When a parent is leaving a Naples home for a condo, an assisted living apartment or a family member's house, the mover you choose will be packing up decades of belongings. A few checks before you book take only minutes. This guide covers how to confirm a mover is registered with the State of Florida, what the written estimate has to show, and what to ask about protection for the things that matter most.
Does a mover need to register with the State of Florida?
Yes, for a move that starts and ends in Florida. Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes on household moving services requires every mover and moving broker to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The state's Moving Within Florida guide calls checking that registration the first step when you research a mover.
That covers a move from Naples to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs or anywhere else in the state. A move that leaves Florida falls under federal rules instead.
Where do you look up a mover's registration?
FDACS points consumers to its Business License Lookup, or you can call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). A simple way to do it:
- Ask the mover for its Florida registration number before you book.
- Search that number or the company name in the state lookup, or call the number above.
- Check that the name on the registration matches the company you are talking to.
The Florida Attorney General's consumer guide adds that FDACS can also tell you whether there are complaints against the company.
Where should the registration number appear?
On the mover's advertising and its trucks. Florida law says each advertisement of a mover must include the phrase "Fla. Mover Reg. No." or "Fla. IM No." with its number, and each moving vehicle must show one of those phrases on the driver's side door. Every estimate or contract must also state that the company is registered with the State of Florida as a mover, with its registration number.
All American Moving and Storage is Florida Mover Reg. IM4182. You will find that number in the footer of this website, so that is the number to search if you are checking us.
What must the written estimate include?
Before any moving work starts, Florida law requires a written estimate and contract that you and the mover both sign or acknowledge and date. At a minimum it must include:
- the mover's name, phone number and the physical address where its staff can be reached during business hours
- the date it was prepared and the proposed dates for packing, loading and delivery
- the pickup and delivery addresses and a phone number where you can be reached
- where your belongings will be held if they are stored along the way
- an itemized list and total of every cost and service
- the forms of payment the mover accepts
FDACS also recommends having the mover see the items in person. Phone and internet estimates are useful for a rough number, but they are no substitute for someone walking through the home.
What should you ask about protection for antiques and family pieces?
Ask what valuation the mover offers before moving day. Florida law sets a floor: a mover may not limit its liability to less than 60 cents per pound per article. That amount is based on weight, not on what a piece is worth to your family, so a light heirloom would bring very little at that rate.
FDACS suggests checking whether your homeowners policy covers a move by a professional mover, and notes that you may be able to arrange full depreciated or full replacement valuation with the mover. If your parent is bringing a grandfather clock, an antique chest or a piano, mention each one at the estimate so it can be planned and listed.
What else matters for a Naples move to a smaller home?
The building. Many Naples condos and senior communities have their own rules for moving days, elevator reservations and truck loading. Ask the manager for those details in writing and share them with the mover before the estimate. Our Naples moving page explains how we plan around building rules.
Then plan what fits. Measure the new rooms, decide which furniture comes along, and keep medicines, personal papers and the first night's essentials with your parent rather than on the truck.
What if something goes wrong after the move?
FDACS advises telling the mover about a claim in writing as quickly as possible and asking for its claim instructions. If the company does not resolve it, you can file a complaint with FDACS online or at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
Planning a parent's move in Naples?
All American Moving and Storage is a family moving company in Fort Myers and a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Read about our senior and assisted living moving help and our downsizing and organizing service, or request a free moving estimate and tell us about both homes. Or call (239) 415-6683, and Justin or Patrick will set up the estimate.
