Moving in Florida: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in Florida — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Who regulates movers in Florida?
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
- License required (intrastate): Yes
- License lookup: verify a mover
- Deposit cap: No fixed deposit cap in statute; verify with FDACS. Registration fee $300/year, biennial $600.
How to file a complaint in Florida
Online: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/File-a-Complaint
Phone: 1-800-435-7352
Mail: FDACS, Division of Consumer Services, 2005 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32399
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in Florida
- Intrastate movers and brokers must register with FDACS and display the IM number
- Minimum $10,000 cargo liability coverage (or $25,000-$50,000 surety bond for small operators)
- Withholding goods after full payment is a felony
- Written estimate and contract with at least two payment options required
Key statutes & rules
- Florida Statutes Chapter 507 (Intrastate Movers and Moving Brokers)
- Requires IM (Intrastate Mover) registration
FDACS (not the CFO) regulates intrastate movers under Chapter 507. Verify the IM number via the Check-A-License tool before hiring.
Example estimates in Florida: low, average, high
Studio (low) through 4-bedroom (high), computed with the same model as the ReloFig calculators — not hand-written. Your own move will differ.
Local move estimate for South region (2 movers + truck, excludes packing/materials). Figures are model estimates, not quotes.
| Home size | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $278 – $893 |
| 1 bed | $361 – $1,279 |
| 2 bed | $527 – $1,859 |
| 3 bed | $692 – $2,438 |
| 4 bed | $858 – $3,018 |
Estimates use the ReloFig model (BLS wages × regional × South factor). Always get three written quotes. Methodology.
Cities in Florida
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- St. Petersburg
- Hialeah
- Tallahassee
- Fort Lauderdale
- Port St. Lucie
- Cape Coral
Sample city estimates in Florida
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
Formula & data sources
Sources: BLS OES mover wages; published mover rate surveys. Compiled August 2025.
When to use this estimate
- Use this for a local or in-town move within Florida that a mover bills by the hour.
- Crossing state lines? Use the Long-Distance Move calculator — interstate work is priced by linehaul miles, not hours.
- Need a written budget? Print our Local Budget Worksheet and Scam Card for walkthroughs.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates intrastate movers in Florida?
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within Florida. Verify a mover at https://www.fdacs.gov. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in Florida?
File online via the state portal (https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/File-a-Complaint), or by phone at 1-800-435-7352. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my consumer protections in Florida?
Intrastate movers and brokers must register with FDACS and display the IM number Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in Florida?
Model estimates for a 2-bedroom home run roughly $527–$1,859, scaled by home size and local cost of living. These are model figures, not quotes — confirm with licensed movers' written estimates.
Do I need a permit for a local move in Florida?
A moving permit is usually not required for the move itself, but parking/loading permits for the truck may be required by the city or building. Check with your city and building management before move day.
Sources: www.fdacs.gov www.safeboundmoving.com . ReloFig does not sell your information.