Florida Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Industry Requires Surety Bond

Feb 7 Posted on

alcoholic beverage

Photo by�David Straight on Unsplash

Florida alcoholic beverage and tobacco businesses that sell, manufacture, or distribute those substances must be licensed and bonded to do so. Keep reading to find out how it works.

How to get an alcohol and tobacco license in Florida

The state of Florida requires alcoholic beverage and tobacco businesses to get a license before they can sell or manufacture any of those products. Licenses are issued through the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There are many different types of licenses issued based on the types of products the licensee will sell, manufacture, or distribute, and licensing fees and surety bond amounts vary along with the different licenses.

Since there are so many different license types, the Division has created a flow chart for applicants to ensure they don’t miss a step in the process. Let’s take a look at what it takes to get licensed as a distributor of beer and wine (JDBW). Here’s some of the information you’ll need to provide:

  • $1,250 fee for permanent license; $312.50 if temporary
  • Completed license application
  • Fingerprints (if applicable)
  • Floor plan drawn in ink of the entire premises
  • Zoning compliance approved by local zoning authority
  • Names of all interested business parties
  • Surety bond in the correct amount

Once the license application has been submitted and any mistakes corrected, the state will conduct an inspection of the business location. After the inspection, the decision is made about whether or not the license will be issued.

What does this bond do?

The reason this bond is required is to ensure alcoholic beverage and tobacco licensees pay taxes as the law requires. The amount of the bond needed varies widely. Cigarette manufacturers and distributers need a bond that is 110% of their monthly tax liability amount, but is no less than $2,000. The amount varies even more among alcoholic beverage licensees—their bond can range from $1,000 to $100,000. Taken into account are the kinds of alcoholic beverages the license allows the licensee to sell, distribute, or manufacture, and the licensee’s total tax liability. A bond over $25,000 is not common; the $100,000 surety bond is required of spiritous liquor distributors.

The purpose of the bond is to make sure that alcoholic beverage and tobacco licensees are paying their taxes on time and as required by state law. Make sure to understand how your tax schedule works as a licensee and contact the Division with your questions about licensing and taxation.

Know your bond amount and ready to get the licensing process started in Florida? Request a free quote from Single Source Insurance and get your bond fast!�

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How To Get A Tennessee Car Dealer License

Feb 2 Posted on

Tennessee motor vehicle dealer

Interested in getting a Tennessee motor vehicle dealer license? If you’re new to business licensing, here’s a quick rundown of how the process works. Learn more below, and apply online for the bond you need today.

Get Bonded

Tennessee Dealer License Requirements

In order to be eligible for the auto dealer license, applicants in Tennessee need to be prepared to begin doing business. They are licensed through the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, and that agency has established a checklist of materials applicants need and criteria they must meet to get a license.

Motor vehicle dealer applicants must establish a permanent place of business that is at least 288 square feet with a restroom. The dealership’s lot must accommodate fifteen vehicles for display and have at least three customer parking spaces. The place of business can’t be at a private residence, and it must not share its lot with another business. Dealer licensees can operate one other business out of the same location, as long as the dealership remains the primary business.�Applicants also need a letter stating the business’s compliance with local zoning laws.

If the dealership will not have a repair facility on-site, applicants need a Service Agreement with a nearby auto repair shop. The dealership’s signs must be permanent, visible from the road, and display its full name in eight-inch letters. Applicants need to include photos of the entire business with the application.

Dealer Bond Requirements

Tennessee motor vehicle dealer applicants need a $50,000, two-year surety bond, a business tax license, and a financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000. Proof of liability and garage liability insurance is also a requirement. Any salespersons employed by the business need to apply through the state’s online portal.

If the dealership is a franchise, applicants pay a licensing fee of $400 per line-make they will sell; used auto dealer applicants pay $400.

Get Bonded

What Does This Bond Do?

The Tennessee motor vehicle dealer license bond is a dealer’s promise that they will adhere to all state and federal laws regarding their business. That means they won’t misrepresent the vehicles they’re selling or commit any sort of fraud that would cost their customers money dishonestly. But, if a customer does suffer financial damages as a result of the dealer’s unlawful business practices, the $50,000 surety bond protects them and the state from financial liability. The surety company pays out on any proven claims, but the dealer must reimburse the surety for that claim amount.

