Florida Moving Permits & Licenses: Local, Interstate, and International Regulations

Moving to the Sunshine State Florida requires you to understand a wide range of laws and regulations at the state, federal, and even international level. As moving industry experts at Three Movers, we understand the importance of full compliance with all requirements – from Florida state licenses to federal interstate authority and overseas shipping rules. We are here to break down everything you need to know about permits and licenses for Florida moves, whether you’re moving locally within Florida, interstate across state lines, or even internationally. We’ll also cover local city parking permits for moving trucks in major Florida cities, and explain your options for protecting your goods (Released Value vs. Full Value Protection) on domestic and international moves. Our goal is to make the process clear and hassle-free – we handle the red tape so you can focus on a stress-free move.

Local (Intrastate) Moves in Florida

Moving within the state of Florida (intrastate moves) is regulated by Florida state law. Florida’s Household Moving Services Act (Chapter 507, Florida Statutes) requires any mover or moving broker offering intrastate household moving services to be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This FDACS registration is essentially the Florida moving license – sometimes called an IM number (Intrastate Mover number) – and it’s mandatory before doing any intrastate moving business. At Three Movers, we make sure all our Florida moving partners hold current FDACS registrations so that your in-state move is completely lawful and protected.

Florida Registration (FDACS)

Florida law mandates movers and brokers offering intrastate services to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), receiving an Intrastate Mover (IM) number. This ensures movers comply with state consumer protections and maintain necessary insurance.

Three Movers partners exclusively with registered movers, guaranteeing lawful, protected moves.

Insurance and Surety Bond

Florida intrastate movers must have:

• Cargo liability insurance ($10,000 minimum) or a $25,000 surety bond for small operators.
• Vehicle liability insurance: minimum coverage ranges from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on truck size.

Three Movers ensures all partners meet or exceed these insurance requirements, safeguarding your possessions.

Consumer Protections

Florida movers must:

• Provide written estimates and contracts before starting.
• Clearly disclose liability coverage limits.
• Accept multiple payment methods (not cash-only).
• Never hold goods hostage after payment (this practice is a felony in Florida).

At Three Movers, we strictly adhere to these rules, providing transparent pricing and terms to protect your interests.

Claims and Complaints

FDACS manages complaints and enforces penalties for violations, ensuring consumer protection. The required $25,000 surety bond specifically compensates customers affected by fraud or contractual breaches.

Three Movers supports your rights, ensuring a seamless and secure local move.

Interstate Moves from Florida

Federal Licensing (FMCSA)

A long distance relocation like an interstate move require movers to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Movers must hold active USDOT and MC numbers.

Three Movers holds active FMCSA broker authority and selects only fully compliant interstate movers.

Required Insurance

Interstate movers must maintain:

• Public liability insurance ($750,000 minimum).
• Cargo insurance ($5,000 per vehicle, $10,000 per occurrence).

Movers and brokers like Three Movers must also hold a $75,000 surety bond (BMC-84) filed with FMCSA for additional consumer protection.

Essential Documents

Interstate movers must provide:

• Written estimates.
• FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet.
• Details on arbitration programs for disputes.

Three Movers ensures you receive all necessary documentation, clearly explaining your rights and mover responsibilities.

International Moving Regulations

Planning an international move (for example, moving from Florida to another country, or relocating from abroad into Florida) adds another layer of regulations. Not only must we consider the origin/destination country’s rules, but also U.S. export and import laws. International moving often involves shipping your household goods by ocean freight in containers, or sometimes by air freight for smaller shipments. In either case, it’s crucial to work with properly licensed international moving companies or freight forwarders. Three Movers specializes in coordinating international moves through trusted partners, ensuring all overseas shipping regulations are followed to the letter. Here are the main regulatory points to know for international moves:

• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Licensing: Any company that arranges the international transportation of household goods by sea (commonly called an ocean freight forwarder or NVOCC – Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier) must be licensed or registered with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and bonded. The FMC is the federal agency that oversees ocean shipping of goods to/from the United States. Never hire an international moving company that isn’t FMC-licensed – this is the equivalent of the FMCSA license for ocean shipping. An FMC license (often the company will list their FMC number on their website or contract) indicates the mover has met strict financial, experience, and bonding requirements. For example, a reputable international mover might show something like “FMC #023XXXNF” – indicating they are licensed as an ocean forwarder (F) and/or NVOCC (N). The FMC maintains an online registry of licensed companies, which you can search to verify a mover’s credentials. At Three Movers, we only partner with FMC-licensed and bonded international movers. This protects you because FMC-licensed companies must carry a surety bond (typically $75,000 or more) that can reimburse customers if something goes awry, and they are subject to federal oversight against deceptive practices. (In fact, the FMC advises consumers: “Do ensure that all potential movers are FMC-licensed and bonded” – that’s rule #1 for international moves.)
• Ocean Shipping Documents & Customs Requirements (Export): When moving from Florida to another country, your household goods will likely depart through a port (e.g. Port of Miami, Port Everglades, Jacksonville, etc.). Exporting household goods from the U.S. involves filing certain documents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and possibly the U.S. Census Bureau. A key regulation to note is that if the total value of your household goods shipment exceeds $2,500, an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing must be submitted through the AES (Automated Export System) prior to export. This is essentially an electronic customs declaration for exports. To file an EEI as a private individual, you are required to obtain a Personal Employer Identification Number (EIN) (individuals cannot use a Social Security number for this filing). Don’t worry – your international moving company or freight forwarder usually handles the EEI filing on your behalf, but they will need you (the shipper) to have an EIN, which is easy to get online from the IRS. The EIN requirement for household goods over $2,500 has been in effect since 2010 to ensure all exports are properly documented. Aside from that, you will need to provide a detailed inventory or packing list of the items you’re shipping (in English, with values) for customs purposes. Expect to fill out a shipper’s export declaration or power of attorney documents allowing your forwarder to file paperwork for you. The moving company will also give you a standard contract for international shipment (sometimes called an international Bill of Lading or freight agreement) outlining the terms.
• Importing Household Goods into the U.S.: If you are moving to Florida from abroad, you’ll have to clear your goods through U.S. Customs at the port of entry. Typically, you will need to fill out CBP Form 3299 “Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles.” This form declares that your used household goods are coming in duty-free (generally, used personal effects are allowed entry without import duties or tariffs). You’ll provide passport information, your new Florida address, and an inventory of goods. CBP will want to ensure nothing prohibited is in the shipment (no contraband, illegal ivory, certain food or plant items, etc.). Your moving company or their destination agent in Florida will usually coordinate the customs clearance for you, but you may need to be present (or give power of attorney) if any inspection is required. Having all your documentation in order is key – including your passport, visa (if applicable), and any required residence permits for the U.S. One pro tip: create a separate list of high-value or fragile items and keep copies of serial numbers or receipts if available – sometimes customs or insurance might ask for proof of value.
• Foreign Country Regulations: Every destination country has its own import rules for household goods. Some countries allow duty-free entry of used personal effects if you’ve owned them for a certain period; others may require a residence visa or work permit before you can import. Many countries also prohibit or restrict certain items (for example, no firearms or alcohol without special permits, no plants or seeds, etc.). As international moving experts, we at Three Movers research the specific requirements of your destination country and guide you on what documents are needed. We provide checklists and international moving guides for popular destinations to our customers. Generally, you’ll need to prepare documents like a passport copy, a visa or work permit copy, a detailed inventory (often valued inventory in the local currency), and possibly a letter from your employer or a copy of your flight ticket – it really varies by country. Rest assured, we help you navigate these nuances so you won’t be caught by surprise at destination customs.

