FDACS Highlights National Moving Month, Efforts to Fight Moving Fraud

Tallahassee, Fla. — As the start of peak moving season in the United States, May is recognized as National Moving Month. Under Florida law, intrastate (within Florida) moving companies and moving brokers are required to be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) prior to conducting business. FDACS, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the Professional Movers Association of Florida have partnered to address deceptive practices in the moving industry, educate consumers on selecting reputable, licensed professional moving companies, and assist consumers who have been victimized by rogue moving operators.

“With over 65 percent of relocations in the U.S. taking place during peak moving season, Florida’s consumers need to be aware of those who use deceptive pricing, websites, and business names to take advantage of unsuspecting victims,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “These fraudsters will go to great lengths to defraud consumers of their money, often without regard for their property. Before hiring a moving company, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com to make sure the moving company you choose is licensed and reputable. Do your research, know your rights as a consumer, and contact FDACS with any questions or complaints — our Division of Consumer Services is always standing by ready to protect Florida’s consumers.”

Here are a few tips for consumers planning a move within Florida:   

1. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
   • Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
2. Check the licensing and reviews of the business.
   • Check if the moving company is licensed by or has a complaint history with FDACS.
     • Business Search
   • Check the BBB report at BBB.org to find a business with a good complaint and review history, how long the business has served your community and if they have a brick and mortar location (i.e. are they a solid and trustworthy business?).
   • Determine if the company is a moving broker or moving company. A broker arranges for the transport of your household goods for a fee and sells your move to a moving company.  If using a broker, review the quality of the broker and the moving company to avoid rogue movers.
3. Document the terms and conditions in writing.
   • Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person or virtual inspection of your household goods. 
   • Estimates and contracts for services must include:  
     • Name, telephone number, physical address and state registration number of the mover.
     • Date the contract or estimate was prepared and proposed date of the actual move. 
     • Appropriate pickup and delivery address, name and telephone numbers of the shipper. 
     • Name, telephone number and physical address where the goods will be held, if necessary. 
     • Itemized breakdown, description and total of all costs and services provided. 
     • Acceptable forms of payment available. 
   • Accidents happen even with the best movers. Know your insurance options and obtain coverage to protect your move.
   • Plan your move in advance so you have time to evaluate your options, make a decision based on overall value (e.g., cost, availability, quality low stress move, insurance to protect your move), and confirm that each mover considered carries commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability, cargo liability and worker’s compensation. This can be verified by a certificate of insurance.

For more intrastate moving tips, visit Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Better Business Bureau, or the Professional Movers Association of Florida online. Consumers who fall victim to moving fraud, have general questions about a move, or would like to file a complaint should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA for Spanish speakers, or file a complaint online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

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