This bond must have a two-year term. Dealers can’t do business without this bond! Ready to get bonded as a Tennessee auto dealer? Single Source Insurance is ready to help!�

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How Do You Get a California Immigration Consultant Bond?

Jan 31 Posted on

immigration consultant

Photo by�Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

Becoming a registered immigration consultant in California is easy with this quick guide. Learn more about how to register and get bonded.

What is an immigration consultant?

An immigration consultant is someone who, for a fee, offers advice and assistance to clients on immigration matters. It’s important to note that immigration consultants are not authorized to offer legal advice. Some of their services can include:

  • Translating clients’ answers to questions on immigration forms
  • Submitting forms on a client’s behalf to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Referring clients to legal representation

That’s not a complete list, so make sure you understand the scope of services you can offer as an immigration consultant in California.

What do consultants need to register?

The first step in becoming an immigration consultant is registering with the California Secretary of State. Here’s what you’ll need to do and some of the documents you’ll need to submit for registration:

Here are a few pieces of information you’ll need to provide on the disclosure form:

  • Your name, date of birth, and home address and phone number
  • Business address and phone number
  • Employer information (if employed by a corporation or partnership)

Then, mail the form to the Secretary of State’s Special Filings Unit, P.O. Box 942870, Sacramento, CA 94277-2870.

You are not eligible to be an immigration consultant if you:

What does this surety bond do?

The immigration consultant surety bond protects anyone who uses their services, and the state, from financial damages. That’s because should a consultant’s business practices cause financial damages, a claim can be filed and if proven, the surety company will pay the claim up to the bond’s full amount. In this case, consultants need a $100,000 bond�that’s the total dollar amount the surety company will pay out for claims on this particular bond. But if any claims are paid, the consultant is on the hook for reimbursing the surety. Conduct business according to the law, and you’ll never need to use the bond.

Make sure to file a renewal or continuation of your surety bond with the Secretary of State before the bond expires. When you renew the bond, be sure to notify the Secretary’s office in writing within 30 days.

Ready to get the California immigration consultant bond? Single Source Insurance is ready to get you the best rate!�

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A Quick Guide to Texas Automobile Club Licensing and Bonding

Jan 29 Posted on

automobile club

Want to learn more about how to get a Texas automobile club license? Keep reading

What’s an automobile club?

Texas defines an automobile club as a business that offers car and travel related assistance to members. Services falling under the definition include those related to:

  • Community traffic safety
  • Travel and touring
  • Theft prevention or rewards
  • Maps
  • Towing
  • Emergency roadside assistance
  • Bail bonds and traffic offense legal fee reimbursement
  • The purchase of accidental injury and death benefits insurance coverage

If an automobile club offers insurance as defined above, the policy offered has to be approved by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Automobile clubs are issued Certificates of Authority by the Texas Secretary of State. The application asks clubs to specify if they are applying for initial licensure or renewal. Here’s some of the other information the Secretary’s office needs:

  • Club business name, contact person, phone number and email
  • Principal business and/or office address
  • Business type
  • Names and contact information for business owners or management
  • $150 license fee
  • Certificate of existence for corporation, or operating agreement for other business types
  • $25,000 surety bond
  • Certified copies of service contracts

Automobile club licenses expire annually on August 31, and renewal applications must be accompanied by a $150 fee.

Any agents employed by the automobile club need to be registered and pay a $10 filing fee—see the Texas Administrative Code for exemptions and registration rules. Their registrations expire one year from the date they are issued. If an agent leaves their position, the club needs to file a termination notice.

What does this bond do?

By purchasing and signing this�$25,000 surety bond, automobile club licensees agree to honor the terms of the bond. This bond requires principals (bondholders) to adhere to the Automobile Club Services Act in the Texas Transportation Code, and any other applicable state and federal laws.

Should the principal violate the bond’s terms and their actions cause financial damages for a customer, the customer can file a claim against the surety bond. The surety company pays out proven claims up to the bond’s full amount�in this case, $25,000. But the principal must reimburse the surety for paid claims, meaning liability lies with the principal.

