Florida RV Dealer Bond — §320.771 Variable Bond for Recreational Vehicle Dealers-- $10,000 or $20,000 on Form HSMV 86019
A Florida RV dealer bond is a variable-amount surety bond -- $10,000 for dealers with four or fewer supplemental locations, or $20,000 for dealers with five or more -- required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) under Fla. Stat. §320.771, filed on Form HSMV 86019. Every recreational vehicle dealer applicant must post it before a license is issued.
What the Florida RV Dealer Bond Covers
The Florida recreational vehicle dealer bond is a consumer-protection instrument. It guarantees the dealer’s compliance with Fla. Stat. §320.771 and related provisions of Chapter 320 -- not the dealer’s solvency. A buyer, lender, or the state itself may file a claim against the bond when a dealer’s conduct produces actual financial harm to a consumer purchasing a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, truck camper, or folding camping trailer.
Title and odometer integrity
Failure to deliver clear title to motorhomes, travel trailers, or fifth-wheels under Fla. Stat. 319 and 320. Odometer fraud applies to motorized Class A/B/C motorhomes.
Tax and fee remittance
Sales tax, registration fees, and title fees collected from RV buyers and not remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue or FLHSMV are recoverable against the bond.
Undisclosed defects
Water damage, frame damage, delamination, salvage history, and other material defects not disclosed to the buyer at the time of sale -- a leading category of consumer claims against RV dealer bonds nationally.
Deposit and trade-in fraud
Buyer down-payments not applied to the purchased unit, trade-in payoff fraud, and deceptive trade practices under Chapter 501 are payable up to the bond face amount.
Variable Bond Amount: $10,000 vs $20,000 (vs MH-Equivalent)
Unlike the flat $25,000 amount that applies to all five motor vehicle dealer classes under Fla. Stat. §320.27, the recreational vehicle dealer bond amount under §320.771 varies with the number of supplemental locations the dealer operates. A dealer running a single store posts the same $10,000 as a dealer running a flagship plus four satellite lots. The fifth supplemental location is the threshold that pushes the bond up to $20,000.
| Tier | Location Count | Bond Amount | Form | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single location / 0 supplemental | 1 main location only | $10,000 | HSMV 86019 | Fla. Stat. 320.771(2) |
| 1-4 supplemental locations | 2-5 total locations | $10,000 | HSMV 86019 | Fla. Stat. 320.771(2) |
| 5+ supplemental locations | 6 or more total locations | $20,000 | HSMV 86019 | Fla. Stat. 320.771(2) |
| Combined RV + MH endorsement | Dealer handling both RV and MH inventory | MH-equivalent ($25K or $50K) under §320.77 | HSMV 86018 | Fla. Stat. 320.77 |
Where a dealer handles BOTH recreational vehicles and mobile homes (park models, manufactured homes), the mobile home dealer bond requirement under Fla. Stat. §320.77 applies for the MH inventory. That bond is $25,000 (four or fewer supplemental locations) or $50,000 (more than four supplemental locations) on Form HSMV 86018 -- not the §320.771 RV bond. Many dealers carry both credentials.
What Counts as a Recreational Vehicle Under §320.01
Fla. Stat. §320.01 defines a recreational vehicle as a vehicle-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. The statute covers both motorized RVs (Class A, B, C motorhomes) and towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth-wheels, folding camping trailers). The RV dealer license under §320.771 covers all of these types under a single credential -- a separate license is not required to sell motorhomes versus travel trailers.
