Bail Bond FAQ

Florida law sets bail bond premiums statewide — every licensed bondsman charges the same rate. State charges: 10% of the court-ordered bail. Federal charges: 15%. Minimum bond: $1,000. So if bail is set at $10,000, the bond premium is $1,000. If bail is $50,000, the premium is $5,000. These rates are non-negotiable — any bondsman advertising less is breaking Florida law.

No. The 10% premium is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the case. It doesn't matter if charges are dropped, the defendant is found not guilty, or the case is dismissed — the premium is earned by the bondsman for taking on the financial risk of guaranteeing the defendant's appearance in court. Cash bail paid directly to the court is returned at case conclusion if all appearances were made (minus administrative fees).

Collateral depends on the size of the bond and individual circumstances. For most bonds under $50,000, only the 10% premium is required — no collateral needed. For larger bonds, Big Mike's may require collateral such as real estate equity (a lien on property), vehicle titles, savings accounts, or jewelry. Collateral is returned when the bond is exonerated at case conclusion, provided all court appearances were made.

Florida Statutes Chapter 648 sets bail bond premium rates by law. Every licensed bondsman in Florida must charge 10% for state bonds and 15% for federal bonds. This protects consumers from price gouging during a crisis. Any bondsman advertising a rate lower than 10% is operating illegally and should be reported to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

First appearance (also called a bond hearing) must occur within 24 hours of arrest in Florida. The defendant appears before a judge — either in person or by video — and the judge reviews the charges, sets bail, and may impose conditions of release. The judge may also release the defendant on their own recognizance (ROR) with no bail required. Once bail is set, Big Mike's Bail Bonds can begin the bond process.

After Big Mike's Bail Bonds posts a bail bond, release times vary by facility: Palm Beach County Main Detention Center: typically 2 to 4 hours. Miami-Dade County facilities: 2 to 8 hours depending on volume. Broward County Main Jail: 2 to 6 hours. The jail must process release paperwork, verify the bond, and complete the release procedure. Big Mike's begins posting the moment you sign and will keep you updated throughout.

To get started with Big Mike's Bail Bonds, it helps to have: the full legal name of the person arrested, the county or city where they were arrested, the charges (if known), the booking or case number (if available), and the bail amount set by the judge. If you don't have all of this, call us anyway — we can help you find the information at 561-686-2221.

The indemnitor (co-signer) is the person who signs the bail bond agreement on behalf of the defendant — usually a family member or close friend. By signing, you take on legal and financial responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears at all court dates. If they fail to appear, you could be held financially responsible for the full bail amount. Big Mike's will clearly explain all obligations before you sign anything.

The bail bond is exonerated (released) when the court case concludes — whether by guilty plea, acquittal, dismissal, or sentencing. Once the bond is exonerated, the bondsman's liability ends and any collateral pledged is returned. The 10% premium is not returned — it was earned as the service fee.

After release on a bail bond, the defendant must: (1) Appear at every scheduled court hearing — missing even one court date will result in a bench warrant and bond forfeiture. (2) Comply with all conditions set by the judge (which may include check-ins, travel restrictions, drug testing, or electronic monitoring). (3) Notify Big Mike's of any change of address. (4) Not be arrested for new offenses. Big Mike's Bail Bonds will send reminders for upcoming court dates.

Missing a court date triggers an automatic bench warrant, and the court begins the bond forfeiture process. Call Big Mike's Bail Bonds at 561-686-2221 immediately — do not wait. In some cases the bond can be reinstated if the defendant returns to court quickly. The bondsman typically has 60 days to locate the defendant before the full bail amount is collected by the court. The longer you wait to call, the fewer options are available.

Yes. A bail bondsman has the legal right to revoke a bond and surrender the defendant back to custody if they have reason to believe the defendant may flee, is violating bond conditions, or presents an unacceptable risk. Common reasons include new arrests, leaving the state without permission, or failing to stay in contact. If the bond is revoked, the premium is not refunded.

Florida Statute 316.193 requires a mandatory minimum hold of 8 hours from the time of arrest for DUI charges. This hold cannot be bypassed regardless of bail — no bail bond can be posted during this period. After the hold expires and bail is set at first appearance, Big Mike's Bail Bonds can post the bond immediately. Calling us during the hold period lets us prepare everything in advance so your loved one is released the moment they're eligible.

DUI bail in Palm Beach County typically ranges from $500 for a first-offense misdemeanor to $15,000+ for felony DUI. Factors that increase bail include: prior DUI convictions, high blood alcohol content, an accident or injury, a minor in the vehicle, or a DUI in a school zone. The bond premium is 10% of whatever bail the judge sets. Call Big Mike's at 561-686-2221 once bail is set.

Most DUI arrests in Florida are bondable. Bail may be denied only in rare cases — for example, DUI manslaughter with extreme circumstances, a defendant with a long history of failure to appear, or a serious flight risk. In these cases, a defense attorney can file a motion to reconsider bail. Big Mike's Bail Bonds can refer you to experienced DUI defense attorneys in Palm Beach County.

The key differences: (1) Court: Federal bonds are for U.S. District Court charges (FBI, DEA, DHS, etc.). State bonds are for county/state court charges. (2) Rate: Federal bonds are 15% of bail; state bonds are 10%. (3) Bail amounts: Federal bail is typically much higher. (4) Hearing timeline: Federal detention hearing within 72 hours (vs. 24 for state). (5) Conditions: Federal release conditions are often stricter (travel restrictions, monitoring, regular check-ins).

Federal bail bond premiums are 15% of the court-ordered bail amount in Florida. Federal bail amounts are typically much higher than state bail — often ranging from $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars or more. At 15%, a $100,000 federal bond costs $15,000 in premium. Collateral is commonly required for large federal bonds. Call 561-686-2221 to discuss your specific federal case.

Not all. Under the federal Bail Reform Act, certain serious offenses carry a presumption of detention — meaning the court assumes the defendant should remain held unless they can rebut that presumption. These include major drug trafficking charges, violent felonies, and certain firearms offenses. A criminal defense attorney is essential for federal detention hearings. Call Big Mike's immediately after a federal arrest so we're prepared the moment bail is set.

You can check for warrants through: Palm Beach County: PBSO.org or (561) 688-3000. Broward County: Sheriff.org. Miami-Dade: MiamiDade.gov/corrections. Or call Big Mike's Bail Bonds at 561-686-2221 — we can help you check confidentially and advise on next steps without any obligation.

Yes. Big Mike's Bail Bonds coordinates a controlled voluntary surrender — you turn yourself in on your schedule, we have the bail bond posted simultaneously, and in most cases you are processed and released the same day. Surrendering voluntarily is almost always better than being arrested unexpectedly. It gives you control over timing, can reflect positively with the court, and allows for a much faster release process.

Yes. Big Mike's Bail Bonds offers a fully online process — you can complete the bail application, sign the agreement, and make payment entirely from your phone or computer, without visiting our office or the jail. This is especially valuable if you are in a different county or state from where your loved one was arrested. Visit bigmikesbailbonds.com or call 561-686-2221 to get started.

Yes. Big Mike's Bail Bonds uses secure online payment processing. Our online bail pay system is safe and encrypted. You will receive confirmation of your payment and a copy of the bail bond agreement. If you have any questions about the online process, call us at 561-686-2221 and we will walk you through it step by step.

Yes and it's a good idea. Call Big Mike's as soon as you know someone has been arrested — even before bail is set at first appearance. We collect all the information in advance, explain your options, and prepare the paperwork so we're ready to post the bond the moment bail is set and the hold (if any) clears. This minimizes total time in custody.