Have more questions about the bond or ready to apply? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance for a fast, free quote!�

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Licensing and Surety Bonds for Arkansas New Car Dealers

Jan 26 Posted on

New car dealers (and used branches of new car dealerships) in Arkansas are licensed differently than used car dealers. In December, the Single Source Insurance blog went over how to get a used auto dealer license in the state; keep reading to learn about new car dealer licensing.

Getting licensed as an auto dealer

The Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission issues new car dealers’ licenses, and requires them to submit an application plus a $100 licensing fee. Here’s some of the information applicants will need to provide:

  • Indicate whether business location is leased or owned
  • Description of facilities, including building, showroom, and lot square footage and dimensions
  • Business information including DBA, mailing address, contact person, and email
  • Makes of all vehicles that will be sold
  • $50,000 surety bond
  • Proof of adequate liability coverage
  • Pictures of showroom, lot, building, sign, and all departments
  • Applications for any salespersons plus $15 fee per application
  • Contact information for several dealership employees, including a renewal contact and the general manager

The Commission has created a dealer procedure packet that all new car dealers should read thoroughly before submitting their application. Note that new dealer applications need to be accompanied by a letter from the manufacturer stating their intent to establish the franchise.

Licenses expire on December 31 and need to be renewed annually. The license renewal application requires a $100 fee, or $25 for a new dealer’s used branch. The same rules apply to any salesperson licenses, and their renewal fee is $15.

New car dealer surety bonds

One goal of the Motor Vehicle Commission is to protect consumers from unethical and unfair business practices, and a surety bond is one of the ways they do that. When new car dealers purchase and sign the surety bond (found on page six of the application), they are agreeing to follow the state’s laws for their license. Section 23-112-308 of Subchapter 3 the Commission’s Laws details violations that can result in license suspension, revocation, and in some cases, civil or criminal penalties.

Violations like those could also result in claims being made against the dealer’s surety bond. Should a claim be proven, the surety pays the claim up to the bond’s full amount. However, the new car dealer must reimburse the surety bond for that claim. Since new car dealers no doubt want to avoid paying out expensive claims, not to mention hang onto their business license, the bond is a deterrent to shady business practices.

Ready to get bonded as an Arkansas new car dealer? Give Single Source Insurance a call today for a free quote!�

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Registration Guide for Washington Investment Advisers

Jan 24 Posted on

Washington investment advisers need to register and get a surety bond before offering financial services to the public. Find out how to get registered and why a bond is required.

Washington investment advisers

Photo by�Olu Eletu on Unsplash

Washington investment advisers offer portfolio management and financial planning services to the public. The state requires advisers and their representatives to register�keep reading to learn how the process works.

Financial adviser registration

Washington investment advisers and representatives�register with the Securities Division of the state’s Department of Financial Institutions. Adviser applicants submit parts of their registration application online through the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD), and part on paper with the Securities Division. Applicants begin by setting up their IARD account and paying the necessary fees for registering as an adviser and/or a representative. They must also submit forms ADV Part 1, ADV Part 2, and U4 (if a representative is being registered).

Documentation financial adviser applicants need to submit to the Division includes:

  • Balance sheet from the past 90 days
  • Proof of compliance with minimum net worth requirements, which might include a surety bond
  • Proposed client contract
  • LLC agreement, if applicable

This is not a full list of required documentation; thoroughly read the list to make sure your registration application is complete. Washington investment advisers applying as sole proprietors must submit proof that they have passed a qualifying exam in the previous two years, proof of registration in another state in the past two years, or proof of holding special designations (for example, a Certified Financial Planner). This documentation is submitted to the Securities Division via email, fax at (360) 704-7029, or mail:

For overnight delivery Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Consumer Services
150 Israel Rd SW
Tumwater, WA 98501

Regular mail

PO Box 41200
Olympia, WA 98504-1200

Adviser and representative registrations need to be renewed annually, and fees and forms have different due dates, so stay on top of your renewal�renewal season begins in November.

Investment adviser surety bond?

Washington investment advisers are required to maintain a minimum net worth. If they have custody of their clients’ funds or securities, they need a $35,000 minimum net worth, and if they do not have custody of any funds, a $10,000 net worth. If the applicant does not meet the minimum net worth amounts, they can supplement with a surety bond. The bond must be the amount of the net worth deficiency rounded to the nearest $5,000. So, if an applicant was $7,000 short, they would need a $10,000 surety bond.

