Category: How to choose a mover

Who regulates moving companies in Florida?

Wondering who regulates moving companies in Florida? In Florida, the regulation of moving companies is primarily handled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The FDACS oversees the licensing and regulation of moving companies through its Division of Consumer Services. They enforce the Florida Intrastate Moving Services Act, which applies to moving companies operating within the state. operate.

Moving companies that offer interstate services must comply with FMCSA regulations, ensuring they possess the necessary authority and meet specific safety standards. The FMCSA maintains a comprehensive database called the “Protect Your Move” program, which allows consumers to verify a moving company’s license, insurance, and complaint history. This valuable resource empowers individuals to make informed decisions and safeguard themselves against potential scams or unscrupulous practices during interstate moves. When choosing a moving company check out out post on How to choose the right moving company.

How does the FDACS regulate moving companies?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates moving companies in Florida through its Division of Consumer Services. The FDACS implements various measures to ensure that moving companies comply with regulations and provide reliable services to consumers. Here are some key ways in which the FDACS regulates moving companies:

  1. Licensing: The FDACS requires moving companies to obtain a license before operating within Florida. To obtain a license, companies must meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating financial responsibility, providing proof of insurance coverage, and complying with safety standards. The licensing process aims to ensure that only reputable and qualified moving companies are authorized to offer services.
  2. Compliance Monitoring: The FDACS conducts regular monitoring and inspections of licensed moving companies to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes verifying that companies maintain their insurance coverage, adhere to safety standards, and operate within the confines of the law. Through proactive monitoring, the FDACS seeks to prevent fraudulent activities and protect consumers from unscrupulous practices.
  3. Consumer Complaint Resolution: The FDACS serves as a resource for consumers who encounter issues or disputes with moving companies. Individuals can file complaints with the Division of Consumer Services, and the FDACS investigates these complaints to determine if any violations have occurred. If a moving company is found to have engaged in fraudulent practices, violated regulations, or provided substandard services, the FDACS takes appropriate actions, which may include fines, license suspension, or revocation.
  4. Education and Awareness: The FDACS plays a vital role in educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities when hiring a moving company. They provide information and resources on their website, conduct outreach programs, and distribute educational materials to raise awareness about potential scams, fraudulent practices, and how to choose reputable moving companies. By promoting consumer education, the FDACS empowers individuals to make informed decisions and avoid becoming victims of moving-related fraud.
  5. Regulation Enforcement: The FDACS actively enforces the Florida Intrastate Moving Services Act, which governs the operations of moving companies within the state. They work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to take legal action against companies that engage in unlawful activities, defraud consumers, or violate regulations. Through regulatory enforcement, the FDACS seeks to maintain a fair and transparent moving industry in Florida.

How can you check if a Florida moving company is regulated?

  1. Verify the FDACS License: Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) website and navigate to their “Licensee Search” or “Verify a License” section. Enter the name or license number of the moving company to check if they are licensed and regulated by the FDACS. The search results will provide information about the company’s license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions taken against them.
  2. Check FMCSA Registration: If you are planning an interstate move, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and access their “Search Movers & Complaint History” tool. Enter the company’s USDOT number or name to verify their registration with the FMCSA. This search will provide details about the company’s operating status, complaint history, safety rating, and any enforcement actions taken against them.
  3. Review Consumer Complaints: Check online platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews for customer feedback and complaints about the moving company. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, patterns of consistently negative or concerning reviews may indicate potential issues with the company.
  4. Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently moved. Personal experiences and referrals can help identify reliable and reputable moving companies.
  5. Research Credentials and Insurance: A regulated moving company should provide their license number, proof of insurance coverage, and other credentials upon request. Ensure that the company has adequate insurance coverage to protect your belongings during the move.
  6. Consult Professional Associations: Some reputable moving companies are members of professional organizations such as the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or state-level moving associations. Membership in these associations can indicate a commitment to industry standards and professionalism.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, individuals can verify if a moving company is regulated, licensed, and meets the necessary requirements to provide reliable moving services. Taking the time to check these details can help ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to the regulation of moving companies in Florida, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) takes the lead for intrastate moves, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs interstate moves. By working in tandem, these regulatory bodies strive to ensure the integrity and reliability of moving services provided within the state.

When planning a move, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, read customer reviews, and obtain multiple quotes from licensed and reputable moving companies. Utilize the resources provided by the FDACS and FMCSA to verify a company’s credentials, licenses, and complaint history. By doing so, you can rest assured that your move will be handled by professionals who adhere to regulations, prioritize your safety, and deliver a seamless and stress-free experience.

Remember, knowledge is your greatest ally in navigating the moving industry, and being aware of the regulatory bodies overseeing moving companies in Florida is a significant step toward a successful relocation.

Who regulates moving companies in California?

So you are moving and you are wondering who regulates moving companies in California. In California, moving companies are regulated by The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). The BHGS is a state agency that is responsible for regulating various industries, including the moving industry, in order to protect consumers and ensure fair and safe business practices.

In the United States, moving companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an agency of the Department of Transportation. The FMCSA sets safety regulations for interstate moving companies and also has jurisdiction over the licensing and registration of these companies. In addition to the FMCSA, moving companies may also be regulated by the state in which they operate.

