Florida businesses involved with the alcohol industry in any capacity may need to secure a special type of surety bond to stay within the bounds of the law. This guide covers everything important to know about a Florida alcohol tax bond.
Officially known as the Florida Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Tax Bond, this surety bond holds someone accountable when they fail to pay state taxes related to alcohol or tobacco sales. This and all other types of surety bonds make the bond holder financially liable for any claims filed against the bond.
Florida tax officials may file a claim against the bond seeking compensation for unpaid taxes. The surety agency that issues the bond will then investigate the claim. Provided that all the claim's details are true, the surety will automatically pay the claim in full. The bond holder must then pay the surety back the full amount of the claim plus interest and fees.
Florida requires businesses to get one of these surety bonds to guarantee that the state can collect taxes owed. If the bond holder won't pay, the surety that backs the bond steps in to pay, and holds the delinquent taxpayer responsible. Bonds act as both a deterrent against people not paying their taxes and as a tool the state can use to recoup lost tax revenue. Many states use a similar bond requirement to regulate alcohol sales.
The state requires someone to prove they have one of the surety bonds before they will grant that person a license to operate their business legally. Renewing the license depends on having proof of an active bond in good standing. It's impossible to get a license or keep it valid without an active bond, and illegal to run an alcohol-related business without a license. Therefore, you need to obtain a surety bond and keep it active at all times or else your business becomes illegal and subject to fines and penalties.
Most businesses involved with the production, distribution, warehousing, or sale of alcohol or tobacco products will need some form of the alcoholic beverage tax bond in Florida. If you're unsure whether this bond requirement applies to your business, rely on the team at Viking Bond Service to figure out your exact bonding needs.
You will need to apply for a bond by submitting an application, supplying a copy of the bond requirements, and agreeing to a credit check. The surety will quote you a price for the bond premium, and the bond activates once you pay. You will also need to renew the Florida alcohol tax bond annually.
The cost varies widely depending on the type of surety bond you need and your credit. Bond premiums cost a small percentage of the total bond value, less for people with good credit, and more for people with a low credit score or blemish on their financial record. Viking Bond Service offers a special program to help bond seekers with bad credit.
As a nationwide surety agency working with business owners across the country, Viking Bond Service knows how to make bonding easy. Rely on us to streamline the application process, offer you a competitive premium price, and serve as your committed bonding partner for as long as you're in business. Your surety bond needs are covered with Viking Bond Service.
Request a quote at any time, or contact us at any time. You can also speak directly to our team by calling 1-888-278-7389.
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You may still be able to get approved despite challenged credit.