If you're planning a household move, the Miami-Dade County Moving Ordinance can help you. These tips will answer many of your questions, explain major provisions of the Moving Ordinance, and help make your relocation easier.
The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department, Consumer Protection Division, regulates moving companies in Miami-Dade County. If you're moving from Miami-Dade County to another part of Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties, or you're coming from Broward or Palm Beach counties to Miami-Dade, then your move is covered by the Miami-Dade County Moving Ordinance. Click here to download the Tri-County Moving Consumer Disclosure and Bill of Rights 
However, if you're leaving South Florida, or coming from outside South Florida, then your move is not regulated by Miami-Dade's Moving Ordinance.
Choosing a mover
All businesses performing South Florida moves in Miami-Dade County must be registered with the county. Each moving vehicle must display signage on the exterior of the driver and passenger sides that state the moving company's name, physical address, telephone number and Moving Registration. The following is a sample Miami-Dade County registration number: MR-1234. The registration number must be placed in all advertising including the Yellow Page listings, and on all estimate and contract forms, as well as on the mover's trucks. Furthermore, each moving truck must display a Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department (CSD) numbered decal on the lower left corner of the front window that indicates the expiration date.
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Estimates
Obtain written estimates from more than one mover. Ask if the estimate is provided free of charge and if it is guaranteed. Some movers will guarantee their estimates but only if you ask. Otherwise, the estimate is not guaranteed. Remember, the lowest cost estimate is not always the best deal.
If you call a mover more than 72 hours before the time of your move, the mover is required to provide you with a written estimate and a copy of the Disclosure Statement.
Oral estimates are a violation of the Moving Ordinance. If the mover verbally tells you the estimated cost, make sure you also receive written confirmation. You must sign a copy of all estimates you receive. Signing the written estimate does not mean you are obligated to enter into a contract with any mover.
When getting estimates, be sure to tell each mover about everything you expect to transport.
Let them know whether you or they will be doing the packing. Movers cannot charge separately for equipment such as pads, blankets, strapping, dollies, etc. Show the movers or describe in detail everything that needs to be moved. If you've already packed, tell the movers what was placed in each carton. If you haven't already packed, tell them what needs to be packed. Movers cannot charge extra for wrap, tape and packing materials. It is important that you tell the movers whether there are stairs or elevators located on both sites of your move. If you fail to provide information at the time of your estimate, it may cost you more when you move. Make sure the written estimate you receive itemizes everything you plan to have delivered.
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Contracts
The mover you select must present you with a contract and a Tri-County Consumer Bill of Rights and Disclosure Statement for your signature before the move begins. The contract and Disclosure Statement must contain the final cost of your move and may not exceed the estimate by more than ten (10) percent, unless you've added items to be moved or failed to provide information at the time of the estimate.
The contract and Disclosure Statement must state the acceptable methods of payment. A mover must accept at least two forms of payment from among the following three: Cash (including bank checks and money orders); valid personal checks; or valid credit cards (including Visa or MasterCard).
The contract and Disclosure Statement must also state the movers' inquiry and complaint handling procedures.
The contract and Disclosure Statement must include a statement detailing the mover's limitation of liability. This includes a description of the insurance which is provided with your move and any additional coverage which you may purchase.
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Insurance
The Moving Ordinance requires movers to insure your property at a minimum of sixty (60) cents per pound per article. This coverage, called valuation, is at no cost to you. However, the free minimum coverage does not change with the value of your property. If a TV weighing 50 pounds is damaged, you will receive $30.00 from your claim regardless of the actual value of the TV. Thus, the minimum coverage may underinsure your property.
The Moving Ordinance requires movers to offer you the opportunity to purchase added value coverage. If you are worried that the minimum coverage may not be adequate, consider purchasing added value coverage. The amount of added value you purchase is up to you. Ask your mover for details and costs associated with added value coverage.
In extreme circumstances, your property may be lost or damaged as a result of an accident involving the mover's truck or the theft of the mover's truck. In these cases, the mover carries $10,000 of insurance, which covers your property even if you had selected the minimum valuation.
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Inventories
Before loading your property onto the truck, the mover is required to prepare an inventory. The inventory lists each piece of property you are moving, including the number and sizes of boxes. The mover may charge you for the preparation of an inventory only if that charge has been disclosed to you in writing beforehand. You may, if you wish, inform the mover in writing that you do not want an inventory.
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Claims
You have up to 60 days after the final delivery of your household goods to notify the moving company in writing of any claim for loss, damage or delay. No claim for damage may be denied solely because the damage was not noted at the time of delivery.
Each claim filed must be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the mover or its insurance company. You must be notified of the status of your claim within 90 days of receipt of the claim.
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Complaints
If you cannot resolve a dispute directly with the mover or the moving business, call Miami-Dade's Consumer Services Department, Consumer Hotline at 305-377-3677. Your complaint may be handled directly or a simple complaint form may be mailed to you. Record all pertinent facts in a brief and clear manner. Include copies (not originals) of all documentation. Be sure to include a copy of any advertisement, coupon or invoice, the name and address of the business, the names of any persons you dealt with at the business and the company's moving business registration number. The more complete the facts are presented, the quicker the agency can process your complaint. Experienced Consumer Protection Enforcement Officers will investigate your complaint and contact you with the results. If the mover cannot satisfy the complaint within ten (10) days of receipt, the mover must provide CSD a status of the complaint and the reasons for the delay. In any event, the mover must provide the CSD with the final disposition of the complaint within 90 days. If violations of the Ordinance are detected, the business will be subject to enforcement action.
Although not included in Miami-Dade's Moving Ordinance, consumers also have the right to post a bond with the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts, Court Registry, to retrieve their goods from a mover. Call 305-275-1155 for details regarding this process.
A move to your new home can be exciting. It can also be frustrating. If you have any questions about the Miami-Dade County Moving Ordinance and how it can help you, call the Consumer Hotline at 305-375-3677. By eliminating some of the uncertainties associated with hiring a mover, you will have time to concentrate on more important things, like packing.
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