Ready to get bonded as a Washington financial adviser? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance today!�

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Surety Bond for Owners of Venomous Reptiles and Other Wildlife in Florida

Jan 22 Posted on

venomous reptiles

Owners of venomous reptiles and Class I wildlife in Florida need to apply for a permit and get a surety bond to legally own the animals. Keep reading to find out what legal ownership entails.

What animals require permits for ownership?

Venomous reptiles and Class I wildlife cannot be owned or exhibited if the owner doesn’t have a permit and a surety bond from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The native venomous reptile list includes:

  • Coral snake
  • Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
  • Canebrake rattlesnake
  • Pygmy rattlesnake
  • Cottonmouth
  • Copperhead

Owners of conditional reptiles also need this permit, but they can no longer be acquired for personal possession. If you were properly licensed and owned the animal before July 1, 2010, you can own it as long as you continue to be licensed.

Class I wildlife are animals that are dangerous to humans, and the state no longer allows personal acquisition of them. Owners must have had possession of their animals before August 1, 1980, or before August 27, 2009 if the animal is a cougar, panther, or cheetah. Some other Class I animals include baboons, bears, chimpanzees, jaguars, leopards, gorillas, lions, tigers, and orangutans.

If you own any venomous reptiles or Class I wildlife in Florida, there are strict laws about acreage and caging to protect the public from being harmed by the animals. When applying for a permit, owners need to prepare a Captive Wildlife Incident-Disaster Plan (CIPD) detailing how the animals would be captured and secured in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Venomous reptile permits cost $100 and require owners to get a $10,000 surety bond. Class I wildlife permits are $150 for less than 25 animals, and $250 for 26 or more, and owners also need a $10,000 bond.

Why is this bond needed?

The venomous reptiles and Class I wildlife surety bonds protect the public from harm by dangerous animals. The bonds are animal owners’ promises to follow all Florida laws about caging, acreage, licensing, and any other ownership rules. Should a member of the public suffer harm from one of the animals, they can file a claim against the surety bond to seek reimbursement.

More questions about captive wildlife permits in Florida? Get in touch with the Division of Law Enforcement, Investigations Section at (850) 488-6253.

Ready to get bonded? Call Single Source Insurance at 1 (855) 689-5106 for a free quote!

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How To Get An Alabama Car Dealer License

Jan 19 Posted on

Alabama motor vehicle dealers

Alabama motor vehicle dealers need a license and a surety bond to do business in the state. Here’s a quick how-to for licensing and bonding. If you’re ready to get bonded, you can apply online with Single Source Insurance.

Get Bonded

Alabama Car Dealer License Requirements

An Alabama dealers license is issued by the state’s Department of Revenue. To apply, would-be dealers use the Motor Vehicle Title Registration & Insurance Portal (MVTRIP) and submit their information online. New, used, and wholesale dealers all apply through MVTRIP and specify which type of license they need on the application. Some of the information dealer applicants need to provide includes:

  • Business’s name and any trade names or DBAs
  • Business mailing and physical address(es)
  • Type of organization (corporation, LLC, etc.)
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Sales state tax number (new and used dealers)
  • Number of vehicles sold in the previous calendar year
  • Personal information and copies of drivers’ licenses for all owners, partners, etc.
  • $25 application fee + $5 per additional location
  • $25,000 surety bond
  • Proof of blanket motor vehicle liability insurance
  • Proof of residence in the state of Alabama

Dealers also need to include pictures of all business locations and their signs with the application. The Department takes 7-14 business days to process applications, and if yours is approved, you will receive directions for printing out the license.

After getting a license, dealers can obtain dealer plates from a county licensing office. New auto dealers can get 25 plates, while used dealers can get 10, and any dealer can qualify for 25 additional plates if they complete 1,500 or more title transfers or applications for transfers in the previous licensing year.