Export and Import Documentation

• Exports from Florida: Shipments valued over $2,500 require an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing. Three Movers manages all required documentation to streamline customs clearance.
• Imports into Florida: Requires CBP Form 3299 for duty-free household goods entry. We coordinate customs clearance to simplify your arrival process.

Marine Insurance

International moves require separate marine cargo insurance due to limited default ocean carrier liability ($500/container). Three Movers facilitates comprehensive marine insurance to fully protect your goods during overseas transit.

City Permits for Moving Trucks

Miami

Temporary parking permits are essential in congested areas. Apply through Miami Parking Authority at least two weeks in advance. Three Movers assists clients with obtaining these crucial permits.

Tampa

Temporary "No Parking" permits are available through Tampa’s Parking Division. Arrangements should be made well in advance of your move date.

Orlando

Temporary parking reservations can be coordinated through Orlando's Parking Division. Verify loading zone requirements or obtain permits early to ensure smooth access.

Three Movers advises on specific city permit requirements, preventing moving day issues.

Protecting Your Goods

Released Value Protection

• Included at no extra charge.
• Minimal coverage ($0.60 per pound per item).

Suitable only for low-value items or supplemented by third-party insurance.

Full Value Protection

• Comprehensive coverage for actual replacement or repair.
• Extra cost, based on declared value.
• Recommended by Three Movers for valuable household items.

Third-Party and International Insurance

• Supplemental insurance policies provide additional security.
• Marine insurance essential for international moves.

Three Movers assists in selecting suitable coverage options to ensure complete protection.

Final Word

Understanding Florida moving permits and licenses might seem complex, but with the right partner it becomes a straightforward process. At Three Movers, we take a slightly different approach than your average moving company – we act as your moving consultants and advocates, not just a service provider. From ensuring a local mover is FDACS-registered and bonded, to verifying interstate carriers’ DOT authorities, to coordinating with FMC-licensed forwarders for global moves, we handle the legalities behind the scenes. Our compliance-first mindset means you can trust that every truck, every driver, and every aspect of your move meets the required regulations. We also smooth out the smaller details like city parking permits and insurance options, adding value beyond just finding you a truck and crew.

By prioritizing clarity, compliance, and customer education, we empower you to make the best decisions for your move. Whether you’re moving down the block in Florida, across the country, or around the world, knowing the rules and having the proper licenses and permits in place is critical. It protects you from scams, ensures accountability, and provides avenues for recourse if something goes wrong. We believe an informed customer is a confident customer, and confidence is exactly what you need during a life transition as big as a move.

We hope this guide has shed light on all the regulatory requirements you should be aware of when planning a move in Florida. If you have any further questions or need personalized assistance, Three Movers is just a call or click away. We’ll happily guide you through every step – fully licensed, fully insured, and fully committed to a safe and successful move for you and your family. Happy moving!

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Sources:

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 507 – Household Moving Services (Intrastate moving law enforced by FDACS)
• Florida Department of Agriculture – Household Moving Services Registration (FDACS registration required for movers/brokers; $300/year fee, biennial renewal)
• FDACS Consumer Tips – “Intrastate Movers” brochure (required written estimate/contract, liability disclosure, acceptance of multiple payment forms; felony for holding goods hostage after payment)- fdacs.govfdacs.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Interstate Moving Requirements (USDOT and MC number authority; minimum $750,000 liability insurance and $5,000/$10,000 cargo insurance on file for household goods carriers)- fmcsa.dot.govfmcsa.dot.gov
• Federal Maritime Commission – International Moving Guidance (international movers shipping via ocean must be FMC-licensed and bonded; FMC maintains list of licensed firms)- fmc.gov
• MovingInsurance.com / III.org – Moving Valuation Coverage (Released Value protection at $0.60/lb per article is included at no cost by law but offers minimal protection; Full Value Protection makes mover liable for repair/replacement of goods at their full value – usually at an added cost)- iii.orgiii.org