How does the BHGS regulate moving companies?

The the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) is responsible for regulating the moving industry in California. It does this by setting standards for the operation of moving companies, issuing licenses to companies that meet these standards, and enforcing compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Some of the specific ways in which the BHGS regulates moving companies in California include:

  • Requiring moving companies to be licensed: In order to operate legally in California, moving companies must obtain a license from the BHGS. This involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting certain requirements, such as having liability insurance and a surety bond.
  • Setting rates and fees: The BHGS has authority to set maximum rates and fees that moving companies can charge for their services. This helps to protect consumers from being overcharged.
  • Enforcing consumer protection laws: The BHGS is responsible for enforcing state and federal laws that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair business practices by moving companies. This includes laws that prohibit false or misleading advertising, require companies to provide written estimates, and mandate that companies follow certain procedures when handling customer complaints.
  • Conducting inspections and investigations: The BHGS has the authority to inspect moving companies and investigate complaints about their operations. If a company is found to be in violation of state or federal laws or regulations, the BHGS can take enforcement action, such as issuing fines or revoking a company’s license.

How can you check if a California moving company is regulated?

There are a few steps you can take to check if a moving company in California is regulated by The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS).

  1. Check the company’s website: Many moving companies will list their BHGS / PUC license number on their website. You can then verify this license by visiting the BHGS website and searching for the company by name or license number.
  2. Contact the BHGS: You can call or email the BHGS’s Consumer Affairs Branch to ask if a specific moving company is licensed by the agency. You can also use the BHGS’s online complaint form to file a complaint against a moving company if you believe it is operating without a license or is engaging in deceptive or unfair business practices.
  3. Check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Moving companies that operate across state lines are also regulated by the FMCSA, which is an agency of the Department of Transportation. You can use the FMCSA’s online search tool to check if a moving company is registered with the agency.

It’s important to note that even if a moving company is licensed and regulated by the BHGS, this does not guarantee that it will provide good service. It’s always a good idea to research a company thoroughly before hiring it, including by reading online reviews and getting estimates from multiple companies. Check out our post on How to choose the right moving company.

When it comes to having a successful and stress free move, choosing the right moving company is the number one way to make sure everything goes as planned. Below is our guides and tips on how to choose the right moving company for your move.

Get referrals 

This is our personal favorite way to choose movers. Ask friends, co-workers or even your realtor. The reason we like this option is because these people will have had first hand experience with the companies they are recommending from beginning to end. If they are saying great thing about a company after they have used them they are worth listening to. One tip is to ask the person who referred you if they remember the names of the actual crew who moved them, that way you can personally request the same crew when you call

Find and research companies on Yelp

This is a great way to not only find a list of potential companies but also research what previous customers have to say about them at the same time.  When putting your list together we recommending choosing companies that have at least 30+ reviews. This ensures that the company has been around for at least a few years and that the majority of their reviews should all be real.

Make sure they are licensed and insured

The easiest way to do this is simple by calling the companies on your list and asking them to email you their proof of license and insurance, if they are a legitimate company they will have no issue doing this.

If the company is just a local company the best way to check is by ringing you local PUC or by checking on their website. All local companies are required to have their insurance information registered with the PUC.  

Another way to check the company you are thinking of hiring is by going to FMCSA Website. There you can pull up information as: company type, fleet size, number of trucks and trailers. You can also extract the moving company insurance information if you need to contact their insurance company.

Get a written estimate

Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person inspection of your household goods. It is important to get an in person estimate as in most states a moving company is not required by law to stick to a estimate given over the phone. If however you receive an in person estimate they are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than 10% above the price of a non­binding estimate. This is known as the 110 percent rule.

Check with the BBB

Checking with the Better Business Bureau is a great way to research potential moving companies as it will allow you to check if there has been any complaints made against that company. Stick with moving companies that are BBB accredited or at least have a good rating. If the moving company isn’t listed with the BBB, consider looking for one that is, but also keep in mind that it does cost quite a bit of money to be listed with the BBB so some newer or smaller companies may be good but just can’t afford to be listed.

Verify the Moving Companies address

Always ask the company for a business card or look up their information online. It is important to make sure that all the information listed on business cards, websites, licensing websites etc all matches, if not it can be a red flag. Be sure the company has a local address and answers the phone with its full business name — not just “movers” or something equally generic.

Get free moving quotes from quality moving companies.

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This is a great way to not only find a list of potential companies but also research what previous customers have to say about them at the same time. When putting your list together we recommending choosing companies that have at least 30+ reviews. This ensures that the company has been around for at least a few years and that the majority of their reviews should all be real.

Get free moving quotes from quality moving companies.

Get Started

This is our personal favorite way to choose movers. Ask friends, co-workers or even your realtor. The reason we like this option is because these people will have had first hand experience with the companies they are recommending from beginning to end. If they are saying great thing about a company after they have used them they are worth listening to. One tip is to ask the person who referred you if they remember the names of the actual crew who moved them, that way you can personally request the same crew when you call

Get free moving quotes from quality moving companies.

Get Started