Florida HSMV Form 86051 Surety Bond Guide – Businesses that manufacture, distribute, import, or convert recreational vehicles (RVs) or vans in Florida must meet specific licensing requirements set by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). One essential requirement is filing a surety bond using HSMV Form 86051. This official form creates a $10,000 surety bond that protects retail customers and ensures compliance with state laws.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form HSMV 86051 is, who needs it, how it works, and how to obtain and submit it correctly. All information is based on current official FLHSMV resources and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 86051?
HSMV Form 86051 is the official surety bond form issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, importers, or van converters. The form is titled “Surety Bond – Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer, Distributor, Importer or Van Converter.”
The current version of the form is HSMV 86051 (Rev. 08/11). It establishes a bond in the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) payable to the Director of the Division of Motorist Services of the State of Florida.
You can download the official form directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 86051 (PDF)
Who Must File Form HSMV 86051?
Under Florida Statutes Section 320.8225, any person or company that engages in the business of a recreational vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or importer in Florida—or that manufactures, distributes, or imports recreational vehicles or van conversions outside the state that are ultimately offered for sale in Florida—must obtain a license and post this bond annually.
This requirement specifically covers:
- Recreational vehicle manufacturers
- RV distributors
- RV importers
- Van converters (businesses that convert vans into recreational vehicles)
A “recreational vehicle manufacturer” is defined as any person who manufactures or assembles recreational vehicles or van-type vehicles so that they qualify as recreational vehicles for sale in Florida.
Purpose of the $10,000 Surety Bond
The bond serves as financial protection for retail customers. It guarantees that the licensed business will:
- Comply with the conditions of any written contracts related to the manufacture, distribution, importation, van conversion, or sale of recreational vehicles
- Pay for losses or damages suffered by retail customers resulting from failure to comply with those contracts
- Avoid violations of Chapters 319 or 320 of the Florida Statutes in the conduct of the licensed business
If a retail customer suffers a covered loss, a claim can be made against the bond up to the $10,000 limit. The aggregate liability of the surety in any one year cannot exceed the bond amount.
Key Details of the Bond
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Obligee: Director of the Division of Motorist Services, State of Florida
- License Period: Bonds typically run for the license period ending September 30 of each year
- Annual Requirement: A new bond (or proper continuation certificate) must be delivered at the beginning of each license period
- Termination: The surety may cancel the bond by giving 30 days’ written notice via U.S. registered mail to the obligee
The bond must be issued by a surety company qualified to do business in the State of Florida.
How to Complete and Submit Form HSMV 86051?
The form requires the following information:
- Bond number
- Name of the principal (the manufacturer, distributor, importer, or van converter)
- Name of the surety company
- Effective date of the bond and the ending date of the license period (September 30 of the applicable year)
- Signatures of the principal and the surety agent, along with the surety’s seal
- Address and contact information for both the principal and the surety agent
The completed bond form is submitted together with the license application. The primary application form is HSMV Form 84256 – Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle or Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer, Importer, or Distributor or a Mobile Home Manufacturer.
Additional required documents typically include a current financial statement, product warranty, Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), proof of business registration with the Florida Division of Corporations, and the applicable license fee ($340 for recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, or importers).
Completed applications and supporting documents should be mailed to:
Bureau of Dealer Services
Neil Kirkman Building, Room A312, MS 65
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0635
Related Forms and Resources
FLHSMV provides several related forms on its official website:
- HSMV 84256 – Initial license application
- HSMV 86218 – Renewal application for recreational vehicle manufacturers, importers, or distributors
- HSMV 86050 – Surety bond form for mobile home manufacturers (different bond amount and purpose)
For the most current list of forms and licensing information, visit the official FLHSMV page for Motor Vehicle and Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer, Importer and Distributor licenses: FLHSMV Forms and Resources.
Cost of Obtaining the Bond
The face amount of the bond is fixed at $10,000. The actual premium (cost) paid to a surety company varies based on the applicant’s credit history, business experience, and other underwriting factors. Premiums commonly start around 1% of the bond amount for applicants with strong credit and may be higher for those with weaker credit profiles. Many surety providers offer quotes online or by phone.
Why Compliance Matters?
Operating without the required license and bond can result in enforcement actions by FLHSMV, including denial or revocation of licensing privileges and potential civil or administrative penalties under Chapter 320 of the Florida Statutes. Maintaining an active bond protects both consumers and the business by demonstrating financial responsibility and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bond amount the same every year?
Yes. Florida Statutes require a $10,000 surety bond each year for recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and importers.
Can I use a letter of credit instead of a surety bond?
For recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and importers, Florida law specifically requires a surety bond (or proper continuation certificate). Letters of credit are available for certain mobile home manufacturer licenses but not for this category.
Where can I get the most current version of the form?
Always download Form HSMV 86051 directly from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you have the latest version: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/86051.pdf.
Do out-of-state manufacturers need this bond?
Yes. Any manufacturer, distributor, or importer whose recreational vehicles or van conversions are ultimately offered for sale in Florida must obtain the Florida license and post the bond, even if the business is located outside the state.
Conclusion
Florida HSMV Form 86051 is a critical document for any recreational vehicle manufacturer, distributor, importer, or van converter seeking to operate legally in the state. By posting the required $10,000 surety bond, businesses demonstrate their commitment to consumer protection and compliance with Florida law.
Download the official form today, work with a qualified surety company, and submit it along with your complete license application to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, always refer to the official FLHSMV website and current Florida Statutes.