or trade-down

Bond Amount Requirements

Under Florida Statute 319.23(7), the bond amount (penal sum) must equal two times the value of the vehicle as determined by the department.

FLHSMV requires the use of the current Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Private Party Value in “Good” condition or better. Key rules include:

• Use the applicant’s residential ZIP code
• Include accurate mileage, options, and color
• Provide a clear screenshot of the KBB valuation
• The “Current Retail Value” on Form 82033 and Form 82026 must match the KBB Private Party Value exactly
• The Penal Sum on Form 82033 must be at least twice that amount

Using a trade-in value, a different ZIP code, or a condition below “Good” will result in rejection.

Required Documents for a Florida Bonded Title

To apply for a bonded title, you must submit the following to a local tax collector office or license plate agency:

• HSMV Form 82033 – Title Surety Bond for a Motor Vehicle (original, properly executed)
• HSMV Form 82026 – Declaration of Facts / Affidavit to Accompany Application for Bonded Title
• HSMV Form 82040 MV – Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title
• HSMV Form 82042 – Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (or completion of Section 8 on Form 82040 MV)
• Clear screenshot of current Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value
• Valid identification (Florida or other U.S. driver’s license/ID, passport, or business documentation)
• Any supporting bill of sale (if available and properly completed)

All forms must be legible and fully completed. Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork will be rejected.

How Long Does the Bond Last?

The surety bond expires three (3) years from its effective date. The “Bonded Title” (BT) brand is systematically removed from the Florida title record three years after the title is issued. After the brand is removed, you may request a duplicate title without the bonded notation (standard title fees apply).

If the bond does not cover the full three-year period from the date the title is issued, you must obtain an amendment from the surety company.

How to Obtain and Complete Form 82033?

1. Determine your vehicle’s current Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value.
2. Contact a surety company licensed to do business in Florida. The company will issue the bond on the official HSMV 82033 form.
3. Provide the surety with accurate vehicle details (year, make, body type, VIN, current retail value) and your legal name.
4. Ensure the Penal Sum is exactly twice the KBB value and that all signatures and seals are present.
5. Submit the original bond with the rest of your bonded title package to your local tax collector or FLHSMV-authorized office.

You pay only a premium (typically a small percentage of the bond amount) rather than the full penal sum. Premiums often start around $100 for lower-value vehicles, depending on the surety and underwriting.

Download the official blank form here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82033.pdf

Important Processing Notes

As of recent FLHSMV procedures, bonded title applications undergo central review. Tax collector offices typically scan documents and forward them to the Bureau of Motorist Services Support for approval before collecting fees or issuing the title. Expect a response within approximately five business days.

Liens cannot be placed on a bonded title at the time of issuance or afterward. Sales tax is generally collected based on the current retail value or a properly documented bill of sale price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cash bond instead of a surety bond?
No. Florida does not accept cash bonds for this purpose.

Can I use an out-of-state bond form?
No. The bond must be on the form prescribed by FLHSMV (HSMV 82033).

What if my vehicle was gifted or inherited?
Those situations are not eligible for a bonded title under current rules.

Is a bonded title a real, legal title?
Yes. It is a full Florida certificate of title that allows registration, insurance, and sale. It simply carries the “Bonded Title” brand for three years.

Official Resources and Downloads

• HSMV Form 82033 – Title Surety Bond for a Motor Vehicle (PDF)
• FLHSMV Official Forms Page
• Florida Statute 319.23 – Application for Certificate of Title
• Find a Local Tax Collector or License Plate Agency

Always verify the latest requirements directly with FLHSMV or your local tax collector’s office, as procedures can be updated. Using the correct form, accurate KBB valuation, and complete documentation significantly improves the chance of a smooth bonded title approval.