Florida

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

Registration Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate movers and brokers must register with FDACS and receive an IM (Intrastate Mover) number

Insurance Required

Yes. Cargo liability insurance (small operators may post a $25,000 surety bond instead) and, where the mover operates its own vehicles, vehicle liability insurance

Written Estimate Required

Yes. A written estimate and contract with valuation options are mandatory

Cannot Withhold Goods

Yes. Withholding goods after payment is completed is a felony

Complaint Contact

FDACS Consumer Complaints via website or hotline

OverviewOverview & Scope

Florida law under Chapter 507 mandates that any individual or company offering intrastate household moving services, either as a mover or broker, must register with FDACS and obtain an Intrastate Mover (IM) number before conducting business.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

• Registration Fee: $300 annually per mover or broker; renewed biennially
• Registration Display: IM number must be prominently displayed on business materials, advertising, contracts, and vehicles

InsuranceInsurance & Valuation Requirements

• Liability Coverage: Minimum $10,000 cargo coverage (or $25,000 surety bond for small operators) plus vehicle liability based on truck size
• Valuation: Movers must provide valuation coverage of at least $0.60 per pound per item. Additional coverage is available and must be disclosed in writing

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Written Estimates & Contracts: Must outline all services, valuation coverage, and allow at least two forms of payment (cash, check, credit card)
• No Goods Withheld: If full payment has been made, state law prohibits movers from withholding delivery, even if disputes arise

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• FDACS Intrastate Mover (IM) registration, currentWhere applicable (mover or broker offering intrastate household moving services in Florida)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo liability insurance (minimum $10,000) or, for small operators, a $25,000 surety bondWhere applicable (mover holds an IM registration)Verified by DocumentRequired

Subcontracted transport

• Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

• Vehicle liability insurance based on truck sizeWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• IM number displayed on business materials, advertising, contracts and vehiclesWhere applicable (mover holds an IM registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written estimate and contract outlining all services and valuation coverage, with at least two forms of payment acceptedWhere applicable (mover holds an IM registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Valuation coverage of at least $0.60 per pound per item, with additional coverage disclosed in writingWhere applicable (mover holds an IM registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Goods not withheld once full payment has been madeVerified by AffirmationRequired