A new state law protecting Floridians from moving scams is effective. The law requires movers to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising. Penalties are also increased for movers who refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client. To highlight these important changes and inform Floridians about moving scams, Attorney General Ashley Moody is updating the Scams at a Glance: On the Move resource.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Moving is stressful, and deceitful movers can compound the stress involved with relocating. Starting today in Florida, there is a new law in place to better protect consumers trying to relocate. To highlight these changes and equip Floridians with the tools they need to spot and avoid moving scams, we are updating our Scams at a Glance: On the Move resource.”
In an effort to protect those moving to or within Florida, Attorney General Moody’s Consumer Protection Team is taking action against more than 18 movers and moving brokers that reportedly scammed consumers. Since Attorney General Moody took office in January 2019, consumer protection investigations have led to approximately $27 million in fines and restitution against moving firms.
The new provisions of Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes take effect July 1. The law introduces a series of consumer protection measures for household moving services occurring within Florida, including:
- Mandatory Registration: All movers and moving brokers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, ensuring proper vetting and authorization to operate;
- Enhanced Transparency: Movers are required to provide detailed and clear estimates and contracts to customers, outlining all potential costs, dates and terms—moving brokers are now banned from providing contracts for services that include estimated moving costs;
- Advertising Integrity: Strict guidelines are set for advertising moving services, preventing false claims and ensuring the company’s registration status is disclosed; and
- Clarified Punishments: It is now a third-degree felony, and may result in fines of up to $50,000, if a mover or mover’s employee, agent or contractor refuses to comply with an order from a law enforcement officer to relinquish a shipper’s household goods in certain situations.
Tips from Scams at a Glance: On the Move include:
- Know that movers and brokers that conduct interstate moves must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—check a company’s licensing by visiting FMCSA.DOT.gov/Protect-Your-Move;
- Check if movers and brokers handling intrastate moves are licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting FDACS.gov/Consumer-Resources;
- Read all contract documents thoroughly before signing; and
- Consider personally moving important items, such as daily medication or supplies, that will be needed immediately upon arrival.