State Surety Bond Requirements by State

Surety bond requirements vary significantly by state. Every U.S. state requires surety bonds for public construction projects, contractor licensing, and regulated business activities. This page covers bond thresholds, required amounts, and filing agencies across the most active construction states.

Texas Surety Bond Requirements

  • Public Construction: Performance and payment bonds required on projects over $50,000 — Texas Government Code §2253
  • TDLR Contractor License: License bond required for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and all TDLR-regulated trades
  • GDN Dealer Bond: $50,000 bond required by TxDMV for all licensed auto dealers
  • Notary Bond: $10,000 bond required by Texas Secretary of State for all notary commissions

Other Major State Requirements

  • California: CSLB license bond $25,000 (biennial renewal); public works performance/payment bonds over $25,000
  • Florida: Performance and payment bonds required on public projects over $200,000 (F.S. §255.05)
  • New York: Labor & Material bond mandatory on public contracts over $35,000
  • Illinois: Public Construction Bond Act — threshold as low as $5,000
  • Washington: General contractor license bond $12,000; public works bonds over $35,000 (RCW 39.08)

Federal Surety Bond Requirements

The Miller Act (40 U.S.C. §3131) requires performance and payment bonds on all federal construction contracts over $150,000. Bid bonds are required on most federal solicitations. Federal supply contracts over $150,000 may also require payment bonds.

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