Florida HSMV Form 86019 – RV Dealer Surety Bond Guide

Florida HSMV Form 86019 – RV Dealer Surety Bond Guide – If you plan to buy, sell, or deal in recreational vehicles (RVs) in Florida, you must obtain a dealer license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). One of the core requirements is filing Florida HSMV Form 86019, the official Surety Bond for Recreational Vehicle Dealers. This bond protects consumers and ensures dealers follow Florida law.

This guide explains what Form 86019 is, who needs it, bond amounts, how to complete and file it, related licensing steps, and where to download the official form. Information is based on current Florida Statutes and FLHSMV requirements.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 86019?

Form HSMV 86019 is the state-approved surety bond form required for anyone seeking a license to operate as a recreational vehicle dealer under Florida Statutes Section 320.771.

The bond guarantees that the dealer will:

  • Comply with the terms of any written contract related to the sale, exchange, or improvement of recreational vehicles
  • Not violate provisions of Chapters 319 and 320 of the Florida Statutes
  • Provide financial protection to retail customers who suffer losses due to dealer violations

The obligee on the bond is the Director of the Division of Motorist Services of the State of Florida. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Florida.

Official Form Revision: HSMV 86019 (Rev. 08/11)

Download the official form here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/86019.pdf

Who Needs Florida Form 86019?

You need Form 86019 if you:

  • Buy, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, or deal in one or more recreational vehicles within any 12-month period in Florida
  • Operate as a new recreational vehicle dealer (license type RV) or used recreational vehicle dealer (license type RU)

Recreational vehicles typically include motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and similar units with living quarters (camping trailers as defined in certain statutes may have different treatment).

Motor vehicle dealers licensed under Section 320.27 generally do not need a separate RV dealer license solely to sell certain motor vehicles, but selling RVs as a primary business requires the RV-specific license and Form 86019.

Bond Amount Requirements

Under Florida Statutes §320.771(16), the required bond amount depends on the number of locations:

  • $10,000 – For a single dealer with four or fewer supplemental licenses (locations)
  • $20,000 – For a single dealer with more than four supplemental licenses

Note: Any person who deals in both mobile homes and recreational vehicles must provide the higher bond amount required for mobile home dealers.

The aggregate liability of the surety in any one license year cannot exceed the face amount of the bond. The bond covers the license period and may be continued annually by certificate.

Key Terms and Conditions of the Bond

The standard language on Form 86019 includes these important conditions:

  • The principal (dealer) must fully comply with written contracts for the sale or exchange of recreational vehicles
  • The bond protects any person in a retail or wholesale transaction who suffers loss due to violations
  • The surety may cancel the bond by providing 30 days’ written notice via registered mail to the FLHSMV
  • A new bond or proper continuation certificate must be delivered at the beginning of each license period

Failure to maintain a valid bond can result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the dealer license.

How to Complete and File Form 86019?

Follow these steps carefully. FLHSMV requires the original bond form (no photocopies or altered versions with erasures, white-outs, or cross-outs).

  1. Obtain the bond from a surety company licensed in Florida.
  2. Complete all fields accurately:
    • Bond number
    • Exact legal name of the principal (dealer), including any DBA/fictitious name
    • Name of the surety company
    • Bond amount ($10,000 or $20,000)
    • Effective date and license term ending date
    • Signatures of the principal and surety agent
    • Surety company seal, address, and telephone number
    • Typed name of the surety agent
  3. Include the original Power of Attorney from the surety company.
  4. Submit the original Form 86019 with your dealer license application (Form HSMV 86056) or renewal.

Submit materials to the FLHSMV regional office responsible for your dealership location, or as directed for renewals.

Official mailing address for the Dealer License Section (for certain correspondence):
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room A312, Mailstop #65
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500

Related Licensing Requirements for Florida RV Dealers

Form 86019 is only one part of the full licensing process. Other common requirements include:

  • Application Form: HSMV 86056 – Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Recreational Vehicle Dealer
  • Pre-licensing training: Completion certificate from an FLHSMV-approved dealer training school
  • Background check: Electronic fingerprints for officers/principals through an FDLE-authorized provider
  • Garage liability insurance: Minimum $25,000 combined single-limit liability (bodily injury and property damage) plus $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP)
  • Proof of business location: Permanent structure with office, restroom, display space, posted hours, and exterior signage; lease or ownership documents
  • Business registration: Proof of registration with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
  • Application fee: Typically $340 for recreational vehicle dealers (confirm current fees with FLHSMV)

For renewals, use Form HSMV 86720 and submit a new bond or continuation certificate.

An irrevocable letter of credit may be accepted in lieu of the surety bond in some cases (check current FLHSMV guidance for the applicable form).

Bond Cost and How to Obtain One

You do not pay the full $10,000 or $20,000 face amount. Instead, you pay an annual premium to a surety company. Premiums are typically credit-based and often range from about 1% to several percent of the bond amount, depending on credit score, experience, and underwriting factors. Strong credit applicants frequently see premiums starting around $100–$200 for a $10,000 bond.

Shop multiple licensed surety providers and confirm they will issue the bond on the official HSMV 86019 form.

Where to Download Official Forms and Resources?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Form 86019 the same as the motor vehicle or mobile home dealer bond?
No. Motor vehicle dealers use Form HSMV 86020 ($25,000). Mobile home dealers use Form HSMV 86018 ($25,000 or $50,000). Form 86019 is specific to recreational vehicle dealers.

Can the bond be canceled?
Yes. The surety may cancel with 30 days’ written notice to the FLHSMV. The dealer must replace the bond promptly to avoid license issues.

Does the bond cover all locations?
Yes. The bond covers transactions at every location of the dealership, subject to the aggregate liability limit.

Where do I submit the completed form?
Submit the original bond with your application or renewal to the appropriate FLHSMV regional office for your dealership, or follow current instructions on the FLHSMV website.

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