What Is Collateral for Bail Bonds?

Bail bonds provide a way to pay bail for when an individual who has been arrested and/or their family members cannot afford to do so. This type of bond requires collateral, which is an item of value that guarantees the bail amount.

How Collateral Works 

During the bail bond process, the bond agent receives a fee of a percentage of the bail amount along with collateral in exchange for paying the full amount to the court. In Florida, this fee is set at 10 percent with a minimum payment of $100. If the person does not appear at their court date as promised, the collateral is sold to repay the bond agent. If the court date goes as planned, the collateral is returned and the bond agent retains the fee and recoups the bond amount.

Common Types of Collateral

To work as collateral, an asset must be worth at least the full bail amount. Many bond agents accept jewelry, deeds to a home or vehicle, and interest in other forms of property. This can include an RV, motorhome, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, camper, ATV, land holdings, mineral or natural resource rights, real estate equity, savings and investment accounts, precious metals, valuable stones, or even electronic devices.

Physical collateral items will be held in a secure location until the bail amount is returned. For larger items such as cars or real estate, the deed will usually serve as collateral and will be held by the bond agent. If the conditions of bail are not met, the property can be repossessed and sold by the bond agent.

Trusted Bail Bondsman

Family members who need bail bond assistance for a loved one and have questions about the process can receive trustworthy guidance from A Wesley Chapel Bail Bonds LLC. We have more than three decades of experience in the criminal justice system and understand that time is of the essence when dealing with legal issues. Call us at 813-973-4444 or contact us online. We're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.