FL · In-state moves
Florida moving company rules
Movers and moving brokers that handle moves starting and ending in Florida must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 507, Florida Statutes. Registration requires proof of insurance or an approved bond or certificate of deposit and is renewed every two years. Chapter 507 also sets rules for written estimates, minimum liability, delivery and storage, and treats violations as deceptive and unfair trade practices.
| In-state oversight | State registration compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services |
| License lookup | FDACS mover registration (shown as "Fla. Mover Reg. No." or "Fla. IM No.") lookup Search by: Business name, license (registration) number, phone number, or city |
| Business registration | Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) search by name |
Estimates
Before any moving or accessorial service, a registered mover must give the customer a written estimate and contract that the customer, the mover, and any broker sign or electronically acknowledge and date. It must list the mover's name, phone number, and physical address; the move dates; pickup and delivery addresses; where goods will be held; an itemized breakdown and total of all costs, including broker fees; and accepted forms of payment. The mover must accept at least two of three payment types: cash or cash equivalents, a personal check, or a credit card. Once the customer pays the amount in the signed contract or estimate, the mover must release the goods and place them inside the home.
Liability for loss or damage
A mover may not limit its liability for loss or damage below 60 cents per pound per article, and any contract term setting a lower rate is void. Any limit, and any optional valuation coverage with its cost and the right to reject it, must be disclosed in writing when the estimate and contract are signed, before work starts.
Insurance or bond
Movers must carry at least $10,000 per shipment in liability coverage for goods lost or damaged through their negligence. A mover with two or fewer vehicles may instead post a $50,000 performance bond or a $50,000 certificate of deposit in a Florida bank. Moving brokers must hold a $50,000 bond or certificate of deposit. Movers must also carry motor vehicle liability coverage of $50,000 to $300,000 per occurrence depending on truck weight.
Where to complain
Other Florida rules to know
- Every estimate, contract, and ad from a registered mover must show its Florida registration number, and its trucks must display the number on the driver's side door in letters at least 1.5 inches tall.
- Moving brokers must also register with FDACS and may only contract with registered movers.
- A mover may never hold back prescription medicines or children's items such as furniture, clothing, or toys, even during a payment dispute.
- Movers and brokers must tell you in writing before the move if anyone with access to your home, including the estimator, has been convicted of certain serious felonies.
- State registration does not replace any local, city, or county business license a mover may also need.
Moving into or out of Florida? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Chapter 507, Household Moving Services, Florida Statutes , Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Moving Companies , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Moving Within Florida , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Business Search , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- FDACS Complaints , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Search for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Trademarks by Name , Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations