Licensing Requirements

Professional bondsmen must comply with the following for licensure:

• Be a resident of the State of Alabama .
• Have a sufficient financial net worth to satisfy the financial obligations which to enter into as a surety, taking into consideration all other outstanding obligations and liabilities.
• Not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
• Have no outstanding final forfeitures arising out of any surety undertaking.
• Have not, within the period of two (2) years immediately preceding application date, violated any provisions of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, relating to the making of bonds or any Court order. [Ala.Code 1975 § 15-13-22]

Professional bail companies must receive an annual authorization order from the presiding circuit judge of the county in which the company desires to execute bonds. To do so, they must comply with the following:

• Bail companies must furnish a bond with corporate surety in the amount of $25,000.00 ($10,000.00 in Cullman County), to be approved by the probate judge of each county in which such person engages in such business, conditioned to guarantee the payment of all sums of money that may become due the state or any political subdivision thereof by virtue of any judgment absolute being rendered against such person on a forfeiture of bail.
• File an original qualifying power of attorney, letter, or other document issued by the professional bail company specifying any applicable limitations and specifying the agents who are authorized to execute and bind the professional bail company to a bail undertaking or to appearance bonds. The qualifying power of attorney, letter, or other document may only name persons as agents.
• File an original affidavit or certificate in writing, under oath, executed by an owner or officer of a professional bail company, to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the professional bail company shall execute or become surety on appearance bonds which states that the above requirements have been met. [Ala.Code 1975 § 15-13-22]

Filed Rates (Premium must be charged in accordance with Palmetto Surety filed rates for this state.)

Premium Rate: 10%

Minimum Premium:  $50

Federal Rate:  15%

Collateral - Mortgage Form
State Surrender Time - 28 Days
Remission – 180 Days - Court Discretion