Surety bonds • South Carolina
South Carolina Public Works Bonds (S.C. Code § 11-35-3030): Bid, Performance, and Payment
Under S.C. Code § 11-35-3030, contractors on South Carolina state construction contracts must provide a performance bond and a payment bond, each for 100% of the contract price. Bid security of at least 5% is required on competitive sealed bids over $100,000, and bonds may be waived on contracts of $50,000 or less.
This guide covers the required bonds, who they protect, waivers, and cost. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency and does not give legal advice; a licensed agent can help contractors set up bonding.
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Required bonds
| Bond | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bid security | At least 5% of the bid on competitive sealed bids over $100,000 |
| Performance bond | 100% of the contract price |
| Payment bond | 100% of the contract price, for those supplying labor and material |
Source: S.C. Code § 11-35-3030. Contract prices exclude operation, maintenance, and finance costs.
Waivers and other rules
- On construction contracts of $50,000 or less, the agency may waive the bonds if the State is otherwise protected.
- A bidder with deficient bid security gets one working day after bid opening to cure it.
- Construction manager at-risk and design-build contracts may furnish bonds by portion of the work.
- Public highway contracts follow a separate SCDOT statute with a $10,000 threshold (NASBP).
Source: S.C. Code § 11-35-3030.
Who the bonds protect
The performance bond protects the State. The payment bond protects everyone supplying labor and material to the contractor or its subcontractors. See our performance bond and payment bond guides.
How much South Carolina contract bonds cost
Contract bonds are priced as a percentage of the bond amount, commonly about 0.5% to 3% based on the contractor’s finances and experience (NASBP).
South Carolina public works bond FAQs
What bonds are required on South Carolina state construction?
A 100% performance bond and a 100% payment bond, plus 5% bid security on sealed bids over $100,000.
Can South Carolina waive public works bonds?
Yes, on construction contracts of $50,000 or less if the State is otherwise protected.
Who does a South Carolina payment bond protect?
Everyone supplying labor and material to the contractor or its subcontractors.
Related guides
- South Carolina surety bonds
- Performance bonds
- Payment bonds
- North Carolina public construction bond
- Georgia public works bond
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- South Dakota public works bond
- West Virginia public works bond
- New Mexico public works bond
- Nebraska public works bond
- Kansas public works bond
- Iowa public works bond
- Oklahoma public works bond
Important information
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Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Tell us about your South Carolina public project, and a licensed agent will help you set up bonding.
