Florida moving services exist in the thousands, which makes picking a trustworthy mover vital to avoid getting scammed. Finding reliable professionals among countless options can be challenging. Your choice of moving companies in Florida demands thorough research and a good grasp of current rules.
New license requirements will take effect in 2025. Moving companies must carry general liability coverage of at least $500,000, plus cargo and worker’s compensation insurance. The law now requires household movers to provide valuation coverage of at least 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items. USDOT implemented these stricter laws after problems with dishonest movers became systemic.
Getting three written estimates before you decide can shield you from hidden fees. Binding estimates lock in your price, but non-binding ones could add unexpected costs. Local coastal moving services or long-distance moves in Florida both need careful planning. Brightside Moving Group offers licensed, professional moving services that meet your needs and helps you understand these requirements.
Mistake #1: Not Verifying The Mover’s License
The biggest mistake you can make when planning your move is hiring an unlicensed mover. People often think all moving companies operate legally. This assumption can lead to serious problems. You should make verifying a mover’s license status your top priority when looking for Florida moving services.
How To Check If A Mover Is Registered With FDACS
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) keeps a registry of all legitimate moving companies in Florida. You can verify if your potential mover is properly registered:
- Visit the FDACS website and access their business lookup tool
- Enter the company’s name or their Intrastate Mover Registration Number
- Check that their registration is current and not expired
- Verify they have a valid IM number (required for all household movers)
- Confirm their physical address matches what they’ve provided you
You can also call FDACS directly at their consumer helpline to confirm a mover’s status. Note that legitimate moving companies in Florida display their registration numbers proudly on their websites, trucks, and business cards.
We at Brightside Moving Group always encourage clients to verify our credentials. We’re happy to provide our IM number and registration details upfront because we understand the importance of trust in our business.
Why Licensing Matters For Household Moving Companies
A license is not just paperwork—it protects you from potentially disastrous moving experiences. Licensed household moving companies must meet strict standards for:
- Financial responsibility and business stability
- Equipment safety and maintenance protocols
- Staff training and background checks
- Customer dispute resolution processes
Unlicensed movers often mean you won’t have insurance protection. If they damage or lose your belongings, you’ll have no way to get compensation. Licensed movers must provide basic valuation coverage and offer extra protection options.
A properly licensed mover gives you access to the state’s complaint system if things go wrong. The laws governing moving companies allow FDACS to investigate complaints against licensed movers and issue penalties for violations.
Need help verifying a mover’s credentials? Our team at Brightside Moving Group can guide you through the verification process and explain what all the registration numbers mean. Contact us today for assistance with your upcoming move.
The cheapest quote usually comes from unlicensed operators who cut corners on insurance, training, and equipment. This ends up costing you more through damaged items or even outright scams.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Insurance And Valuation Coverage
Valuation coverage knowledge can save you thousands of dollars when your belongings get damaged during a move. Most clients accept minimum coverage without understanding its real impact on their valuable possessions.
What Minimum Coverage Movers Must Offer
Florida law requires all moving companies in Florida to provide simple valuation coverage at no extra cost. Notwithstanding that, this minimum protection limits compensation to just 60 cents per pound per article. A damaged 20-pound television worth $1,000 would only get you $12 in compensation.
On top of that, it remains mandatory for moving companies to maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $10,000 per shipment for household goods damage from mover negligence. Under Florida laws governing moving companies, movers cannot limit their liability below the 60-cents-per-pound minimum rate.
At Brightside Moving Group, we clearly explain valuation coverage options before your move begins. We believe in transparency about what’s covered—and what isn’t.
How To Get Additional Protection For High-Value Items
Your valuable possessions rarely receive sufficient protection from simple coverage. Moving services of all sizes offer Full Value Protection options that compensate based on the item’s current market value instead of weight.
Items that qualify as “high-value” typically include:
- Anything worth more than $100 per pound
- Collections, jewelry, and antiques
- Electronics and specialty furniture
Full Value Protection costs about 1% of your belongings’ estimated total value. This option costs more than simple coverage but provides substantially better protection for your valuables.
Our team at Brightside Moving Group can help identify which items might need additional coverage before your move. Contact us for a personalized valuation assessment.
What Your Homeowner’s Policy May Or May Not Cover
Your existing homeowner’s insurance probably doesn’t cover items during transit. In fact, most homeowner’s policies only cover catastrophic damage to possessions in storage, not typical moving damage.
Review your homeowner’s policy specifically for these elements before buying additional moving insurance:
- Transit coverage limitations
- Deductible amounts that might apply
- Special riders for high-value items
Insurance companies sometimes offer moving-specific riders at extra cost. Your mover can also arrange full replacement valuation as an alternative.
