Florida Utility Deposit Bond

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Utility company measuring utilities used to determine Florida bond cost

What is a utility deposit bond?

If a customer plans to use a large volume of utilities, their utility company may require them to get bonded before turning on services. A utility bond assures a utility company that its customers (individuals or businesses) pay utilities on time. The bond can be used instead of providing a cash deposit. Utility bonds protect utility companies by guaranteeing they receive the money they’re owed.

Get Your Utility Deposit Bond in Florida:

How much does a utility deposit bond cost in Florida?

The cost of your utility bond will depend on your specific circumstances. You can expect to pay a small percentage of the amount your utility company requires. This could range anywhere from 1% (if you have good credit) to 10% or more (if your credit is poor). For example, if you need a $100,000 bond and have excellent credit, you might pay $1,000 annually.

ZipBonds offers utility bond premiums as low as $100 a year. Apply today!

Why do Florida utility companies offer a surety bond option?

Rather than always requiring a security deposit, some utility companies allow their customers to obtain a surety bond. This can be a more affordable option as cash deposits can be expensive upfront.

By requiring surety bonds, utility companies have a guarantee from the surety company that their customers will pay for utilities on time and in full. If they fail, the surety company will pay out any claims the utility company makes on the bond for financial reimbursement.

Is it better to purchase a bond or deposit cash?

Many businesses (especially new ones) opt for the surety bond option. Putting down a security deposit can be a significant upfront expense. The surety bond option allows businesses to put their working capital to work elsewhere.

What are my utility bond requirements?

Most bond requirements are based on utilities usage (average or estimated bills) ranging from $100 to $100,000. Remember, you will only pay a small percentage of this amount to obtain your bond.

Your utility bond company will notify you of your bonding requirements. You must post your bond before your utility services are turned on or the company performs other tasks. 

Utility Companies That Allow Customers to Purchase Surety Bonds:

Name

Bond Amount Required

Beaches Energy Services2x the average bill
City of Altamonte SpringsVaries
City of Bartow Electric Department2x the average bill
City of Clearwater2x the average bill
City of Eustis Utility SystemVaries
City of Key WestBased on estimated usage
City of Ocala2.25x average bill
City of Pensacola2x the average bill
City of Pinellas ParkVaries
City of QuincyVaries
City of St. Augustine2x the average bill
City of St. PetersburgVaries
City of TallahasseeBased on estimated usage
Clay Electric Cooperative, IncAverage 2-month bill
Duke Energy FloridaVaries
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA)Depends on size of water meter
Florida City GasBased on business type and estimated usage
Florida Power and Light Company (FPL)Average 2-month bill
Florida Public Utilities Company2-month usage
Fort Meyers Utilities2.5x the monthly bill
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority2-month usage
Gainesville Regional Utilities2x the highest bill
Hillsborough County UtilitiesVaries
JEA2x the highest bill
Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA)2x the average bill
Lake Worth Utilities AuthorityVaries
Lakeland Electric2x the average bill
Lee County UtilitiesBased on total square footage under A/C
Leesburg Utilities2x the average bill
New Smyrna Beach Utilities2x the average monthly bill
Okaloosa County2x the highest bill
Orange County UtilitiesVaries
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)Varies
Palm Beach County Water Utilities DepartmentBased on meter size (see table)
Peace River Electric CooperativeBased on average monthly bill of the previous year
Sebring Utilities Commission2x the highest monthly bill
SECO EnergyVaries
Tampa Electric Company (TECO)Based on type of business and square footage
TECO Peoples Gas System Inc2x the average bill
Temple Terrace Utilities2x the estimated monthly bill (combined water, sanitary sewer, and solid waste bill)
Town of Havana2x the average bill
Keys Energy Services2x the average bill
Vero Beach UtilitiesBased on estimated usage
Winter Park Utilities2x the previous bill
Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Inc2x the estimated monthly bill or based on electrical load sheet

How do I file a surety bond with my utility company?

You must send your original bond form to file your surety bond with your utility company. If you purchase your bond from Zip, we will send it out for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pay all utility bills in full and on time to avoid claims on your bond.

You can still get bonded if you have bad credit, but your premium will be higher due to the greater risk of defaulting on a bond claim.

Ask your utility company how long you need your surety bond. For your bond to stay active, you must renew it before the expiration date each year. If you’re buying your bond from Zip, we’ll send a reminder when the expiration date is approaching. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to renew your bond and maintain your business license.

How to Get a Utility Deposit Bond in Florida

ZipBonds offers the fastest and most secure option for getting the surety bonds you need. Our all-digital platform is intuitive and straightforward. Apply for your utility bond today online or call us at (888) 435-4191 to speak with an agent directly. We’re always happy to help!

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About ZipBonds.com

Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”

Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.