In Ohio, the state does not have a bond requirement that applies to all contractors, but various municipalities require contractors to be licensed and bonded to conduct business. The purpose of Contractor License Surety Bonds is to act as protection for the city/county/state or any individual conducting business with the contractor. If the contractor doesn’t follow all applicable rules and regulations, or doesn’t adhere to the terms of the contract, a claim may be filed against the bond. All monies paid out by the surety company must be reimbursed by the principal (contractor).
The following cities and counties require contractors to obtain a contractor license bond: Aurora, Bedford Heights, Brecksville, Canton, Chillicothe, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Columbus, Eastlake, Euclid, Findlay, Gahanna, Garfield Heights, Grove City, Hartville, Highland Hills, Hocking County, Huron County, Lancaster, Lyndhurst, Macedonia, Mahoning County, Mansfield, Maple Heights, Massillon, Maumee, Medina County, Mentor, Middleburg Heights, Middletown, Moreland Hills, Morrow County, Niles, North Canton, North Ridgeville, North Royalton, Northfield, Oakwood Village, Olmsted Township, Painesville, Perrysburg, Pickerington, Portage County, Portsmouth, Ravenna, Reminderville, Reynoldsburg, Rocky River, Rossford, Sandusky, Seven Hills, Sidney-Shelby County, Solon, South Bloomfield, South Euclid, South Russel, Springfield, St. Mary’s, Streetsboro, Strongsville, Summit County, Tiffin, Toledo, Trotwood, Trumball County, Turnpike Commission, Twinsburg, University Heights, Upper Arlington, Walton Hills, Warren, Warren County, Warrensville Heights, Wellington, Westlake, Whitehall, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willowick, Youngstown and Zanesville.
The typical bond amount ranges between $5,000 and $25,000, but there are some bond amounts that are determined on an individual basis. It is recommended that you contact the municipality you are conducting business in for specific information regarding the licensing process and the type/amount of bond you will need prior to bonding.
Pacific Surety offers industry low rates and can obtain approvals for almost all credit situations. Once our simple application has been completed, we can have pricing to you within hours. If you have any specific questions, please contact our knowledgeable underwriting staff.