| RV Type | Description | Motorized / Towable | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorhome (Class A) | Bus-style chassis, 25-45 ft, full self-contained living quarters | Motorized | RV |
| Motorhome (Class B) | Camper van conversions, smaller motorized RV | Motorized | RV |
| Motorhome (Class C) | Truck-chassis with cab-over sleeper, mid-size motorized RV | Motorized | RV |
| Travel Trailer | Conventional bumper-pull or weight-distributing-hitch trailer | Towable | RV |
| Fifth-Wheel Trailer | Gooseneck-mounted trailer requiring pickup with fifth-wheel hitch | Towable | RV |
| Truck Camper | Slide-in camper that mounts in a pickup truck bed | Slide-in | RV |
| Folding Camping Trailer | Pop-up tent trailer with collapsible canvas walls | Towable | RV |
Park models (manufactured units wider than 8 feet 6 inches and designed for semi-permanent placement) fall under the mobile home dealer statute (Fla. Stat. §320.77) and require an MH credential, not an RV credential. Cargo trailers and utility trailers without living quarters do not qualify as RVs under §320.01 -- those typically sell under a different trailer-dealer authorization.
RV Dealer vs Motor Vehicle Dealer vs Mobile Home Dealer
Florida treats recreational vehicle, motor vehicle, and mobile home dealers as three distinct credentials under three separate statutes. The bond amount, bond form, renewal cycle, and continuing education requirements differ for each. Dealers relocating from other states frequently assume Florida runs a single “dealer license” -- it does not.
Fla. Stat. §320.771
- $10,000 (0-4 supplemental); $20,000 (5+)
- Form HSMV 86019
- October 1 renewal cycle
- Motorhomes, trailers, campers
Fla. Stat. §320.27
- $25,000 flat (VF, VI, VW, VA, SD)
- Form HSMV 86020
- April 30 cycle (VI/VW/VA/SD); Dec 31 (VF)
- Cars, trucks, motorcycles
Fla. Stat. §320.77
- $25,000 (0-4 supplemental); $50,000 (5+)
- Form HSMV 86018
- October 1 renewal cycle
- Manufactured homes, park models
Statutory Authority -- Fla. Stat. §320.771 Explained
Section 320.771 of the Florida Statutes is the dealer licensing chapter dedicated to recreational vehicles. It defines the RV dealer credential, sets the variable bond requirement, prescribes the garage liability minimum, establishes pre-licensing and continuing education, and sets the October 1 renewal cycle. The statute sits parallel to §320.27 (motor vehicles) and §320.77 (mobile homes), administered by the same FLHSMV Bureau of Dealer Services but as a legally distinct credential.
§320.771(2) -- The Bond Requirement
Subsection (2) sets the variable surety bond requirement. The bond is $10,000 for dealers with four or fewer supplemental locations and $20,000 for dealers with more than four supplemental locations. The provision authorizes the department to accept an irrevocable letter of credit on Form HSMV 86058 as an alternative and reserves the right to require additional security in specific circumstances.
Read Fla. Stat. §320.771 in full§320.771(7), (8), (15) -- Education, Insurance, Penalties
Subsection (7) governs license issuance and renewal procedures. Subsection (8) imposes the $25,000 combined single-limit garage liability insurance requirement plus $10,000 PIP. Subsection (15) sets the 8-hour pre-licensing education requirement and the 8-hour biennial continuing education obligation for renewals.
FLHSMV RV Dealer ResourcesOfficial Florida Requirements
"Each application for a recreational vehicle dealer license shall be accompanied by a surety bond or an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $10,000 for an applicant with four or fewer supplemental locations, or $20,000 for an applicant with five or more supplemental locations, conditioned to indemnify any retail buyer or other person against loss occasioned by reason of any false or fraudulent representation or statement or by reason of any violation of this section."Florida Statutes, Section 320.771(2), as administered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Dealer Services • Fla. Stat. §320.771(2)
Form HSMV 86019: The RV Dealer Bond Form
Form HSMV 86019 is the recreational vehicle dealer surety bond instrument. It carries the principal’s legal name, the surety company’s name and NAIC number, the $10,000 or $20,000 penal sum (matched to the application’s supplemental-location count), the bond effective date, and the surety’s seal with attached power of attorney. The form is submitted to FLHSMV alongside the RV dealer license application, pre-licensing certificate, garage liability certificate, and facility documentation.
