What a contractor license bond is
Some states, and many cities and counties, make contractors post a bond to get or renew a license. It protects customers, workers and the public if the contractor breaks the licensing laws, for example by abandoning a job or not paying workers. The contractor repays the surety for any claim it pays.
In Mississippi
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors does not list a surety bond among its license requirements; commercial applicants show net worth, a CPA-reviewed financial statement and insurance instead. Some Mississippi cities require their own contractor bond, for example Biloxi requires a $5,000 license and permitting surety bond.
You need this bond if you're
- A contractor applying for a new license
- A contractor renewing or reactivating a license
- A business changing its entity type or qualifier
- A contractor starting work in a city or county that requires its own bond
What the surety looks at
Basic business and owner details. Most license bonds need a credit check but no financial statements.