Public Official
County Clerk Bond
A county clerk bond is the official bond an elected or appointed county clerk files before taking office, promising to do the job faithfully and account for public money.
- Required by
- State law, with the amount usually set or approved by the county governing body
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
The bond promises the county (and through it the public) that the clerk will faithfully perform the duties of office and properly handle fees and funds received. A claim arises if the clerk fails to account for money, misapplies funds, or breaches official duties and the county or a member of the public suffers a loss.
Who needs it
- Newly elected or appointed county clerks
- Clerks of court in states where that office handles county records
- Re-elected clerks starting a new term
What the underwriter looks at
- Amount set by statute or the county board
- Fees and funds the office handles each year
- Personal credit of the officeholder
- Whether the county self-insures instead
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
How is the bond amount set?
It depends on the state. In Texas, for example, the clerk's bond must be at least 20 percent of the most fees collected in any year of the prior term, with a $5,000 minimum and $500,000 maximum. Florida lets the county commission set the amount for county officers.
Who is protected by the bond?
The bond is usually payable to the county. It protects the county and the public from losses caused by the clerk's failure to perform official duties.
Do I need a new bond each term?
Usually yes. Official bonds generally cover one term of office, so check your state's rule before the new term starts.