HSMV 86019 vs HSMV 86020 -- different forms
Form 86019 is the RV dealer bond under §320.771. Form 86020 is the motor vehicle dealer bond under §320.27. They are NOT interchangeable -- filing an 86020 for an RV credential triggers automatic rejection at the Bureau of Dealer Services. Some surety companies default to 86020 for all FL dealer bonds; this is incorrect and a leading rejection cause for RV applicants.
Letter of credit alternative (Form HSMV 86058)
Florida permits an irrevocable letter of credit on Form HSMV 86058 in lieu of a surety bond for RV dealers. The LOC must be drawn for the same dollar amount as the required bond ($10,000 or $20,000) and issued by an FDIC-insured Florida bank. Most dealers use the surety bond because it requires no collateral pledge against business or personal assets.
Bond rider when adding a fifth supplemental location
A dealer that adds a fifth supplemental location mid-term must file a bond rider increasing the penal sum from $10,000 to $20,000 before the new location is authorized. The rider is filed with the modification form; FLHSMV will not issue the supplemental authorization until the higher bond is on file.
RV Bond Instrument at a Glance
How Much the Florida RV Dealer Bond Costs
Premium on a Florida RV dealer bond is driven primarily by the principal’s personal credit profile and the bond’s face amount. Because the $10,000 amount is lower than the $25,000 motor vehicle bond, RV premiums run materially less than the equivalent motor vehicle dealer bond at the same credit tier. The $20,000 tier (5+ supplemental locations) roughly doubles the premium.
| Credit Band | $10K Annual Premium | $20K Annual Premium | Underwriting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent (FICO 700+) | $100 - $200 | $200 - $400 | Standard markets, instant approval common. 2-year terms often available. |
| Good (FICO 650 - 699) | $200 - $400 | $400 - $800 | Standard markets with light credit review. Indemnity typically uncomplicated. |
| Fair (FICO 600 - 649) | $400 - $700 | $800 - $1,400 | Substandard markets; personal indemnity required; spousal indemnity sometimes requested. |
| Below 600 | $700 - $1,500 | $1,400 - $3,000 | Specialty / high-risk markets. Collateral or additional indemnitors may be required. |
Premium ranges reflect general market patterns for the Florida RV dealer bond and do not constitute a binding quote. Actual pricing is set at underwriting based on the principal’s credit, business history, and supporting documentation.
How to Apply for a Florida RV Dealer License
The application sequence is fixed. Skipping or reordering steps -- particularly trying to file the bond before completing the §320.771 pre-licensing course -- results in rejection at the FLHSMV Bureau of Dealer Services.
- 1
Complete the FLHSMV-approved RV pre-licensing course
Eight-hour course covering Fla. Stat. §320.771, recreational vehicle dealer law, and Chapter 320 compliance. The certificate must be issued by an FLHSMV-approved provider and is required at filing. The RV course is separate from the §320.27 motor vehicle course -- completing the wrong one is grounds for rejection.
- 2
Secure a permanent dealership location and pass the facility inspection
Permanent non-residential location with office, RV display area, signage identifying the dealership, posted business hours, and a phone listed in the dealer’s name. The location is inspected before the license is issued. RV display areas must accommodate the unit type sold -- Class A motorhomes require larger frontage than travel trailers.
- 3
Determine your supplemental-location count and bond tier
Count main location + each supplemental location. Four or fewer supplemental = $10,000 bond. Five or more supplemental = $20,000 bond. Bond amount on Form HSMV 86019 must match the supplemental count declared on the dealer license application.
- 4
Bind a $10,000 or $20,000 surety bond on Form HSMV 86019
Bond issued by a surety authorized in Florida. Principal name on the bond must match the legal name on the application exactly. The 86019 form is RV-specific -- do not accept an 86020 (motor vehicle) bond from your surety; it will be rejected.
- 5
Obtain garage liability insurance
$25,000 combined single-limit bodily injury and property damage, plus $10,000 PIP. Required under Fla. Stat. §320.771(8). Certificate of insurance is filed with the application. The garage liability requirement is independent of the bond -- both must be in force at all times.
- 6
File the dealer license application with the $300 application fee
Application filed with the bond (Form 86019), pre-licensing certificate, garage liability certificate, facility documentation, fingerprints, and the $300 non-refundable application fee. License term begins October 1; dealer elects 1-year or 2-year term at filing.
- 7
Complete background checks and fingerprinting
All principals, partners, and corporate officers submit fingerprints through an FLHSMV-approved Livescan provider. Criminal-history disclosures must be made on the application; non-disclosure is independent grounds for denial.
- 8
License issuance and posted display
Once the Bureau of Dealer Services approves the application, the RV dealer license is issued and must be displayed at the licensed location. The license is non-transferable between owners and between locations. Begin tracking the biennial 8-hour CE requirement from issuance.
The October 1 RV License Renewal Cycle
Recreational vehicle dealer licenses follow a different renewal cycle than motor vehicle dealer licenses. The license term begins October 1 -- the same cycle used for mobile home dealers under §320.77, but distinct from the April 30 cycle for VI/VW/VA/SD motor vehicle classes and the December 31 cycle for VF franchise dealers. Dealers relocating from other states are commonly tripped up by this -- the October 1 cycle has no equivalent in most other states.
1-Year Renewal
License term October 1 through September 30 of the following year. Filed at least 30 days prior to expiration. Bond and garage liability must remain in force through the new term.
2-Year Renewal
License term October 1 through September 30 two years out. Discount-equivalent pricing versus two consecutive 1-year renewals. Most dealers choose the 2-year option once established. Bond must cover the full 2-year term.
Biennial 8-Hour Continuing Education
Under Fla. Stat. §320.771(15), recreational vehicle dealers must complete 8 hours of FLHSMV-approved continuing education every 2 years. The CE covers FLHSMV updates, legal topics, and industry/operational content specific to RV dealer operations. The CE certificate is required at each renewal cycle. Certificates from unapproved providers are rejected even if the curriculum content is equivalent to approved courses.
Late renewal carries a fee under §320.771(7); once a sufficient period has elapsed past expiration, the dealer must file a new application, including a fresh $300 application fee and a renewed background check. Operating an RV dealership with an expired license is a separate violation of Chapter 320 and may trigger bond claims by affected consumers.
Florida Is the #1 US Market for RV Registrations
Florida leads the United States in registered recreational vehicles. The combination of retiree-driven demand, year-round camping climate, and state-park infrastructure sustains the highest concentration of RV dealers in the Southeast. Three regional clusters dominate the licensee population.
Northwest Florida (“RV Belt”)
Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Tallahassee corridor. Highest dealer density per capita in the state. Strong towable RV market driven by I-10 corridor and Gulf Coast camping traffic.
Southwest Florida Retiree Market
Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Punta Gorda. Class A motorhome and luxury fifth-wheel segment. Snowbird seasonal demand peaks October-March -- aligned with the §320.771 license cycle.
Central Florida / I-4 Corridor
Orlando, Lakeland, Ocala. National-brand multi-location dealerships and family travel-trailer segment. Highest concentration of dealers operating five or more supplemental locations, triggering the $20,000 bond tier.
Garage Liability Insurance Is Required
Fla. Stat. §320.771(8) requires recreational vehicle dealers to maintain garage liability insurance in addition to the surety bond. The required minimums are $25,000 combined single-limit bodily injury plus property damage and $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP). The requirement mirrors the motor vehicle dealer garage liability minimums under §320.27(3) -- unlike the SD (salvage) class, RV dealers have no garage liability exemption.
The certificate of insurance is filed with the dealer license application and renewals. Lapses in garage liability coverage are independent grounds for suspension under §320.771, separate from any bond-related issue. The bond and the garage liability policy serve different purposes -- the bond guarantees compliance obligations and consumer recovery, while garage liability covers operational third-party injury and property damage at the dealership.
