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California Labor Commissioner · Labor Code 1684

California Farm Labor Contractor Bond

California farm labor contractors must post a surety bond as part of licensing, and the amount depends on your payroll. Pick your payroll range and we will quote the matching bond. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers, and you pay only when your bond is issued.

Rules as of Sep 30, 2026

Prefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663

Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.

Last updated: General California farm labor contractor bond information — confirm current requirements with the licensing authority.
Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
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Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
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Quick answer
California farm labor contractors must post a surety bond as part of licensing, and the amount depends on payroll: $25,000, $50,000 or $75,000. The bond is payable to the people of the State of California. The surety sets approval and price.
  • Who requires it: California Labor Commissioner (DLSE), under Labor Code section 1684.
  • Amount: $25,000 for payroll up to $500,000. $50,000 for payroll of $500,000 to $2,000,000. $75,000 for payroll greater than $2,000,000.
  • Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
Get a California farm labor contractor bond quote

What is a California farm labor contractor bond?

A farm labor contractor (FLC) bond is a surety bond required under California Labor Code section 1684. It is a three-party agreement:

  • You, the contractor (the principal).
  • The surety company that issues the bond.
  • The people of the State of California, to whom the bond is payable.

The bond is conditioned on your compliance with the laws that apply to farm labor contractors. Under section 1684 it can answer for damages from listed Labor Code and Government Code violations, unpaid wages and interest on wages, violations of Industrial Welfare Commission orders, and other monetary relief for agricultural workers harmed by a contractor's misconduct.

The bond is not insurance for your business. If a valid claim is paid from the bond, you are responsible for repaying the surety, as with other license and permit bonds.

How much is the bond?

Section 1684 sets the bond amount by payroll.

Your payrollRequired bond amount
Up to $500,000$25,000
$500,000 to $2,000,000$50,000
Greater than $2,000,000$75,000

The bond amount is the coverage limit, not what you pay. The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price. Any figure is an estimate until you apply.

Source: California Labor Code section 1684 (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).

Who needs one

Farm labor contractors who apply for or renew a license with the California Labor Commissioner's office (DLSE) post this bond as part of the license file. Not sure whether your operation counts as a farm labor contractor? Check with the DLSE directly, or call us.

Other California requirements: see California surety bonds.

How to get your FLC bond

  1. Pick your payroll range in the form. That sets the bond amount.
  2. Get your quote. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers.
  3. Approve and pay. You pay only when your bond is issued.
  4. Submit it with your license paperwork. Follow the DLSE's current instructions for where and how to submit the bond.

Things to know

  • Confirm the current amount before you apply. Statutes can change, so check the linked section.
  • Your bond amount can change if your payroll moves into a different tier. Ask us when you renew.
  • Federal registration is separate. The federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) has its own registration requirements. See the U.S. Department of Labor MSPA page.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a California farm labor contractor bond?

The bond amount is $25,000, $50,000 or $75,000, depending on your payroll (Labor Code 1684). Your cost is a fraction of that amount and depends on your application. Request a quote for your actual price.

What payroll level needs the $75,000 bond?

Payrolls greater than $2,000,000. Payrolls of $500,000 to $2,000,000 need $50,000, and payrolls up to $500,000 need $25,000.

Who do I get the bond from?

We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one carrier is not the right fit, we can take it to another. Approval is not guaranteed; it depends on your application.

When do I pay?

Only when your bond is issued. You can request a quote first.

Is this the same as federal MSPA registration?

No. MSPA is a separate federal program run by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Can I get a bond with imperfect credit?

We work with carriers that write challenged credit; the carrier decides. Terms vary by applicant.

Get my FLC bond quote

We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.

Get my FLC bond quote

Prefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663

Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.

Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)

Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.

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