Moving Companies - Laws & Tips

Miami-Dade County regulates moving companies that cover moves from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, or if you’re moving from Broward or Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade.

Moving companies must provide a written estimate. You must sign a copy of all estimates you receive, but signing does not mean you are obligated to enter into a contract with any mover.

When getting estimates, show the movers or describe in detail everything that needs to be packed and moved. Tell the movers whether there are stairs or elevators located at either site of your move or if there are any moving time restrictions. 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 includes everything you plan to have moved.

Movers cannot charge separately for equipment such as pads, blankets, strapping, dollies, etc. or for packing materials if the mover does the packing.
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 documents must contain the final cost of your move and may not exceed the written estimate unless you've added items to be moved or failed to provide information at the time of the estimate.

The documents 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).
Movers must insure your property at a minimum of 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 television weighing 50 pounds is damaged, you will receive $30.00 from your claim regardless of the television’s actual value.

Movers are required to offer you the opportunity to purchase added value coverage, if you believe the minimum coverage may not be adequate. The amount of added value you purchase is up to you. Ask your mover for details and costs associated with added value coverage.
If you think that a business has been unfair, deceptive, or discriminatory in its dealings with you, or has violated these laws, submit a consumer complaint by email, mail or fax, or call the Mediation Center at 786-469-2333.

If the mover cannot satisfy the complaint within 10 days of receipt, the mover must provide Miami-Dade County a status of the complaint and the reasons for the delay. In any event, the mover must provide Miami-Dade County with the final disposition of the complaint within 90 days.

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 more information.

Consumer Mediation Center

Miami-Dade County's Mediation Center receives, processes and investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes between consumers and businesses, identifies violations of the law by business operators, and issues civil citations.

601 NW 1st Court, 18th floor
Miami, FL 33136
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 786-469-2333
Fax: 786-469-2303
Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walkins are accepted.

FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT

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Moving Companies - Laws & Tips

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