RV Dealer Required Coverages
- $10K or $20K surety bond (HSMV 86019)
- $25K CSL garage liability (BI/PD)
- $10K PIP coverage
- Inventory floor-plan coverage (lender-required)
Pre-Licensing and Continuing Education
Fla. Stat. §320.771(15) sets the education requirement specific to recreational vehicle dealers. The course must be delivered by an FLHSMV-approved provider, and the certificate of completion is filed with the license application. Certificates from unapproved providers are rejected even if the curriculum content matches.
RV Pre-Licensing Course
8 hours covering Fla. Stat. §320.771, recreational vehicle dealer operations, Chapter 320 compliance, title handling for motorhomes and trailers, sales tax remittance, and consumer protection requirements. Required prior to filing the dealer license application. Separate from the §320.27 motor vehicle pre-licensing course.
Biennial Continuing Education
RV dealers complete 8 hours every 2 years of FLHSMV-approved continuing education. Coverage includes FLHSMV regulatory updates, legal topics specific to recreational vehicle sales, and operational best practices. Certificate is required at each renewal cycle aligned to the October 1 license term.
Common Pitfalls and Rejection Reasons
The Bureau of Dealer Services rejects a meaningful share of first RV dealer submissions for reasons that have nothing to do with the underlying credit-worthiness of the applicant. The six most common are listed below.
Filing Form HSMV 86020 instead of 86019
Form 86020 is the motor vehicle dealer bond under §320.27. RV dealers file the 86019 under §320.771. This is the single most common rejection cause for RV applicants -- many sureties default to the 86020 because it is the higher-volume form. Confirm the 86019 designation before filing.
Wrong bond amount for location count
Bond amount on the 86019 must match the supplemental-location count declared on the application. A dealer declaring six supplemental locations cannot file a $10,000 bond -- the 86019 must show $20,000. Misalignment between the bond and location count triggers automatic rejection.
Wrong pre-licensing course
The §320.771 RV pre-licensing course is separate from the §320.27 motor vehicle course. Completing the motor vehicle course and filing for an RV credential results in rejection. The course title and provider must reference §320.771 or recreational vehicle dealer law specifically.
Treating RV and MH inventory as one credential
Park models longer than 8’6” and manufactured homes fall under §320.77, not §320.771. Selling a park model under an RV-only credential is outside the scope of the license. Dealers with mixed RV + MH inventory must hold both credentials or carry a combined endorsement.
Principal name mismatch
The principal name on Form 86019 must match the legal name on the application exactly, including LLC vs Inc., trade names, and DBAs. Any mismatch is grounds for rejection without exception.
Inadequate RV display area
Facility inspection requires a display area capable of accommodating the RV types sold. A dealer listing Class A motorhomes on the application but presenting a travel-trailer-sized lot will fail the inspection. Frontage and access matter -- Class A units require pull-through positioning.
What Can Trigger a Claim Against the Bond
Claims against a Florida RV dealer bond are made by buyers, lenders, or the state. The bond is conditioned on the dealer’s compliance with Fla. Stat. §320.771 and related provisions of Chapter 320, so any of the categories below can produce a payable claim up to the $10,000 or $20,000 face amount.
Failure to deliver title
Buyer does not receive a clear certificate of title within statutory time. Common on RV transactions where the floor-plan lender holds priority on the motorhome until the dealer pays off the unit.
Odometer fraud (motorized RV)
Misrepresentation of mileage on Class A, B, or C motorhomes. Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth-wheels) do not have odometers and are not subject to this claim category.
Undisclosed water damage
Roof leaks, sidewall delamination, soft floors, and prior flood history not disclosed at the time of sale. A leading consumer claim category for both used motorhomes and used travel trailers.
Sales tax or fee non-remittance
Sales tax, registration fees, or title fees collected from an RV buyer and not paid to the Florida Department of Revenue or FLHSMV.
Trade-in payoff fraud
Dealer takes the customer’s trade-in RV but fails to pay off the underlying loan, leaving the customer liable for two debts. A frequent claim category in multi-unit RV transactions.
