If you’re moving in Florida, you can be safe knowing that there are numerous safeguards the state of Florida has enacted to make your moving experience as convenient as possible.
Local Florida movers
In Florida, intrastate moving – meaning inside the state of Florida – is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Florida’s Chapter 507, which concerns all laws related to moving companies, requires that all movers in the state be registered. To register, a Florida moving service has to meet a few requirements- such as insurance minimums. Before contracting a mover, check to make sure that the moving company is registered and has a valid Florida Mover Registration Number.
You can also check if the mover you want to work with belongs to Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association.
Written moving estimates
Any Florida moving service you choose is required to give you a written estimate and a detailed contract. The moving estimate should accurately reflect what you will be paying for your move. The Florida mover is required to give you back your property once you pay the full amount on the estimate. However, the moving company can ask for more money to be paid later if they provided extra services that weren’t outlined in the moving estimate.
The best way to avoid this from happening is to give your Florida mover an accurate description of all your belongings and both locations. If the place you’re moving to has three flights of stairs and no elevator, let the moving company know in advance and ask what extra charges might apply. Please read our article on how to get the most accurate moving estimate for more information.
Long distance Florida moving
If you’re moving out of Florida, you can still check the mover’s registration and association memberships. The moving company you’ll be working with is still Florida-based, so the same rules apply. There are, however, important differences between moving locally and moving long distance. Long distance moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
For more details on long distance rates, regulations and information on what to do in case of a dispute, please visit ProtectYourMove.gov