Many ask, “How does bail bonds work?” when calling our Tavares office. This article outlines everything that you need to know when bailing out of jail in Lake County, Florida.
How Bail Bonds Work: A 20-Year Perspective
I have answered this question many times in the twenty years I have spent serving the Central Florida bail bond industry.
If you have never faced an arrest or never needed to help someone else post bail, the bail bond process can feel completely foreign. Professionals such as our bail bond agents and a criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the court and jail procedures far more effectively.
When officers arrest and charge someone with a crime, that person will need a bail bondsman or must post bail at the jail. Every criminal charge carries an associated bail amount. Florida assigns a bail amount to nearly every charge through its Statewide bail schedule, which Florida adopted in 2024 for all misdemeanors through third-degree felonies. Defendants facing a second-degree felony or higher must appear before a bond hearing judge at their first appearance.
Cash Bail vs. Bail Bondsman Fees
Once the court sets the bail amount, you must decide whether to post full cash bail or use a bail bondsman as a surety agent. Some people pay cash for smaller bail amounts, while others choose a bail bondsman. The jail accepts cash bail for the full bail amount. However, the county can apply cash bail deposits toward the defendant’s fines, court costs, booking fee, daily incarceration fee, and other charges before returning the remaining balance to the depositor.
A bail bondsman charges Florida’s standard fee of 10%, or $100 per bond, whichever is greater – this remains the only fee as long as the defendant makes every court appearance without forfeiting bail. Once you post bail, the jail releases the defendant from custody, and the defendant must then meet every assigned court date.
Starting the Bail Bond Process
Now that you have some basic information on how to bail someone out of jail, let’s look more closely at how the process works with a bail bondsman. Usually, a family member, friend, spouse, or the arrested person calls our main office in Tavares at 352-343-6090 as soon as officers make the arrest. Our bail bond agents will qualify your situation and assess the client’s flight risk.
No Collateral (Signature) Bonds
If we determine the arrestee poses no flight risk, we will offer a No Collateral Bail Bond, also known as a signature bond. With this type of bond, the cosigner (or indemnitor) guarantees, through a promissory note and indemnity agreement, that if the defendant forfeits bail and skips court, the indemnitor will provide the full bail amount within a set time period or help us locate and return the defendant to custody.
When Collateral Is Required
If we consider the bail too risky, or if a client has shown a history of missing court dates, we will require collateral for the bond. Collateral guarantees the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. Typical collateral includes local real estate, vehicle titles, cash, or other items of value. We always return collateral once the case closes.
Choosing the Right Bail Bondsman
Bail bonds can be simple, but they can also become complicated. When you choose a bail bondsman, you decide who controls your bail. Research any bail bond agent carefully, and do not let a large advertising presence or exaggerated claims influence your decision. Problems can arise while a client remains out on bond, so choose a bail bondsman who keeps your best interests in mind and knows how to protect your freedom.
About Altman Bail Bonds, Inc.
Altman Bail Bonds, Inc. has built a proven track record since 1999. We have served Tavares, Clermont, Leesburg, and many other cities in Lake County, Florida, for many years. We do not limit our service to Lake County alone – we hold registration to write bail bonds in most Central Florida jails.
For example, the State of Florida must license anyone who sells Tavares bail bonds as a bail bondsman.
Why Families Choose Altman Bail Bonds
- We underwrite most of our bail bonds with No Collateral options.
- Our bail bond office is local to Lake County, Florida.
- We work toward the fastest release possible.
- We stay open and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- We offer affordable bail bond premium payment options and financing.
- Local attorneys refer and prefer Altman Bail Bonds.
- We bring decades of experience in Lake County bail bonds.
- We offer a convenient Bail by Phone option.
Licensed by the State of Florida to transact bail bonds in Lake, Sumter, Orange and many other Counties in Florida.
Bail Bondsman vary on their dedication to their clients. Bail Bond Agent Tim Altman is a full time bail bondsman and has been licensed as a surety agent with the State of Florida since 1999.
Hopefully, I have answered the question, “How Does Bail Bonds Work?” that was easy to understand. Our bail bond agency in Tavares is dedicated to providing Fast, Knowledgeable, and Professional bail bond service to you. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact our main office.