Curbstoning or unlicensed activity
RV sales conducted by an unlicensed person under the dealer’s name, or off-premises without an authorized supplemental location -- a particular risk in seasonal-show selling.
Florida RV Dealer Bond on Form HSMV 86019 -- Issued Same Day
We issue the $10,000 or $20,000 Florida recreational vehicle dealer bond on the FLHSMV-prescribed 86019 form, with the correct §320.771 principal language and obligee, ready to file with your RV dealer license application at the Bureau of Dealer Services.
Related Florida Dealer Resources
Adjacent Florida dealer credentials, the Florida dealer bond pillar guide, and licensing/cost references.
Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
$25,000 §320.27 bond on Form HSMV 86020 for VF, VI, VW, VA, SD classes.
Florida Mobile Home Dealer Bond
$25K/$50K §320.77 bond on Form HSMV 86018 for manufactured home and park model dealers.
Florida Independent (VI) Dealer Bond
Used car dealer credential — $25K §320.27 bond, 8-hour pre-license + 8-hour biennial CE.
Florida Dealer Bond Guide
Pillar guide — all FL dealer classes, statutes, bond amounts, claims, and process.
How to Get Licensed in FL
Step-by-step FLHSMV Bureau of Dealer Services walkthrough — application, bond, inspection.
Florida Bond Cost Breakdown
FL dealer bond premium by class, credit tier, and face amount — including $10K/$20K RV pricing.
Florida Dealer Bond Renewal
October 1 cycle (RV/MH) vs April 30 (VI/VW/VA/SD) vs December 31 (VF) — CE hours and portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Florida RV dealer applicants ask most often, with the §320.771 statutory and form citations that matter at filing.
Why is the Florida RV dealer bond not $25,000 like a regular dealer bond?
Recreational vehicle dealers in Florida are not regulated under Fla. Stat. 320.27 (the motor vehicle dealer statute that sets the $25,000 amount). RV dealers are regulated under a separate statute -- Fla. Stat. 320.771 -- which sets variable bond amounts of $10,000 or $20,000 depending on the number of supplemental locations the dealer operates. The bond is filed on Form HSMV 86019, not the 86020 form used for motor vehicle classes. The two statutes are administered by the same agency (FLHSMV Bureau of Dealer Services) but they are legally distinct credentials with different bond amounts, different bond forms, and different renewal cycles.
When does the bond amount increase from $10,000 to $20,000?
Under Fla. Stat. 320.771(2), an RV dealer operating four or fewer supplemental locations posts a $10,000 bond. A dealer operating more than four supplemental locations posts a $20,000 bond. "Supplemental locations" are additional dealer sales sites beyond the principal place of business; each supplemental site requires its own location authorization on file with FLHSMV. The bond amount tracks the count of supplemental locations on the application -- adding a fifth supplemental location mid-term triggers a bond rider increasing the penal sum to $20,000.
What types of recreational vehicles fall under the RV dealer license?
Fla. Stat. 320.01 defines a recreational vehicle as a vehicle-type unit designed primarily as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. This includes Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes (motorized RVs), travel trailers (conventional bumper-pull), fifth-wheel trailers (gooseneck-mounted), truck campers (slide-in units), and folding camping trailers (pop-ups). Park trailers and park models longer than 8 feet in width are regulated separately under the mobile home statute (Fla. Stat. 320.77) and require an MH dealer license rather than an RV license.
When does my Florida RV dealer license expire?
RV dealer licenses run on a different cycle than motor vehicle dealer licenses. Under Fla. Stat. 320.771, the license term begins October 1 and the dealer may elect a 1-year or 2-year term. The initial application fee is $300 (non-refundable). Renewal fees are $100 for a 1-year renewal or $200 for a 2-year renewal. This is distinct from the April 30 cycle that applies to VI, VW, VA, and SD motor vehicle classes and the December 31 cycle for VF franchise dealers. Dealers relocating from out of state frequently miss this -- the October 1 RV cycle has no equivalent in most other states.
Does Florida require garage liability insurance for RV dealers?
