Southern California Surety Bonds
Surety Bonds for Projects in Southern California – Experience You Can Trust
For contractors operating in Southern California, securing surety bonds is essential for expanding business and bidding on larger projects. A higher bonding capacity not only allows contractors to compete for public contracts but also serves as a competitive advantage to bid on projects that other contractors can’t obtain bonding for.
At Commercial Surety Bond Agency (CSBA), we specialize in helping California contractors increase their bonding capacity and secure the right surety bond solutions for projects in Southern California. We provide contractors access to over 35 admitted surety companies, including exclusive and semi-exclusive programs, to find the right surety program to fit your needs.
Our dedicated focus on surety bonds, deep industry expertise, and commitment to guiding clients toward success set us apart.
Why Choose CSBA for Southern California Surety Bonds?
At Commercial Surety Bond Agency (CSBA), we are a surety-only agency committed to helping contractors operating in Southern California succeed. With deep local expertise in the California surety market, we provide comprehensive support beyond just issuing a surety bond—we help contractors maximize their bonding capacity and strengthen their financial standing.
Each contractor has a unique financial profile, and at CSBA, we take a personalized approach, reviewing financial capacity with our clients and identifying untapped resources to enhance their bonding potential. With over 225 years of combined surety experience, CSBA is more than a bond agent—we are a trusted advisor dedicated to helping California contractors build a strong financial foundation and secure more opportunities.
From there, we provide the following services:
Optimizing Bonding Capacity
Based on financial standing and growth potential
Business Growth Strategies
Tailored to contractors in Southern California
Financial Reporting and Accounting System Setup
To improve the creditworthiness of the client
Types of Construction Bonds We Provide
As your local, trusted surety bond agent, CSBA provides surety bonds and bonding programs to give contractors a competitive advantage in growing their companies and taking on bigger project opportunities.
Bid Bonds
Bid bonds are required in order to submit a bid for most public projects. They guarantee that the contractor will enter into the contract if awarded and provide the required performance and payment bonds.
Performance Bonds
Once the contractor’s bid is accepted, the contractor then provides the owner with a performance bond guaranteeing they will complete the project according to the plans and specifications.
Payment Bonds
Payment bonds guarantee that the contractor will pay their subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers.
Grading Bonds
A grading bond is required for property owners and developers handling grading and excavation projects.
Subdivision Bonds
A subdivision bond guarantees that a project owner will finance and complete all mandatory public improvements required by local government agencies.
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Los Angeles County
Imperial County
San Diego County
Orange County
Southern California
Construction Bonding Requirements
Each county has specific bonding requirements for public projects, and we provide contractors with the guidance needed to secure bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds to pursue these projects.
Let’s get started with the requirements for securing bid bonds in the following Southern California counties:
Los Angeles County
- Bid bonds are required for certain public contracts, such as those managed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). The bond amount is typically 10% of the bid price.
- Acceptable forms include certified checks, cashier’s checks, or corporate surety bonds from a responsible surety company.
- Failure to include a bid bond when required renders the bid non-responsive.
Learn more about bid bonds for Los Angeles County projects.
Imperial County
- Public entities, such as Imperial Community College District, require bid security in the form of cash, certified/cashier’s checks, or bid bonds amounting to at least 10% of the total bid price.
- Payment and performance bonds equal to 100% of the contract price are required for successful bidders.
San Diego County
- Public projects exceeding $15,000 require competitive bidding and bid security. Acceptable forms include cash, cashier’s checks, certified checks, or bidder’s bonds executed by an admitted surety insurer.
- Contracts for equipment or services exceeding $50,000 must also be competitively bid with appropriate bidder security.
Orange County
- Bid bonds are generally required for public works projects and are typically set at 5-10% of the total bid amount.
- Contractors must provide proof of financial stability and meet any additional requirements specified in the project documents.
San Bernardino County
- Similar to other counties in California, public projects over $15,000 require competitive bids accompanied by bidder security (cash, certified/cashier’s checks, or surety bonds).
- Specific requirements depend on the contracting agency and project type.
Kern County
- Public projects require competitive bidding with bidder security. The exact percentage (usually 10%) and form (cash, check, or bond) depend on the project owner’s stipulations.
Ventura County
- Similar to other counties, public works projects mandate competitive bidding with bidder security. The specific percentage and forms accepted depend on local regulations and project details.
Santa Barbara County
- For public contracts exceeding $15,000 (construction) or $50,000 (equipment/services), competitive bidding is required along with bidder security in one of the standard forms (cash, check, or bond).
San Luis Obispo County
- Competitive bidding requirements align with state law for public projects over $15,000. Bidder security is mandatory and must be submitted in an acceptable form as outlined by the project owner.
The CSBA Difference
We have access to special programs and insights, enabling us to provide unique resources that help to grow bonding capacity, as well as grow your company.
We help California contractors who bid on projects in Southern California grow their bonding capacity through our access to multiple surety markets and unique programs.
Experience rapid response times and personalized service from our experienced underwriters to increase your bond capacity for Southern California projects.
Surety Bond Application Process
Here is an overview of the surety bond application process.
Our Southern California Team
Our Southern California surety bond experts have a combined 225 years of experience and help contractors confidently navigate the bonding process.
Unlike national bond agencies that operate across multiple states, our Southern California team provides you with local expertise to help you make informed financial decisions for your construction business. At CSBA, we are more than just a bond provider—we are a trusted local partner committed to the success of contractors operating in Southern California.
Success Stories
California Locations
Southern California Office:
1411 N. Batavia St., Suite 201, Orange, CA 92867
- Fax: (714) 516-9563
Additional California Offices:
Industry Affiliations
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FAQs
Are surety bonds required for all construction projects in Southern California?
Most public construction projects in Southern California require surety bonds, including bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. Private projects may also require them depending on the contract terms.
How long does it take to get a surety bond in California?
The approval process varies based on the bond type, size, and applicant qualifications. Surety bonds less than $1 million can often be approved within 24-48 hours, while larger bonds may require additional underwriting and more time.
How much does a surety bond cost in California?
Surety bond costs depend on bond type, amount, and applicant financials. Rates typically range from 0.5% to 3% of the bond amount for well-qualified applicants.
What factors affect my ability to obtain a surety bond?
Surety companies evaluate credit score, financial strength, industry experience, and past project performance. Contractors with strong financials and a solid track record typically qualify for better rates and higher bonding capacity.
Does CSBA provide surety bonds for all counties in Southern California?
Yes! We offer surety bonds across all counties in Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and more. Our team understands local requirements and helps contractors meet all municipal and state bonding needs.
What are the Requirements for the Surety Bond Application Process?
Every contractor has different requirements depending on the project they wish to bid for. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs for the application process.
Ready to win your next project in Southern California?
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