Ocean Transportation Intermediary Bond

Florida Ocean Transportation Intermediary Bond

FMC OTI bonding for Florida freight forwarders and NVOCCs

Ocean transportation intermediaries need Federal Maritime Commission bonding for OTI licenses.

Overview

What Is a Florida Ocean Transportation Intermediary Bond?

An OTI bond is the FMC financial responsibility instrument for ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs.

Key Provisions
  • Guarantees compliance with 46 U.S.C. § 40902
  • 46 C.F.R. Part 515
  • Protects the obligee named on the Florida bond form
  • Remains subject to the penal sum and bond conditions
Surety Obligation Overview

What Does This Bond Guarantee?

The surety bond guarantees that the principal will perform the duties required under 46 U.S.C. § 40902; 46 C.F.R. Part 515 up to the penal sum.

Principal
The party required to obtain the bond and perform the underlying obligation.
Obligee
Federal Maritime Commission
Surety
The company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the obligation to the obligee.

When a claim may arise

A claim may arise if the principal fails to comply with the bonded Florida obligation or causes covered loss to the obligee or protected parties.

If a claim is valid

If a claim is valid, the surety may pay up to the bond penalty according to the bond terms; the principal remains liable to reimburse the surety.

Scope of the Obligation
  • Comply with 46 U.S.C. § 40902
  • 46 C.F.R. Part 515
  • Satisfy Federal Maritime Commission filing conditions
  • Maintain the bond for the required term
Bond terms

Bond summary

Amount, premium, term, and the authority that requires this filing.

Eligibility

Who Needs This Bond?

Florida ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs seeking or holding FMC OTI licenses.

Who Is Required to File
  • Applicants required by Federal Maritime Commission
  • Florida businesses renewing or expanding licensed activity
  • Out-of-state firms filing into Florida markets
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

Issue the FMC-required form and amount for your OTI class.

Required Documentation
  1. Legal entity name matching the license or filing
  2. Bond amount: FMC schedule by OTI class (confirm current Form FMC-48 amounts)
  3. Florida obligee form or statute citation
  4. Owner or officer identification for underwriting
Filing

How this filing works

  1. 01

    Confirm the Florida requirement

    Share your license type, court order, or obligee form and the exact penal sum required by Federal Maritime Commission.

  2. 02

    Underwrite and price

    We review credit and filing details, then quote premium options through licensed surety markets.

  3. 03

    Issue and file

    Once approved, we issue the bond for delivery to Federal Maritime Commission or for your Florida filing package.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required amount for a Florida ocean transportation intermediary bond?

The amount is FMC schedule by OTI class (confirm current Form FMC-48 amounts), as set under 46 U.S.C. § 40902; 46 C.F.R. Part 515 and confirmed with Federal Maritime Commission.

Who is the obligee on a Florida ocean transportation intermediary bond?

The obligee is typically Federal Maritime Commission. Always match the exact name on the Florida form.

How long does it take to get the bond?

Many Florida filings can be underwritten the same day when documents and credit are complete; complex amounts may take longer.

Does bad credit prevent approval?

Not always. Premium and collateral options vary by credit and bond size — ask for markets that still write the risk.

How do I renew the bond?

Most bonds renew on the term shown (1 Year). Keep continuity so your Florida license or filing does not lapse.

Authority Resources

Federal Maritime Commission

fmc.gov

Next step

Ready to file this bond?

We’ll match the requirement and route the application.

Apply for this bond

Or call (877) 477-7578