Florida Consumer E-Newsletter - July 2008
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
The summer months tend to evoke positive emotions from Florida residents. Whether celebrating the end of another school year, the birth of our great nation, or simply spending quality family time in some of the best vacation destinations in the world, we tend to watch the mercury rise with a certain level of optimism. It is also during this time frame that the majority of household moves take place in our state. This process can be difficult, expensive and can involve a level of stress for all involved that would spoil anyone’s summer.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for regulating intrastate movers of household goods within the State of Florida and helping to enforce the Household Moving Services Act. This act was created to help protect Florida consumers from deceptive business practices, as well as protect those moving companies who have a proven history of providing quality services to our residents. Additionally, we’ve compiled some general tips aimed at helping consumers avoid the potential pitfalls associated with intrastate household moving.
Remember, education is the best defense against fraud and deception. We’re here for you. Our Consumer Hotline, calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the best resource for assistance.
Sincerely,
Choosing a professional mover by researching and planning in advance can help to minimize the risk of being scammed, as well as some of the stress and expense associated with moving. Find out whether or not the company you’re considering is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and inquire about their complaint history. Does the company have worker’s compensation coverage, general and cargo legal liability coverage? Ask what type of cargo legal liability coverage they offer: full replacement cost, depreciated value, or the basic $0.60 per pound which they are required to provide. How long have they been in business? Do they offer arbitration or have a good reputation for settling claims?
Be careful if using a moving broker to do your legwork. Many times these middlemen are found when using the Internet for research. Don’t rely on a broker’s sophisticated website for obtaining quotes like you might when securing airline tickets or renting a vacation home. In fact, there is a distinct possibility that this method may actually be more costly, as well as lead you into a scam.
HELD HOSTAGE? The following scams can occur whether using a broker or dealing directly with a moving company. One such scam begins when the moving company quotes a low price in order to secure your business and after loading your household goods onto the truck you are then told that the cost of the move will be considerably higher than the initial estimate. If you refuse to pay, the company will hold your belongings hostage until you comply. Another typical scam involves you being asked to pay a broker or moving company a deposit or fee that is based on the estimated cost of the move. When the agreed upon pick-up date arrives, the mover is a no-show.
YOU DO HAVE RIGHTS! Have at least three companies come to your home and provide you with a detailed estimate. A moving company must supply you with an estimate and contract prior to providing you with any moving services. This should be done in writing and should be signed by both parties. Companies that are only willing to do an estimate over the phone or internet should give reason for suspicion. There are a number of items that are required to be included on the estimate and contract, including a name, telephone number, and physical address of where the goods will be held, if necessary. Other requirements for the estimate and contract may be found at www.800helpfla.com/moving_text.html.
If you are not content with the service you have received, make the mover aware of your claim, in writing, as quickly as possible. If the company does not handle your claim satisfactorily, you may also visit our website to file a complaint. For more information on intrastate moving, please call our consumer hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). One of our consumer specialists will be happy to assist you.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Intrastate Moving Program
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates intrastate movers of household goods within the State of Florida. The primary purpose of the Moving Services Act is to protect Florida residents from deceptive business practices common to some moving companies.
Consumer Jungle
Moving can be expensive. Very expensive. Especially if you get sucked into a scam that 1) takes your money but doesn't move your stuff or 2) results in the final cost of the move dramatically exceeding the original quote. Brokers are the primary instigators of scams in the moving industry, and too often they create official-looking websites to masquerade deceptive practices.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Moving to a new home is a significant event that is often stressful, and the U.S. Government, in partnership with the moving industry, law enforcement and consumer groups, is arming consumers with the information they need to protect themselves against one of the most stressful situations that can plague a household move: being taken advantage of by a dishonest or rogue mover.