Auto Dealer Sign Requirements

Alabama isn’t the only state with strict guidelines for motor vehicle dealer signs. According to dealer licensing laws, here’s the criteria for the signs:

  • Must specify new or used motor vehicle dealer
  • Must use business’s name as printed on the license
  • Sign must be visible and legible from the closest street or 50 yards, whichever is a greater distance
  • Must be displayed at the registered business address

Get A Dealer Bond

Surety bonds are required of Alabama motor vehicle dealers as a reassurance to the state and to consumers that the dealer is licensed and conducting business according to the law. The dealer agrees to honor any sales contracts made and keep their license current, in addition to the other provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975 Chapter 12, Article 5. You can access most forms, including the surety bond form, on the Department’s website.

It’s easy to get this�$25,000 bond�get in touch with Single Source Insurance for a free quote today!�

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How to Get the Best Price for Your Surety Bond

Jan 17 Posted on

surety bond

On the Single Source Insurance blog, we’ve talked about the factors that determine the cost of your surety bond. Today, we’ll talk about what you can do to make sure you get the best price for your bond.

  1. Maintain a good credit score. An underwritten surety bond’s premium will vary depending on your financial history. A good credit score shows that you are a reliable borrower, and the surety company takes on less risk when principals have a strong financial history. If you are considering getting a business license that requires a bond, but your credit score is low, consider strengthening it before applying for the license.
  2. Shop around. Get more than quote to find the lowest priced bond. Single Source Insurance can work with you to get the lowest premiums available!
  3. Have a realistic idea of the cost of your bond.�If you need a $100,000 surety bond, your premium will be much higher than if you needed a $10,00 bond. If your credit is low, your bond premium will be higher than if you had a high score. You can get a free quote from Single Source Insurance, so you have nothing to lose by applying and finding out what the bond will cost you.
  4. Keep your bond claim-free.�As long as you don’t break any of the terms of your bond, there’s no reason for any claims to be made against it. Before purchasing your surety bond, talk to an Single Source Insurance specialist to ensure you understand the terms. Make sure your premium is paid when it’s due and that your bond is current.
  5. Have relevant industry experience.�If you’re experienced in your field, there’s always a chance you can get a lower bond premium. Again, talking to your surety company is the best option to figure out your options.

Still have questions about getting a lower bond premium? Single Source Insurance is here to help�give us a call and get a fast, free quote today!

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Washington Contractors Need a Surety Bond to Get Licensed

Jan 15 Posted on

Washington contractors

�Washington contractors need to be licensed by the state, and that requires getting a surety bond. Keep reading to learn more about the process.

Getting a Washington contractor license

Washington contractors are licensed through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Licensees register as general or specialty contractors—specialities include concrete, flooring, landscaping, and masonry. If your business is not a sole proprietorship or general partnership, it needs to be registered with the Secretary of State. You’ll also need a Uniform Business Identifier number from the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service and an IRS Employer ID number (if you will have employees).

The application for Washington contractors asks for information that includes:

  • Business name and phone number
  • Physical and mailing addresses
  • Indicate whether or not you, your spouse, or any business owners have ever been registered as a contractor
  • Specialty code (if applicable)
  • Applicant’s legal name, social security number, address, and driver’s license number
  • $12,000 or $6,000 surety bond
  • $250,000 in general liability insurance coverage
  • Registration fee

General contractors need the $12,000 bond, while specialty contractors need the $6,000 bond. The insurance coverage can be one policy, or it can be $200,000 in public liability coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage.�The application must be notarized upon completion, and L&I recommends delivering it in person to your closest L&I office. If you need to mail your application, send it to L&I at:

Department of Labor & Industries Contractor Registration Section PO Box 44450 Olympia, WA 98504-4450

Washington contractors’ licenses are valid for two years, and can be renewed online, by mail, or at an L&I office.

Why do contractors need this bond?

Contractors in Washington are required to get a surety bond by the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 18.27. The bond is a promise to the state and to customers that the licensee will adhere to all the provisions of that law. The bond is also a promise that the contractor will pay employees and suppliers and pay taxes as the law requires. Read the full terms of the bond and RCW Chapter 18.27 to be sure you understand the scope of your responsibilities as a licensee.

These bonds are underwritten, so their premium depends on a review of their credit history. Applicants should expect to pay anywhere from 1-10% of the bond’s full amount. For general contractors, that means a premium could be $120-$1,200, and specialty contractors’ premiums could range from $60-$600.

Don’t worry if your credit isn’t perfect�Single Source Insurance can get you the best price for your bond! Get in touch today!

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