Yes. Fla. Stat. 320.771(8) requires recreational vehicle dealers to carry garage liability insurance with at least $25,000 combined single-limit coverage (bodily injury plus property damage) plus $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP). This mirrors the motor vehicle dealer requirement under Fla. Stat. 320.27(3). The certificate of insurance is filed with the dealer license application and renewals. The garage liability requirement is independent of the bond -- a lapse in either is sufficient grounds for license suspension under Fla. Stat. 320.771.
What pre-licensing and continuing education does an RV dealer need?
Under Fla. Stat. 320.771(15), recreational vehicle dealer applicants must complete an 8-hour FLHSMV-approved pre-licensing course covering RV-specific dealer law, the §320.771 statute, and Chapter 320 compliance. Independent and used RV dealers must additionally complete 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years (biennial CE), covering FLHSMV updates, legal topics, and industry/operational content. The provider must be FLHSMV-approved -- certificates from unapproved providers will not be accepted, even if the curriculum content is comparable. Franchise RV dealers (manufacturer-affiliated) have a separate continuing education track.
I sell both motorhomes and travel trailers -- do I need one license or two?
One RV dealer license under Fla. Stat. 320.771 covers all recreational vehicle types defined under Fla. Stat. 320.01 -- motorhomes (Class A, B, C), travel trailers, fifth-wheels, truck campers, and folding camping trailers. You do not need a separate license to sell towable RVs versus motorized RVs. However, if your inventory also includes mobile homes (park models, manufactured homes), those are regulated under Fla. Stat. 320.77 and require a separate MH dealer credential with its own $25,000 or $50,000 bond on Form HSMV 86018. Dealers that handle both RV and MH inventory must hold both licenses or carry a combined endorsement, and the MH bond amounts apply for the MH inventory.
Can a Florida motor vehicle dealer also sell RVs without an RV license?
No. The motor vehicle dealer license issued under Fla. Stat. 320.27 -- including VF, VI, VW, VA, and SD classes -- authorizes the sale of motor vehicles as defined in §320.01. Recreational vehicles are defined separately and require an RV license under §320.771. A used-car dealer (VI class) selling a single travel trailer or motorhome without an RV credential is operating outside the scope of the §320.27 license and is subject to enforcement by the Bureau of Dealer Services. Some dealers hold both licenses; the bond requirement is per credential -- a $25,000 motor vehicle bond on Form HSMV 86020 and a separate $10,000 or $20,000 RV bond on Form HSMV 86019.
What can trigger a claim against my Florida RV dealer bond?
The bond is conditioned on the dealer’s compliance with Fla. Stat. 320.771 and related provisions of Chapter 320. Common claim triggers include failure to deliver clear title to a buyer (particularly common where floor-plan lenders hold priority), failure to remit sales tax collected from the buyer, odometer fraud on motorized RVs, undisclosed material defects such as water damage or chassis frame damage, deposit fraud where customer down-payments are not applied to the unit, and deceptive trade practice judgments tied to Chapter 501. Claims are payable up to the $10,000 or $20,000 face amount across the entire bond term, and the surety has indemnity rights against the dealer for any amount paid out.
How long does it take to get a Florida RV dealer bond issued?
For applicants with strong credit, the $10,000 or $20,000 RV dealer bond can be issued the same business day after the quote is bound -- many submissions clear automated underwriting in minutes. Substandard credit submissions typically take 1-2 business days because the file routes to a high-risk market and may require additional documentation (personal financial statement, recent tax returns, indemnity from a spouse or business partner). The principal must sign the executed Form HSMV 86019 before it is filed. The surety’s seal and power-of-attorney attachment must be present on the bond when delivered to the Bureau of Dealer Services.
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and verified before publication. BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-certified, A-minimum rated surety carriers serving all 50 states.
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$10,000 or $20,000 recreational vehicle dealer bond issued on Form HSMV 86019 with the FLHSMV-prescribed §320.771 language -- ready to file with your RV dealer license application at the Bureau of Dealer Services.