Not sure what coverage you need? We at Brightside Moving Group partner with reputable carriers who offer various protection options. Let us help you understand what’s best for your specific situation.
Mistake #3: Trusting Verbal Estimates Or Vague Contracts
The paper a verbal moving agreement is written on has zero value—because there isn’t any. Many Florida moving services try to save money by giving estimates over the phone or handing out incomplete contracts. This leaves you open to surprise fees and arguments later.
Why Written Estimates Are Essential
The law in Florida requires all moving companies in Florida to give written estimates before they start any work. You can’t enforce verbal estimates legally if there’s a dispute. Written estimates document every service and charge you agree to before your move.
Written estimates come in two forms:
- Binding estimates guarantee your price won’t change (provided no services are added)
- Non-binding estimates may change based on actual weight, but movers can’t make you pay more than 110% of the original estimate at delivery
At Brightside Moving Group, we provide detailed written estimates after in-person assessments of your belongings. We never give ballpark figures over the phone.
What Every Moving Contract Should Include
Florida regulations say your moving contract needs these specific items:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties
- Pickup and delivery dates and addresses
- Itemized breakdown of all costs and services
- Company’s physical location where goods may be held
- Acceptable payment methods (movers must accept at least two types)
You should never sign blank or incomplete contracts—that’s a huge warning sign. Most problems happen because customers sign contracts without reading them really carefully.
Understanding Deposits, Payment Terms, And Cancelation Policies
Rules about deposits are strict—they can’t be more than 20% of the estimated cost. You should get your deposit back if you cancel within 72 hours of booking. However, cancelations within 5 days of pickup might be non-refundable.
Moving companies must accept at least two of these payment terms:
- Cash, cashier’s check, money order, or traveler’s check
- Personal check showing your name and address
- Credit card (must include Visa or MasterCard)
Need help understanding your moving contract? Our team at Brightside Moving Group can walk you through every clause and ensure you’re protected. Contact us before signing anything.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Local Rules And Broker Disclosures
Local county rules add another layer of complexity to your moving experience, beyond state regulations. Most Florida residents don’t know that local laws can affect their move by a lot.
County-Specific Moving Ordinances You Should Know
Many Florida counties have their own moving rules on top of state laws. We focused on Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties that have local rules for moving companies in Florida. Palm Beach County requires movers to get an operating permit and show decals on their vehicles. Broward County makes companies sign up every year to get a license. This license lets them handle local moves in the tri-county area.
At Brightside Moving Group, we stay current with all county-specific regulations to ensure your move complies with local ordinances regardless of where you’re relocating in Florida.
How To Tell If You’re Dealing With A Broker Or A Mover
There’s a big difference between moving brokers in Florida and actual movers:
- Movers own trucks and employ staff who physically handle your belongings
- Brokers arrange transportation but don’t own equipment or perform moves
- Brokers essentially act as sales teams that book your move and sell it to actual moving companies
Florida has more brokers than any other state. Half of all moving scam complaints in 2023 came from Florida.
Need help determining if you’re working with a broker or mover? Contact us at Brightside Moving Group for a free consultation about your upcoming relocation.
What Brokers Are Legally Allowed To Do In Florida
Florida law puts specific limits on moving brokers. Brokers can only work with registered movers to load, transport, or unload household goods. They can’t provide estimates or contracts that include moving costs.
The law requires brokers to tell customers about their broker status before providing any services. Every broker document must clearly state they’re not movers. These documents need their registration number, physical address, and a complete list of broker fees.
Choose Brightside Moving Group: Your Trusted Florida Moving Company
When it comes to moving in Florida, choosing a fully licensed and insured moving company makes all the difference. Brightside Moving Group offers professional residential, commercial, and long-distance moving services designed to protect your belongings and simplify your entire relocation process. We partner with fully vetted, reliable carriers and manage every step of your move with expert support, transparent pricing, and strict compliance with Florida’s moving regulations.
Avoid the costly mistakes many people make when hiring unlicensed movers or online brokers. At Brightside Moving Group, you work directly with a professional team dedicated to delivering stress-free, efficient moves — not third-party contractors. From detailed written estimates to comprehensive valuation coverage and personalized customer service, we ensure every part of your move is handled professionally and responsibly.
Contact Brightside Moving Group today to schedule your free moving consultation. Discover why we’re Florida’s trusted choice for safe, affordable, and expertly managed residential, commercial, and long-distance moves.
