Florida HSMV Form 86018 Surety Bond – Mobile Home Dealer

What Is Florida HSMV Form 86018?

Florida HSMV Form 86018 is the official surety bond form required for mobile home dealers licensed under Florida law. The form is titled “State of Florida Surety Bond – Mobile Home Dealer” and is administered by the Division of Motorist Services of the FLHSMV.

The bond is made payable to the Director of the Division of Motorist Services and runs in favor of any person (retail or wholesale) who suffers a financial loss due to the dealer’s failure to comply with written contracts or violations of Chapters 319 and 320 of the Florida Statutes.

You can download the official form directly from the FLHSMV website: Download Florida HSMV Form 86018 (PDF).

Legal Authority: Florida Statute Section 320.77

The requirement for this bond is established under Florida Statutes Section 320.77. This statute mandates that any person, partnership, or corporation that buys, sells, offers for sale, displays for sale, or deals in one or more mobile homes within a 12-month period must obtain a mobile home dealer license from the FLHSMV.

As a condition of licensure, the applicant must provide a good and sufficient surety bond (or acceptable alternative) that remains in effect for the license period.

Bond Amount Requirements for Mobile Home Dealers

The required bond amount depends on the number of supplemental locations operated by the dealer:

• $25,000 – For a single dealer with four or fewer supplemental licenses/locations.
• $50,000 – For a single dealer with more than four supplemental licenses/locations.

These amounts are confirmed across official FLHSMV guidance and industry bonding resources that reference the statute. The aggregate liability of the surety in any one year cannot exceed the face amount of the bond (including any riders).

Purpose of the Mobile Home Dealer Surety Bond

The primary purpose of the HSMV 86018 surety bond is consumer protection. It ensures that:

• The dealer complies with the conditions of any written contract related to the sale or exchange of mobile homes.
• The dealer does not violate provisions of Chapters 319 or 320, Florida Statutes, in the conduct of business.
• Any retail or wholesale customer who suffers a loss due to such violations can make a claim against the bond for recovery.

The bond does not protect the dealer itself. Instead, it transfers financial risk to a licensed surety company, providing a safety net for Florida consumers.

Who Needs to File Form 86018?

You must file Form 86018 if you are applying for or renewing a Florida mobile home dealer license. This includes businesses that:

• Buy, sell, or deal in new or used mobile homes.
• Offer or display mobile homes for sale.
• Operate as a used mobile home broker in some cases.

Note that motor vehicle dealers use a different form (HSMV 86020) and recreational vehicle dealers use HSMV 86019. Mobile home manufacturers have separate bonding requirements under different statutes and forms.

How to Obtain and File the Surety Bond?

Follow these steps to properly secure and submit your bond:

1. Contact a licensed surety bond provider that is authorized to do business in Florida. The surety company will underwrite the bond based on your credit and business information.
2. The surety will issue the bond on the official HSMV Form 86018. An original Power of Attorney from the surety is typically required.
3. Complete the form with the correct bond number, principal (your business) information, surety company details, and the appropriate dollar amount.
4. Submit the original signed bond (not a copy) along with your dealer license application (Form HSMV 86056) to the appropriate FLHSMV regional office.

The bond becomes effective on the date specified and supports the license term. It may be continued annually by certificate for subsequent license periods. Mobile home dealer licenses commonly run on an October 1 – September 30 cycle.

Alternative to the Surety Bond: Irrevocable Letter of Credit

Florida allows mobile home dealer applicants to submit an irrevocable letter of credit in lieu of the surety bond. This must be issued by a Florida bank and submitted on the official form HSMV 86058. The letter of credit must match the required bond amount ($25,000 or $50,000).

Key Related Forms and Resources

When applying for a mobile home dealer license, you will typically need several supporting documents. Important related forms and resources include:

• HSMV 86056 – Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Recreational Vehicle Dealer.
• HSMV 86058 – Irrevocable Letter of Credit for Mobile Home Dealers.
• FLHSMV Forms and Resources page for dealers.
• Official FLHSMV Dealer Licensing Information.

Cost of the Florida Mobile Home Dealer Bond

You do not pay the full $25,000 or $50,000 face amount. Instead, you pay an annual premium to the surety company. Premiums typically range from approximately 1% to 5% of the bond amount, depending on the applicant’s credit score, financial history, and business experience. Dealers with strong credit often pay on the lower end of this range.

Important Tips for Compliance

• Always use the most current official form from the FLHSMV website.
• Submit the original bond document — photocopies are not accepted.
• Ensure the surety company is qualified to do business in Florida.
• Keep the bond in force for the entire license period; failure to maintain it can result in license suspension or revocation.
• Operating without a proper license and bond is a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida law and may also trigger civil penalties.

Download the Official Form

Ready to get started? Download the current version of the form here:

Download Florida HSMV Form 86018 – Surety Bond, Mobile Home Dealer (PDF)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website and the Florida Statutes. Requirements can be updated by the legislature or agency rulemaking.