Verify a Florida Moving Company Before You Sign Anything

Checking a mover's registration takes a few minutes and is the single best protection against a bad move. Here is how to verify a Florida intrastate mover, how interstate registration works, and the warning signs to watch for.

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In Florida, the rules depend on where your belongings are going. Moves that start and end inside Florida are intrastate moves, regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under the Household Moving Services Act, Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes. Moves that cross state lines are interstate moves, regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Many Southwest Florida moves are local or cross-state within Florida, so the state registration is the first thing to check.

Florida requires intrastate movers and moving brokers to register with FDACS before doing business, and to renew every two years. Registered movers must show their registration number in advertising using the phrase "Fla. IM No." or "Fla. Mover Reg. No.", and each vehicle must display it on the driver's side door in letters at least 1.5 inches tall. As an example, Flamingo Moving's registration is IM4004, and you will see it on our quotes and paperwork.

To check a number, use the FDACS Business License Lookup on fdacs.gov. You can search by business name, license number, phone number, city, county or license type. Confirm that the business name matches the company you are talking to and that the registration is current. You can also call FDACS at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) to ask whether a company is registered and whether complaints are on file.

Florida law also sets baseline consumer protections. Movers must give you a written estimate covering the total cost of the move and a written contract before performing any services, and both must be signed and dated by both parties. The mover must disclose any limitation of liability in writing, and FDACS lists a minimum valuation of not less than 60 cents per pound per article. Movers must accept at least two of three payment types: cash or cash equivalents, a valid personal check, or a valid credit card.

For interstate moves, look for a USDOT number. All interstate household goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA. You can search FMCSA's mover and broker database or call FMCSA at 800-832-5660 to check registration status, insurance and complaint history. Interstate movers and brokers are required to give you the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move before your move. For interstate jobs, Flamingo Moving coordinates through a licensed carrier network, so ask for the carrier's USDOT number on your paperwork and look it up the same way.

Now the red flags. FDACS recommends getting at least three estimates with an on-site visit and avoiding companies that will only estimate over the phone or internet without seeing your belongings. FMCSA warns never to sign blank or incomplete documents, since missing details can be filled in later with different terms. Be cautious if the company name on the truck does not match your paperwork, if no registration number appears on ads or contracts, or if the price seems far below every other quote.

The scam to know about is the hostage move. A company quotes a low price, loads your belongings, then demands much more before it will deliver. FDACS advises keeping a copy of your contract with you during the move so you can show law enforcement. In Florida, it is a third-degree felony for a mover to refuse to release your goods once law enforcement determines you have tendered payment in the amount of the written estimate or contract. If a problem comes up, make your claim to the mover in writing quickly, then file a complaint with FDACS if it is not resolved.

If you want to compare, call Flamingo Moving at 941-273-6928 for a free written quote with our IM4004 registration on it.

What's included

FDACS registration (IM number) looked up
Business name matched to the company you called
Written estimate and contract signed by both parties
USDOT number checked for interstate moves
No blank or incomplete documents signed

Questions to ask before you sign

FDACS suggests asking every mover a short list of questions: What is your license number? What is your business address? Are there complaints on file? What protection do you offer against loss or damage, and how are claims handled? Can you show proof of workers' compensation and liability coverage? Do you offer packing, unpacking and storage? A reputable company answers these clearly and puts the important parts in writing.

Movers vs moving brokers

A mover owns or operates the trucks and crews. A broker arranges the move and hands it to a carrier. Brokers must register too: with FDACS for moves within Florida and with FMCSA for interstate moves. If you are talking to a broker, ask who the actual carrier will be, then look up that carrier's registration. Your estimate and contract should name the company responsible for your belongings.

Where to file a complaint

For a move within Florida, file with FDACS through FloridaConsumerHelp.com or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or 1-800-FL-AYUDA for help in Spanish. For an interstate move, FMCSA accepts household goods complaints through its National Consumer Complaint Database or at 1-888-368-7238. In either case, notify the mover in writing first and keep copies of your estimate, contract, inventory, photos and any written correspondence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a Florida mover is registered?

Search the FDACS Business License Lookup on fdacs.gov by name, license number or phone, or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).

What is an IM number?

It is the registration number FDACS issues to intrastate movers. Registered movers must show it in ads as "Fla. IM No." or "Fla. Mover Reg. No." and on their trucks.

Does a mover need a USDOT number for a move within Florida?

Florida intrastate moves require FDACS registration. Interstate household goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA, so look for a USDOT number when your move crosses state lines.

What is a hostage move?

A mover quotes low, loads your goods, then demands more to deliver. In Florida it is a felony to withhold goods once you have tendered the amount of the written estimate or contract.

What is Flamingo Moving's license number?

Flamingo Moving is registered as a Florida intrastate mover under IM4004. Call 941-273-6928 for a free written quote.

About Flamingo Moving (IM4004) from Flamingo Moving