If Florida is the destination for your move, knowing the regulations surrounding moving companies is paramount. If you are moving within the state, know that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates Florida moving companies. If you are moving from Florida to another state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will be an important resource.

Choosing a Florida Moving Company

If you are choosing a moving company in Florida, make sure the company is registered. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website (Doacs.State.Fl.us) can help you verify the registration. You can also use this site to register a complaint with a particular moving company.

Things to Know About Your Florida Moving Company

Before you sign a contract, the moving company should provide an estimate for the cost of the move, with an itemized breakdown of charges. If anything on this estimate does not look right or is confusing, clarify it with the moving company before proceeding. Your moving company should accept a variety of payment options, including at least two of the following: cash (or alternatively a money order, Traveler's Check or Cashier's Check), personal check or credit card. Find out how much liability coverage your Florida moving company provides for items that become lost or sustain damage during the move. They must provide a minimum of 60 cents per pound.

Preparing to Contract With a Florida Moving Company

Your best opportunity to get a competitive rate from a company you feel comfortable with is to consult more than one Florida moving company. About a month before your move, have a few different movers come to your residence and put together some estimates. Make sure the evaluator is aware of all items that need to be moved. Don't agree to anything until you have compared estimates. Keep in mind that even if one mover may be slightly cheaper, you may wish to choose another with a better reputation. You can research different Florida moving companies on the Internet or follow the word from others who have used Florida moving companies.

Packing for Your Florida Moving Company

Give yourself plenty of time to pack. You should start putting your items to be moved together a few weeks before the move. Try to pack items of high priority together and make a list of the contents for each box. This will make unpacking much easier. Pack items with less value on your own, and let the movers pack the larger and more expensive items. Remember to use plenty of padding when packing your items and minimize the amount of free space in between.

Complaints About Your Florida Moving Company

Do not be afraid to register complaints about your movers with either the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition to protecting you, you could be helping a fellow Floridian.