Florida Recreational Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond

What is a Florida RV Dealer Bond?

• A Florida Recreational Vehicle Dealer Bond is a $10,000 surety bond required for licensure to operate as a new and/or used recreational vehicle dealer.
• A $10,000 bond is required for a single dealer who has four or fewer supplemental licenses. A $20,000 bond is required for a single dealer with more than four supplemental licenses. A dealer is defined as anyone buying, selling, dealing or displaying/offering one of more recreational vehicles within a 12 month period.
• We also write:
• Florida RV Manufacturer, Distributor, Importer or Van Converter Surety Bonds (Licenses MR, RD, and RI)
• Florida Mobile Home Dealer/Mobile Home Broker Surety Bonds (Licenses DH and BH)
• Florida Mobile Home Manufacturer Surety Bonds (License MH)
• Florida Mobile Home Installer Performance Bonds (Licenses DIH and IH)
• Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bonds (Licenses VI, VW, VA, SD, and/or VF)

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What Does a Florida Recreational Vehicle Dealer Bond Do?

The department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles defines a recreational vehicle as, “a recreational vehicle-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or another travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by a vehicle.” Any person wishing to transact business with vehicles that fall under the above definition of recreational vehicles would not only need to obtain a license, but also a Florida recreational vehicle dealer surety bond. A Florida RV dealer surety bond is required before licensure to ensure that the principal, the dealer, will comply with the laws and regulations placed for recreational vehicle dealing. It is a safeguard for the client in the event of financial loss due to any unethical decisions, damages or failure to adhere to state and local laws by covering them up to the full bond amount.

License Types for RV Dealers

There are two license types available for recreational vehicle dealers. Both license classes require the dealer to have at least a $10,000 Florida RV dealer bond.

• New Recreational Vehicle Dealer (RV): This license allows the sell of both used and new recreational vehicles. If the licensee is selling new recreational vehicles, he/she must have an agreement with the manufacturer authorizing him/her to sell their line-make. The agreement must be signed by both parties.

• Used Recreational Vehicle Dealer (RU): This license only allows the sell of used recreational vehicles. 

Recreational vehicle dealer licenses are not required for:

• Banks, credit unions, or finance companies that acquire recreational vehicles incidental to their regular business.
• Rental and leasing companies that sell recreational vehicles to dealers with an RV dealer license.
• The sell of camping trailers (rag top/pop-up) to the public.

Failure to Meet Licensing & Bond Requirements

There are serious legal repercussions in the event a person deals, buys, sells and even displays recreational vehicles either without an RV/RU dealer license or with an expired RV/RU dealer license and/or RV bond. The licensing and bond periods both run from October 1 through September 30, there is a $340 fee for new dealer licenses and a $140 fee for license renewals; $40 of which is used towards a Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund. In the event a person obtains a license near the end of the licensing period, the license will still expire on September 30.

Any person found violating the licensing requirements and still conducting business will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine. The person in violation will also be liable under civil law for violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. He/she will be subject to fines of up to $5,000 per violation and possible permanent injunction issued by a circuit court. Any vehicles displayed for sell by an unlicensed individual could be in violation of Section 316.1951 of the Florida Statutes and may be removed from the premises.

Importance of Recreational Vehicle Dealer Bonds in Florida

It is highly important to obtain bonding for anyone wishing to apply or renew for a Florida RV/RU dealer license. Without a surety bond, a license will not be issued and the application process could be delayed. If you want to be a recreational vehicle dealer in the State of Florida, contact The ProSure Group today; we can provide you with the right recreational vehicle dealer surety bond.