If you are planning a move to a Florida location, whether from outside the state or within, make sure you choose the best Florida moving company you can. Avoid moving companies that aren't going to provide you with the services you need at a high standard of efficiency. Give yourself the best opportunity to choose the right Florida moving company and remember the acronym LICORICE.

How to Choose Florida Moving Companies — LIcensing

Make sure that your Florida moving company is registered and licensed with the proper agency. Working with a licensed company will make sure that the mover understands and respects your rights and responsibilities as someone. If the Florida moving company does not, you will have recourse to the licensing agency.

If you are planning to move from out of state, you can check your moving company's license status at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's moving page at ProtectYourMove.gov. Click in the box for "Search for Moving Company and View Complaint History." Input the required information to find the moving company of your choice. If you are moving within Florida, you will want your moving company to be licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can access this information at the Florida Division of Consumer Services website at 800HelpFla.com.

Choosing Florida Moving Companies — Complaints

Registration with the FMCSA or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services doesn't necessarily mean the company is right for you. You'll want to avoid moving companies with excessive complaints. You can uncover this information in almost the same place as the registration information, ProtectYourMove.gov for interstate movers and 800HelpFla.com for intrastate moves.

These are also locations for you to file a complaint about your mover. If you feel that your moving company did not fulfill the obligations, use these resources to file a complaint immediately. You may be entitled to reimbursement, plus you will be able to warn others looking for a Florida moving company.

How to Choose a Florida Moving Company — References

Before you move, talk to friends who have recently moved in the recent past, especially if they have moved to or from the area of your own move. Many people may be quite eager to tell you about their moving experiences. Their input can give you a basis for knowing which Florida moving companies to trust and which ones to avoid.

Choosing a Florida Moving Company — Insurance

Movers are required to value your goods at 60 cents per pound for liability purposes. They are also required to provide motor vehicle insurance coverage and cargo negligence liability of at least $10,000 per instance of negligence. Find out what kind of liability your potential mover will be carrying and act accordingly.

How to Choose Florida Moving Companies — Consumer Satisfaction

A mover that others have been happy with is more likely to be one that makes you happy. See if the mover can provide any anecdotes from previous satisfied customers. If not, go online and see if this or competing movers have good online reviews.

Choosing a Florida Moving Company — Estimate

Your mover is required to give you a written estimate for the cost of your move before you agree to anything. The company must also stay within a reasonable boundary of this estimate. Choose a mover who can come to your house and provide an accurate estimate, based on all the size and complexity of the move. If you can find a Florida moving company that meets all of the standards above to your satisfaction, consider giving them a try.

There's no guarantee you will love them, but there's a good chance that a mover that stands up to the LICORICE test is one you will want to use again.