Overview of Ohio Contractor Bond Requirements
Numerous cities and counties across the state of Ohio require contractors to obtain a contractors license bond. Unlike in other states, there is no statewide requirement for contractors to get licensed. Instead, cities and municipalities determine both which contractors must get licensed or registered, as well as the amount of the bond they need to obtain. Bond amounts for contractors in Ohio vary between $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000.
These bonds are put in place to guarantee that a licensed or registered contractor will comply with local rules and provisions regarding the quality and nature of their work. They are required in order to provide protection to the city or municipality and public against contractors who violate such rules and cause harm and losses. For example, if a contractor works on a public project but violates the conditions of their contract, a claim against their bond may be filed.
When a claim against a bond is made, the surety backing the bond will typically extend compensation to claimants. Such compensation can be as high as the full amount of the bond, also known as its penal sum.
To see which cities and municipalities in Ohio require a bond, take a look at the table further below.
If you are new to bonds, and want to know more about them before you proceed, see our detailed ‘What is a surety bond’ guide to understand how bonds work, and why you need one!
Read on to find out more about how much getting bonded will cost, what a bond claim is, and how you can apply for a bond.
Would you rather speak to someone personally? Call us at 866.450.3412 anytime!
The Cost of Your Ohio Contractor Bond
The cost of your bond is a fraction of the full amount of your bond. It is determined by your surety when you apply for the bond. The surety initially considers your personal credit score. It may also request that you provide further information such as financial statements or bank statements to better determine your rate. Typically, for bonds with amounts up to $50,000 your credit score may be enough for the surety, and the higher your score, the lower you can expect your bond rate to be.
Applicants with a FICO score of 700 receive the best possible rates on their bonds. Such applicants can expect a rate between 1% and 2% on their Ohio contractor bond.
Try our bond calculator to get a quick estimate of your bond cost or see the table below for a cost range based on credit score. For a precise quote, see the section on getting bonded.
Surety Bond Cost Calculator
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Get a free exact quote Get another estimate| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Bond Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Cleveland Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Painesville Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Canton Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Canton Contractor Bond (General Construction Contractor) | $50,000 | Starting at $500 |
| City of Grove City Contractor Registration Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| Private Water Systems Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Private Water Systems Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| County of Madison Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Olmsted Falls Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of Ashville Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Aurora Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Avon Lake Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Bedford Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Bedford Heights Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Bexley Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Bratenahl Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Brecksville Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Broadview Heights Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Brook Park Contractor Bond | $40,000 | Starting at $400 |
| Village of Brooklyn Heights Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Brunswick Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of Chagrin Falls Contractor Bond | $30,000 | Starting at $300 |
| City of Chillicothe Contractor Compliance Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Cincinnati Street Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Cleveland Demolition Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Cleveland Electrical Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Cleveland HVAC and Refrigeration Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Cleveland Sidewalk Contractor Bond | $500 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Cleveland Heights Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Cleveland Heights Snowplow and Landscaping Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Columbus Stormwater Control Practice Construction Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Cuyahoga Heights Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of Dayton Electrical Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Dayton Mechanical (HVAC) Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Dayton Pipe Laying Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Dayton Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Delaware Demolition or Excavation Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Delaware Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of East Cleveland Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Eastlake Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Elyria Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Findlay Sewer Tapper Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Findlay Sidewalk Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Garfield Heights Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of Girard Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Grandview Heights Contractor Registration Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Greater Cincinnati Water Works Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Hartville Contractor Registration Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Highland Hills Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Independence Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Kirtland Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of LaGrange Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Lancaster Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Lima Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Lorain Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Lyndhurst Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of Macedonia Contractor Bond (Subcontractor) | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Macedonia Contractor Bond (General Contractor) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Maple Heights Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Marietta Water Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Marietta Water Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of Marion Excavation Contractor Bond | $2,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Marysville Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Massillon Demolition Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Massillon Electrical Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Massillon Heating Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Massillon Home Improvement Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Massillon Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Maumee Contractor Bond | $1,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Maumee Contractor Bond (Sewer and Sidewalk Contractors) | $7,500 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Mentor Contractor Bond | $10,000-$70,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Mentor-on-the-Lake Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Middleburg Heights Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Middletown Plumbing and/or Underground Utilities Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Moreland Hills Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Village of Newburgh Heights Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Niles Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of North Randall Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of North Ridgeville Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of North Royalton Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of Northfield Contractor Bond (For Residential Work) | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Northfield Contractor Bond (For Commercial Work) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Norwood Right of Way Contractor Bond | $1,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Oakwood Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Township of Olmsted Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Olmsted Falls Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Oregon Sidewalk and Driveway Contractor Bond | $2,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Parma Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Perrysburg Sidewalk Contractor Bond | $3,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Piqua Contractor Bond | $3,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Portsmouth Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of Reminderville Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Reynoldsburg Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Rossford Contractor Bond (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Paving) | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Rossford Contractor Bond (Sewer) | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Sandusky Contractor Bond | $6,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Seven Hills Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Sheffield Lake Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Solon Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of