In Florida, public contracting is a highly regulated process designed to ensure transparency and fairness. When a vendor or contractor believes a public agency has awarded a contract improperly, they can file a bid protest—but that right often comes with a financial obligation: posting a protest bond.
If you’re involved in a dispute over a public bid in Florida, understanding how the protest bond FL requirement works is critical. Not only does it affect your ability to challenge the award, but it can also influence how your protest is perceived by the agency and the courts. Here’s what you need to know.
A protest bond is a type of surety bond required when a vendor challenges the outcome of a public bid or procurement decision. In Florida, most government entities—including state departments, municipalities, and school districts—require protestors to post a bond as part of the protest process.
The bond serves two purposes:
If the protest is unsuccessful and determined to be without merit, the agency can claim the bond to recoup expenses. If the protest is upheld, the bond is typically returned in full.
Under Florida law, and specifically per Florida Administrative Code and individual agency rules, a protest bond is usually required when:
State agencies such as the Florida Department of Management Services, Department of Transportation, and Department of Education frequently require these bonds to be posted within a short window after the protest is filed—sometimes within 72 hours.
Failing to post the bond correctly and on time can result in your protest being dismissed outright.
The required amount of a protest bond in Florida is typically based on a percentage of the estimated contract value. Common percentages include:
For large contracts, this bond can quickly add up. A $2 million project, for example, may require a $20,000 protest bond.
The bond must accompany the protest filing or be submitted within a specific deadline, depending on the agency’s rules. Always consult the agency’s procurement guidelines or your legal counsel to determine the exact amount and timing.
Failing to include a protest bond—or submitting the wrong amount or format—can be fatal to your protest. In most cases, your protest will be considered legally insufficient, and the agency may proceed with awarding the contract to the original winner.
Worse yet, if your protest delays the process and no bond was filed, you may be liable for damages or face a reduced chance of succeeding in future protests.
Jurisco is a national surety bond provider with extensive experience in Florida’s procurement and legal systems. Our team understands the high stakes of bid protests and the urgency of securing a valid bond quickly.
Here’s what makes Jurisco the preferred partner for protest bonds in Florida:
We’ve helped vendors and contractors across the state—from Miami to Jacksonville to Tallahassee—file timely protest bonds that meet all legal requirements.
Applying for a protest bond with Jurisco is straightforward. You’ll typically need:
Once the application is submitted, our underwriters review it and issue the bond as quickly as possible—often within 24 hours.
If you're up against a protest deadline, don't wait until the last minute. Early preparation is key to a successful filing.
Bid protests play an important role in ensuring fairness in Florida’s public contracting process. But to exercise your right to protest, you need to meet every requirement—including the protest bond.
With Jurisco, you can move forward knowing your bond will be filed correctly, on time, and in line with state and agency standards.
If you need a protest bond in Florida, let Jurisco help you act quickly and confidently. Reach out today to get started.