South Bloomfield Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of South Euclid Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of South Euclid Snow Removal Contractor Bond | $2,500 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of South Russell Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Springfield Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of St. Marys Plumbing or Electrical Contractor Bond | $2,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Streetsboro Contractor License and Permit Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Strongsville Electrical Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Strongsville Fire Alarm/Fire Suppression Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Strongsville General Trades Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Strongsville HVAC Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Strongsville Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Sylvania Sidewalk and Driveway Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Toledo Sidewalk Contractor Bond | $3,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Twinsburg Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of University Heights Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Upper Arlington Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Urbancrest Contractor Bond (Curb Cut Permit) | $2,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Village of Urbancrest Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| City of Vermillion Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Village of Walton Hills Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Warren Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Warrensville Heights Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Waterville Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Wellington Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Westlake Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Whitehall Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Wickliffe Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Willoughby Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Willowick Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Youngstown Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Allen County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Clermont County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Cuyahoga County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Cuyahoga County Sewer Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Dayton & Montgomery County Plumbing Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Erie County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Fairfield County Contractor Registration Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Fayette County Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Franklin County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Hamilton County Plumbing Installation and Repair Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Hamilton County Sidewalk Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Hancock Public Health Plumbing Alteration Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Hocking County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Huron County Sewage System Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Jefferson County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Lake County Sewer Building Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Lorain County Sewer Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Mahoning County Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Marion County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Medina County Sanitary Engineering Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Perry County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Pickaway County Contractor or Subcontractor Bond | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| Portage County Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Sidney-Shelby County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Stark County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Trumbull County Electrical Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Trumbull County Mechanical Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Union County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Warren County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Wayne County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Multiple Sewage Treatment Systems Installer Bond | $40,000 | Starting at $400 |
| Sewage Treatment Systems Service Provider Bond (Dual Registration) | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| Sewage Treatment Systems Service Provider Bond (Hauler or Service Provider) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Broadview Heights License and Permit Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Single or Small Flow Sewage Treatment Systems Installer Bond (Household System) | $10,000-$24,999 | Starting at $100 |
| Single or Small Flow Sewage Treatment Systems Installer Bond (Small-Flow System) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Bowling Green Asphalt and Concrete Excavation Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Shaker Heights Plumbing and Sewer Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Willoughby Hills License and Permit Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Oil & Gas Well Bond (Individual Bond - One Well) | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Oil & Gas Well Bond (Blanket Bond - 2+ Wells) | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| City of Cleveland Sewer Builder Bond (Individual) | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Montgomery County Plumbing Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Mansfield Plumber Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Vermilion Contractor Licensing Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Cleveland Sewer Builder Bond (Company) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Gahanna Home Improvement Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Kettering Excavation Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Lorain Sewer Builder Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Pepper Pike Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Troy Maintenance Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Clark County Combined Health District Plumber & Sewer Tapper Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| County of Butler Sewer and Plumbing Bond (Service Providers) | $15,000 | Starting at $150 |
| County of Butler Sewer and Plumbing Bond (Installers) | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Fairfield County Plumbing Contractor Bond | $20,000 | Starting at $200 |
| Franklin County Performance and Completion Bond | $1,000-$100,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Sewage Treatment Systems Septage Hauler Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| Springfield Township License and Permit Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| Stark County Drain Layers Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Akron Construction and Removal Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
| City of Cleveland Master Plumber Bond | $25,000 | Starting at $250 |
| City of Gahanna Water Sewer Installer Bond | $5,000 | Starting at $100 |
| County of Clermont Sewer Tapper Bond | $10,000 | Starting at $100 |
Bad Credit Bond Program
You can still get bonded, even If your credit score is currently low!
Thanks to our Bad Credit Program applicants with bad credit can get bonded as easily as applicants with higher scores. Rates under this program are higher than for applicants with high scores. Yet, bond rates are not fixed and by improving your credit score over time you can get increasingly better rates on a yearly basis.
See the program page to learn more about how to get bonded with bad credit and to request a quote!
Claims Against Your Bond
A claim against this bond can arise when a bonded contractor fails to comply with the conditions of the bond, and the local or state rules and regulations that apply to them. Each bond is conditioned differently and there are different reasons why a claim can be filed against your bond.
For example, the bond form for the Grove city contractor registration states that the bond is put in place to protect the city and keep it harmless from losses or damages to persons or property inflicted by a contractor while they perform work under the license they have been granted by the city. The form further specifies that this applies to losses or damages regardless if they are caused by accident or due to a lack of care of skill on behalf of a contractor.
If a bonded contractor does cause losses or damages, a claim can be filed against their bond to request compensation. Compensation extended under a bond agreement can be as high as the full bond amount, if the amount of losses and damages is that high.
When a claim against a bond is filed, the surety backing the contractor bond has to compensate claimants. But the claims process does not end there. In turn, the bonded contractor must reimburse the surety in full for any compensation it extends. To avoid having to repay a claim, the best course of action for contractors is to strictly comply with the conditions of their bond!
Apply for Your Ohio Contractor Bond Today!
Want to get started with your application or request an exact quote on your bond? Complete our bond form, and we will contact you shortly with your quote and full information regarding the bonding process.
It will take about two working days for the surety to issue your bond after which we will forward the bond to you via standard mail as well as via email.
If you have any questions about the bonding requirements for contractors in Ohio, call us at 866.450.3412 to speak to our bond professionals! We look forward to hearing from you!
